Solid growth is expected in the Columbia SC home remodeling market this year, but momentum should begin to moderate in the fourth quarter, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity index released recently by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

Researchers say the housing recovery has temporarily lost some of its momentum and sluggish home sales may result in lower Columbia SC home remodeling spending by year's end.

Nationwide, home remodeling spending is expected to reach $153.1 billion by the close of 2014, up from $139.9 billion in the fourth quarter of last year, a 9.4 percent gain, the survey said. But compared to the projected spending in the third quarter this year of $158.9, spending is expected to drop by 3.6 percent by the end of 2014.

Columbia SC Home Remodeling Continues to Recover

Columbia SC home remodeling spending has already recovered a significant share of its losses from the downturn. Kermit Baker, director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center said in a statement, “As spending moves into the next phase, we expect to see recent double-digit growth tail off to its longer-term average in the mid-single-digit range.”

While Columbia SC home remodeling growth is expected to be solid, housing starts are expected to continue on slow growth pattern over the rest of the year. Privately owned housing starts in March grew by 2.8 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but at a slower rate than last year.

For more Columbia SC home remodeling tips and advice, visit our Columbia SC Home Improvements section of articles to your right under Columbia SC Real Estate Categories for more articles and information.

The general consensus among real estate experts is, when doing any Columbia SC home remodeling, curb appeal is crucial.

Deciding what Columbia SC home remodeling projects to undertake can be a difficult decision for homeowners.

Most Cost Effective Columbia SC Home Remodeling Projects

Eight of the top 10 most cost-effective projects nationally, in terms of value recouped, are exterior projects. A wood deck addition came in second with an estimated 87.4 percent of costs recouped upon resale. Two different siding replacement projects also landed in the top 10, including fiber-cement siding, expected to return 87 percent of costs, and vinyl siding, expected to return 78.2 percent of costs.

Out of the top 10 projects, the fiber-cement siding replacement project improved the most since last year, with costs recouped increasing by more than 15 percent. Two garage door replacements were also in the top 10; a mid-range garage door replacement is expected to return 83.7 percent while an upscale garage door replacement follows closely at 82.9 percent of costs recouped.

Rounding out the top exterior Columbia SC home remodeling projects were two window replacements; a wood window replacement is estimated to recoup 79.3 percent of costs and a vinyl window replacement is estimated to recoup 78.7 percent of costs.

Every neighborhood is different and the desirability and resale value of a particular remodeling project varies by region and metro area. Before undertaking a remodeling project, homeowners should consult a Realtor as they are the best resource when deciding what projects will provide the most return upon resale. Real estate professionals have a unique understanding of local markets, home features and buyer preferences and know that there are a variety of factors that affect a home's value, such as location, condition of surrounding properties and regional economic climate.

Here is a list of Columbia SC home remodeling projects that continually deliver value for dollars invested:

Infrastructure.  Functional upgrades, such as heating systems, plumbing, and sewage disposal, are crucial if you want to attract buyers.

Exterior Improvements. Things like siding, windows, and garage doors can add tremendous value.

Adding a Bedroom. If you have unfinished space in your attic or basement, you can create another bedroom with relative ease.

Upgrade The Kitchen. Kitchens are truly the heart of the modern home. If you are planning on an entire kitchen remodel, work with a kitchen designer who can help you maximize your space. Homeowners on a tight budget can still boost their home's value by investing in upgraded flooring, paint, and new light fixtures.

Create an Extra Bathroom. If you simply don't have the space to squeeze an additional bath into your existing space, put your renovation dollars to work in your existing bathrooms. Change out tired, outdated fixtures for more modern finishes. Replace old toilets and shower doors. Even fresh paint and updated flooring can make an old bathroom look brand new.

Extra Storage. Most people want a lot of storage. If your home is short on storage space, consider a professional closet system or organization solution. This is especially true if you have a garage.

Adding Square Footage. Although an addition is out of reach for many people considering Columbia SC home remodeling, it is one that provides a large return on your investment. If your home is very small, adding more square feet might be the only way to appeal to certain demographics of buyers.

Curb Appeal. Curb appeal is just as important as the stuff inside. Keep your lawn trimmed, neat, and green. If you can afford it, add some decorative items, such as privacy trees, shrubs, and flowers.

To get more tips on Columbia SC home remodeling and improvements and ways to save money by doing-it-yourself, check out our other articles by clicking on the Columbia SC Home Improvements link to your right under Columbia SC Real Estate Categories.