Dive summary:

• According to analysts at Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, the improving housing market that several economists are saying seems to have legs and continuing low interest rates spell business for home remodelers.
• The center computes a Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, and it says there should be a double-digit increase in remodeling spending in the first six months of next year.
• The prediction comes despite a downturn in remodeling in mid-2012 after a winter acceleration.

From the article:

An improving housing market and low mortgage interest rates should translate into strong gains in home improvement activity through year-end and into the first half of 2013, according to a remodeling index released by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. ...