At the International Builders Show in Las Vegas, NAHB experts reported that they expect remodeling to gain a nice, modest 2.5 percent increase over last year in single family home remodeling projects — and another 1.8 percent increase in 2015.

Paul Emrath, NAHB's VP for survey and housing policy research, predicted the slow and steady growth throughout this year and into next year. "That outlook is consistent with the indicators of future activity in our recent Remodeling Market Index survey. It's a positive sign that whole house remodels have rebounded somewhat, as home equity levels increased in 2013, though traditional bath and kitchen projects remain the most popular remodels."

A recent NAHB survey showed that repairs and replacements of old components and the desire for upgraded amenities were the top reasons homeowners hired a professional remodeler. Paul Sullivan, NAHB's Remodeler Chair, added, "Remodelers look forward to working in a strengthened market as home sales rise."