About the BuildFax Indices

The BuildFax Indices (BFI) are based on construction permits for new and existing residential and commercial projects filed with local building departments across the country. The indices estimate the number of properties permitted. The national and regional indices are based upon a subset of representative building departments in the U.S. and population estimates from the U.S. Census. The BFI are seasonally-adjusted using the X12 procedure.

2016 update:

BuildFax has improved its calculations for remodeling as of January, 2016. All permits for work on existing structures are now categorized as remodeling, which means that the number of remodels identified is substantially higher than it was previously. This change has been implemented retroactively for all of our models.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What data does the BuildFax Indices (BFI) use?

  The BuildFax Indices (BFI) are based on residential and commercial construction permits filed with local building departments across the country. The indices 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 BuildFax Indices (BFI) are based on construction permits for new and existing residential and commercial projects filed with local building departments across the country. The indices estimate the number of properties permitted. The national and regional indices are based upon a subset of representative building departments in the U.S. and population estimates from the U.S. Census.

• Are the BFI seasonally adjusted?

  Yes. The BFI are seasonally-adjusted using the X12 procedure.

• Which states are included in each of the four regions?

  The BFI use the U.S. Census regions.
  

2014 Year in Review

The BuildFax Residential Remodeling Index 2014 Year in Review is available for download.