Following the Fed’s rate cut, mortgage and refinancing applications are up week-over-week. Compared to last week, mortgage applications have increased by 29.7% and the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Refinance Index reports a 58% increase. With mortgage rates at their lowest since last October, refinancing applications have jumped to take advantage of the lower rates. In anticipation of the rate cut leading up to the Federal Reserve meeting, homeowners were already jumping to refinance. Through this influx of newly refinanced mortgages, contractors can expect increased remodeling activity to begin shortly. With the…
Read MoreDay: September 17, 2025
Why design-build is the key to building smart and stronger
In today’s ultra-competitive construction industry, design-build teams are seeing success that contractors alone typically are not finding. The advantage to this model is in its simplified operating plan of streamlined communication, control and speed without sacrificing quality. Leveraging the whole firm under a single contract drastically reduces the odds of things going wrong since the build is under one group. Compared to potentially playing a game of Telephone between designer, architect and contractor, collaboration is much easier under design-build. Aligning the whole process under one team keeps projects on schedule…
Read MoreContractor’s Guide to Tampa Bay Hurricane-Resistant Home Renovations
Hurricane-resistant home features have long been considered practical, but not necessary upgrades in the past. However, growing awareness of flood risks and storm dangers played an impact in homeowners seeking out these features. Rather than solely being luxury upgrades that boost property values, hurricane-resistant home features are now seen as essential to safety in some areas. For contractor success, knowing one’s demographic is key to thriving in the industry. Taking Tampa Bay as an example, homeowners are increasingly opting for hurricane-resistant home renovations. Features that protect their kitchens and bathtubs…
Read MoreLow Carbon Construction Materials Market Overview 2025
The global market for low-carbon construction materials reached about US$259.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$394.38 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.8%. This growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable building products, stricter environmental regulations and greater emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint of new construction. Key material types in this space include green concrete, mass timber, low-carbon bricks, recycled metals, green tiles and plastics (recycled or bio-based). The market is segmented by application (residential, commercial, industrial) and…
Read MoreHow to combine Modern and Traditional elements in Interior Design
Blending modern and traditional design is about more than pairing old and new; it’s about striking harmony between clean simplicity and timeless warmth. Modern design emphasizes minimalism, function and sleek materials like glass and metal, while traditional style introduces ornate details, classic furniture and cozy colors. When thoughtfully combined, these elements create balanced spaces that feel both elegant and contemporary. Using cohesive color palettes, complementary textures and carefully selected furniture ensures that the two styles work together rather than compete. This fusion also allows homeowners to enjoy versatility and functionality…
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