The U.S. construction industry has seen uneven growth, with employment rising in half of metro areas but stalling in others due to policy uncertainty and a shortage of skilled labor. While some regions, like Arlington and Boise, gained jobs thanks to strong investment and infrastructure demand, others, such as Riverside and New York, saw declines. Experts attribute the downturn to labor shortages and unclear federal policies, urging greater support for career and technical education to stabilize the workforce and then Emerald. Read More
Read MoreYear: 2025
The State of the Nation’s Housing 2025
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 report highlights mounting affordability pressures as high home prices, rising interest rates, insurance premiums and rents push home sales to a 30‑year low and burden a record number of households, particularly renters, with excessive housing costs. Despite a surge in multifamily development and inventory growth, supply remains misaligned with need, favoring higher-cost units while lower-rent stock continues to decline. Read More
Read MoreHome Depot acquires billions in the building supply business
Home Depot is acquiring specialty building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion in equity, as part of its ongoing strategy to expand in the professional building materials sector. This follows its $18 billion purchase of SRS Distribution last year, further strengthening its ability to serve residential and commercial contractors. The deal positions Home Depot to compete more aggressively by creating a massive supply network with over 1,200 locations and 8,000 delivery trucks. Read More
Read MoreDemand for new construction is quickly weakening
After years of resilience, homebuilders are now grappling with a sharp slowdown in the housing market as high prices, mortgage rates and economic uncertainty dampen buyer demand. New home sales fell 14% in May, and many builders, including Lennar and KB Home, are cutting prices and scaling back development plans amid rising unsold inventory. Despite increased supply from both new and existing homes, sales remain sluggish in most markets. According to Yahoo Finance, “Consumers grew increasingly apprehensive about the economy and rising geopolitical tensions, driving consumer confidence to a 13-year…
Read MoreKitchen Remodel Flooring Ideas: 10 Stunning Trends for 2025
Popular 2025 options include durable choices like hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, tile and sustainable materials such as cork and bamboo. Designers emphasize the importance of selecting flooring that not only withstands wear and moisture but also complements open-concept layouts by ensuring seamless transitions between rooms. Read More
Read MoreApril Private Residential Construction Spending Dips
Private residential construction spending declined for the third month in a row in April, driven by drops in single-family construction and home improvement projects. Compared to a year earlier, total residential spending was down 4.8%, with single-family spending falling 1.1% in April—ending a seven-month growth streak—and multifamily spending down 11.3% year-over-year. Elevated mortgage rates, material tariff concerns, and broader economic uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on the housing sector. Read More
Read MoreAsk the Remodeler: The blueprint for planning a project
Clients are often surprised by the time required to plan and begin a remodeling project, not realizing the complexity involved with coordinating multiple trades, suppliers and vendors. The design-build firm works collaboratively with architects and clients from the outset to ensure the design aligns with their client’s vision, budget and scope. Read More
Read MoreRemodeling Trends Reflect Shifts in Homeowner Priorities
The residential remodeling industry is rapidly growing as homeowners seek more functional, sustainable and tech-integrated living spaces, with the market projected to hit $129.07 trillion by 2030. This shift goes beyond aesthetics, reflecting new lifestyles like remote work and eco-conscious living, leading to demand for innovations like energy-efficient materials and adaptable home designs. According to Danny’s Dry Wall, “Aging homes and rising property values driven by investors accounting for 14.8% of home purchases in early 2024 are sustaining demand. As budgets recover post-2024, homeowners are investing in remodels that enhance…
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