When Karla Rothan welcomes guests into her beautifully restored Victorian Village home, they step into a piece of living history. Built in 1875, the residence still carries traces of its past life as a doctor’s office—an enclosed porch that once served as a waiting room and cabinetry likely used for medical supplies remain intact. Rothan discovered through her research that many doctors in the early 1900s lived and worked in this Columbus neighborhood, often keeping their medical practices on the first floor. The home’s preservation of original details, including stained…
Read MoreMonth: October 2025
How inflation affects remodels
Inflation is driving up costs in daily items, this includes material for remodels. While overall wholesale and consumer inflation has steadied, building materials face The price of metals used in elevated finishes is not immune. Copper prices continue to rise, this affects copper roofs, custom finishes and wiring. This tracks to other materials, “Custom bronze stair railings and balcony trims, for example, are up 15% to 20% since last year,” said Kyle Peacock of Peacock Tariff Consulting. “Brass fixtures, from faucets and lighting to cabinet hardware, have risen 12% to…
Read MoreA Labor of Love: Home Renovation in Frisco Historic District
North Dallas Renovations embarked on a transformative journey in the heart of Frisco’s Historic Rail District, turning a long-held dream into reality. Blending Frisco’s historic charm with modern sophistication, the team took on the challenge of renovating a home that honored the past while embracing contemporary living. Despite the hurdles of working within a historic district, collaboration, creativity and dedication drove the project to success. Every decision—from material selection to layout design—balanced elegance, practicality and budget, proving that dream homes are achievable through teamwork and passion. The completed renovation stands…
Read MoreHoliday-Ready Kitchen Remodel Ideas
The holidays in Chicago turn the kitchen into the heart of the home—a space for family gatherings, storytelling and shared meals. Yet, preparing large feasts often highlights a kitchen’s limitations: cramped layouts, lack of counter space or outdated appliances. Remodeling in the fall allows homeowners to fix these pain points before the busy holiday season. Upgrades like double ovens, expanded counters and organized pantries can transform the cooking experience from stressful to seamless, ensuring you have the space, tools and flow to host effortlessly. IRPINO Construction highlights five key updates…
Read MoreBest-Paying States for Women in Construction
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. construction industry saw a surge in activity driven by strong housing demand and infrastructure investment. Between 2020 and 2022, private construction spending soared as new housing starts reached their highest levels in over 15 years before cooling off due to rising mortgage rates. As private activity slowed, public-sector construction spending grew, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, the industry now faces uncertainty from high interest rates, import tariffs and a softening labor market. Labor shortages remain a critical issue, with an estimated 439,000…
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market to Cross USD 3.90 Trillion by 2034
The global building and construction materials market, valued at USD 2.19 trillion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 3.90 trillion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.95%. Growth is being propelled by accelerating urbanization and infrastructure expansion worldwide. The market encompasses traditional materials such as concrete, steel and cement alongside emerging sustainable alternatives like engineered wood, recycled composites and low-emission cement. Government initiatives promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility are reshaping industry standards, while digital technologies, including AI, BIM and modular construction, are improving project efficiency…
Read MoreLumber prices level off
As we head into the fall months, lumber prices remain stable. Throughout the year the market saw swings up and down as construction increases in the summer months then softens in winter. While the swings are not volatile, additional news of impending tariffs lends concern to the future. While the prices of lumber is relatively stable, closely matching how it was in 2023, many key professionals say this is due to decreased supply. Western-SPF in Canada and Eastern-SPF purchasers voiced their supply concerns not matching the construction demand. “In the…
Read MoreSelf-Luxury: Redefining Home Renovation
Once measured by square footage, imported finishes, and dramatic statement pieces, it has shifted toward what we are calling self-luxury, the creation of personal spaces that restore, ground and comfort us. At Chapter, a full-service design-build firm, we define self-luxury as the intersection of design and self-care — treating the home not as a backdrop but as an active participant that nurtures well-being as intentionally as one cares for body and mind. This philosophy guided a recent Westchester renovation, offering a glimpse into how this new approach to luxury is…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Historic Lake Geneva
Facing Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a Greek Revival facade underwent a remodel and addition to blend modern needs with its historic charm. The project, in collaboration with En Masse Architecture and Abrams Valenti Interiors completely revitalized the underused property by modernizing the layout and upgrading fixtures. While the home has underwent other remodels, the layout of the 4,000-square-foot home, did not align with the new owners’ lifestyle. The kitchen and the dining room were relocated to better connect with the outdoors and add a private terrace. The new scullery allows for separation…
Read MoreHow one kitchen remodel survived a hazards stack-up
For homeowners Mary and Dave, the goal of their kitchen remodel was to create a more functional, welcoming space that worked for their family of five while still honoring the character of their 1920s home. Dana King designer Meg Blaies approached the project by reimagining inefficient closets and a disjointed bar into ample storage, improving workflow with appliance placement and adding custom elements, such as a built-in-style hutch. Historic details were preserved wherever possible, with thoughtful updates such as subway tile in a herringbone pattern, cove molding and wavy glass…
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