BuildFax is the one-stop shop for national building, remodel, and repair data.

What data does the BuildFax Remodeling Index (BFRI) use?
The BuildFax Remodeling Index is based on residential construction permits filed with local building departments across the country. The index tracks the number of properties permitted each month across a set of building departments that BuildFax has found to be representative.

What is the baseline or unit value for the BFRI?
The national and regional indexes all have an initial value of 100 set in April of 2004, and are based on a three-month moving average. The index is based on the number of properties permitted each month across a set of building departments that BuildFax has found to be representative.

Is the BFRI seasonally adjusted?
The BFRI is not seasonally adjusted. However, anyone may purchase historical BFRI numbers at a nominal cost and make seasonal adjustments.

Does BuildFax have information on other types of construction activity?
Yes! BuildFax has the only national database of historical building permit data, which includes commercial activity as well as residential activity, and includes information on all types of construction, not just remodeling.

Which states are included in each of the four regions?
The BuildFax Residential Remodeling Index uses the U.S. Census regions. A map of the regions is available here.