Quick Answer
A national spending forecast offers context. Your own material list, measurements and project requirements still drive the buying decision.
At a Glance
| Source release | Harvard JCHS LIRA, October 22, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Forecast period | Third quarter of 2027 |
| Forecast annual spending | About US$525 billion; improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes |
| Forecast year-over-year growth | 1.5%; a national projection, not observed bracket sales |
The published outlook
In its October 22, 2026 release, Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies projected relatively flat U.S. home improvement and repair spending through late 2027. Its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity forecast year-over-year growth of 1.5% by the third quarter of 2027 and annual spending of about $525 billion.
These figures are forecasts for improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes, not reported sales of fence brackets or other individual hardware products. They should not be treated as a product-specific demand forecast.
Our take: make the next project well specified
For a homeowner or contractor planning a fence repair or workshop upgrade, we think the practical response is careful project preparation: measure first, select the right connection and check the entire material list before ordering.
This is SUPCONN's editorial interpretation, not a conclusion tested by the Harvard study. The report does not establish that a particular bracket, finish or DIY project will save money.
- Separate essential repairs from optional changes.
- List all connections, fasteners and accessories.
- Check actual dimensions before selecting hardware.
- Review instructions and project requirements together.
Keep the source and date in view
Market forecasts change as new data arrives. Use the dated original release below for its assumptions and scope, and review the latest outlook when making a later decision.
Common Questions
Are the $525 billion and 1.5% figures actual sales results?
No. They are projections in the October 22, 2026 LIRA release for national owner-occupied home improvement and repair spending through Q3 2027.
Does this report forecast SUPCONN's sales?
No. National remodeling spending is not a product-specific or company-specific sales forecast.
Sources & Further Reading
- Harvard JCHS — October 22, 2026 LIRA Release ↗Published · Checked