Residential building professionals have high hopes for 2014. Results of a recent survey conducted by Houzz.com of 6,680 builders, contractors, remodelers, architects, landscape architects and interior designers found that 90 percent expect continued growth in 2014.

Across the board, respondents anticipate higher average revenues per project and a greater number of projects than in 2013, as well as an increase in new project starts. While we won't know for some weeks yet just how well the market performed in the first quarter, early indicators suggest these pros have good reason to be optimistic.

Bad weather across much of the country and mixed economic news slowed the anticipated rate of growth in the first quarter. Nonetheless, the long-range forecast for 2014 remains positive.

A market outlook for single-family residential compiled by McGraw-Hill Construction/Dodge Analytics for this month's issue of Architectural Record shows positive growth across a range of indicators, from the projected number of new U.S. single-family starts to the most recent Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA).

The analysts conclude that although the recent increase in mortgage rates could possibly dampen this year's housing recovery, most likely employment growth and overall improvement in the U.S. economy "should sustain the market's momentum."

Bill Conerly, an economist and regular contributor to Forbes magazine, shares their view. He thinks gradual improvement in employment will benefit the housing market both by increasing demand and generating a more positive attitude.

"Rising incomes usually lead to a preference to buy rather than rent, but the slightly less favorable mortgage-lending environment will dampen that effect — but not eliminate it," Conerly writes. "Thus, I forecast moderate gains in home construction and mild price appreciation in 2014 and 2015."

Recent performance reports from the National Association of Homebuilders and the American Institute of Architects indicate a gradual upward trend in the industry. The NAHB's Leading Market Index (LMI) for March shows only a slight increase in activity over February.

Yet NAHB officials — encouraged by stronger employment numbers, positive signs in the economy and the upcoming spring buying season — see improving patterns in key metro markets as a sign that the industry is on the right track. "Things are getting slowly better overall," observes NAHB Chairman Kevin Kelly.

The AIA's Architecture Billings Index (ABI) for February also shows an uptick in the residential sector for the second straight month. Architecture firms with a residential specialization reported the strongest growth at combined sector index of 52.5, compared to an overall industry index of 50.7.

The report also notes that while housing starts were essentially flat from January to February, building permits for privately-owned housing units increased by nearly 8 percent in that same time period, and are up by nearly 7 percent overall from February 2013, which bodes well for an increase in starts in the near future.

Another encouraging sign comes from WOLF, a supplier of kitchen cabinets and building products. The company's Key Buyer Index (KBI) made a significant jump from 64.73 in January to 70.29 in February, reflecting increased optimism on the part of independent buyers. Kitchen and bath products scored highest among the KBI participants, who foresee a pent up demand for products as the weather improves and homeowners begin spring renovation and remodeling projects.

Positive signs across the economy bode well for a more robust home construction and remodeling market. Growth is modest but steady. Employment is improving, although unemployment remains high.

At present, there appears to be no threat of inflation. Consumer confidence is increasing, and that may prove to be the most important motivator of all. Perhaps 2014 will turn out to be the year when the oft-promised housing recovery at last arrives.