Wild Creek Custom Renovations was honored as the 2023 NARI Region 5 South Central Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner in the Entire House Remodel category for projects ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The award recognized their exceptional work in restoring a home severely damaged during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri, which caused widespread plumbing failures. Collaborating with design partner Cameron Barker, Wild Creek transformed the gutted home into a modern, functional space, adhering to local building codes and securing all necessary permits from the City of Austin. Read…
Read MoreMonth: May 2025
Top Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends
In 2025, kitchen and bathroom remodels are embracing minimalist aesthetics, creating uncluttered and functional spaces. Warm, earthy tones such as deep blues, terracotta, and soft greens are replacing stark whites, adding depth and personality to interiors. Sustainability also remains a priority, with homeowners opting for eco-friendly materials like recycled glass countertops, bamboo cabinetry, and energy-efficient fixtures. Additionally, smart technology integration is on the rise, featuring voice-activated faucets, app-controlled lighting, and touchless appliances that enhance convenience and efficiency. According to Brye and Doyle, “kitchen and bath remodeling continues to evolve, focusing…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
Since May 9, 2025, the framing lumber composite price has fallen to $454 per 1,000 board feet. Softwood lumber prices have been affected due to rising tariffs, an increase in demand, and insufficient domestic production. The NAHB plans to negotiate a long-term deal with Canada to reduce tariffs, increase domestic production, and seek new markets for trading in order for lumber production to start blooming once again. According to NAHB, “Surveys conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs show that the average new single-family home uses more than 2,200 square feet…
Read MoreWhat Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Construction?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) publishes data on approximately 400 occupations in the construction industry. At the top of the list of the highest-paying occupations in construction are managers. In the construction trades, elevator installers and repairers earn over $100,000 annually, followed by first-line supervisors of construction trades, who make over $80,000. According to NAHB, “In 2024, the highest paid occupation in construction is lawyers with wages of $180,520 per year, and the top 25% making over $238,720. Traditionally, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) occupy…
Read MoreD.R. Domenichini Construction
The 2022 Regional CotY Award-winning remodel transformed a home to better suit the clients’ love for entertaining. By removing a load-bearing wall, the kitchen, dining, and living areas were opened up, enhancing the flow and connectivity of the spaces. Additional upgrades included a recessed exhaust hood in the kitchen to preserve the valley view, a reconfigured master bathroom for a spa-like experience, and the replacement of all windows and flooring. Read MoreÂ
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: D.R. Domenichini Construction
D.R. Domenichini Construction, in partnership with Studio 38 Designs, received a 2022 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a full home renovation in Morgan Hill, California. The project, which fell in the $250,000 to $500,000 category, reimagined a dated floor plan into an open-concept layout ideal for entertaining. Updates included the removal of a load-bearing wall, expanded sightlines, and layered lighting—blending bold color accents with warm wood textures to bring character and cohesion throughout the home. The homeowners, known for…
Read MoreQ1 2025 NKBA/ John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI)
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation to professionals with proven experience and knowledge in the remodeling industry. This credential signifies that a remodeler has mastered both the technical and business sides of the trade, from building codes and project management to financial planning and ethical practices. To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of continuous experience and complete 16 hours of continuing education. The certification process includes a comprehensive examination that evaluates knowledge across multiple remodeling disciplines. NARI also offers…
Read MoreBehind the Scenes: Unveiling the Judging Secrets of the NKBA
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Competition evaluates entries based on several core criteria: creativity, presentation, design planning, adherence to NKBA Planning Guidelines (4th Edition), elements and principles of design, safety and ergonomics, and the overall “wow” factor. Judges, including NKBA-certified designers and industry professionals, spend approximately 15 minutes per entry, providing valuable feedback and numerical scores. This feedback is essential for entrants, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. According to NKBA, “The NKBA Design Competition is a rigorous process that demands excellence in every…
Read MoreNARI’s Certified Remodeler Program Sets Industry Standard for Remodeling Professionals
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation to experienced remodeling professionals who demonstrate comprehensive expertise in both technical and business aspects of the industry. This certification signifies a remodeler’s proficiency in managing full-scale remodeling operations, including sound business practices, financial oversight, marketing strategies, building code compliance, job site evaluation, and green remodeling techniques. To be eligible, candidates must have at least five years of continuous experience in the remodeling field, be employed by or own a firm with at least 90% of its…
Read MoreFed Unlikely to Cut Rates for Foreseeable Future
Mortgage rates will remain the same in April, according to inflation data. Persistent tariff-induced inflation pressures suggest that the Federal Reserve will likely pause any rate cuts in the future. There is a significant reduction in U.S.–China tariffs—from 145% to 30% on Chinese imports and 125% to 10% on U.S. goods. Recession risks have diminished, leading to a more optimistic economic outlook. However, inflation concerns persist due to elevated tariff levels, which remain substantially higher than pre-2025 rates, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may delay anticipated rate cuts. According to…
Read More