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…
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Behind 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 MoreMarch Private Residential Construction Spending Dips
In March 2025, private residential construction spending in the U.S. declined by 0.4%, marking the end of a five-month growth streak. This downturn was primarily driven by a 1.2% decrease in home improvement expenditures, reflecting subdued remodeling activity in the first quarter. Despite this monthly dip, overall spending remained 2.8% higher than in March 2024, indicating some resilience in the housing market. Single-family construction spending saw a modest 0.1% increase for the month but was still 0.8% lower compared to the previous year. Multifamily construction spending remained flat in March…
Read MoreThe Homes Americans are Buying are Older Than Ever
The average age of a house in the U.S. is 36 years old, and in 2024, many people leaned towards purchasing an older home. There are two main reasons: lack of new supply and affordability. Over the past two decades, housing construction has significantly slowed, particularly in the East Coast and Rust Belt regions, leading to a median age of sold homes exceeding 60 years in cities like New York, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. Older homes are more affordable and often sell for 15% less than the median price of all…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Ruby Hills, Pleasanton, California
MSK Design Build undertook a comprehensive renovation of a 1997 executive home in Ruby Hill, Pleasanton, California, transforming it into a modern luxury residence. The clients, a professional couple with two children, aimed to replace the outdated pink-and-floral interior with a contemporary design suitable for both family living and entertaining. Key objectives included creating an open-plan kitchen and great room, converting a formal dining room into an elegant bar and games area, and replacing a powder room with a wine room featuring a waterfall. The design team, led by Kelly…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
Since April 18, 2025, framing lumber prices fell by 0.6%, declining to about $480 per 1,000 board feet, and softwood lumber is priced about 23% higher compared to a year ago. Although there are many concerns about tariffs, NAHB continues to track the latest lumber prices and study the overview within the U.S. framing lumber market. Lumber and plywood prices showed slight declines week-over-week, with the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price down 0.6%, though still 23.5% higher year-over-year. Lumber futures remained flat for the week but have dropped 15.2%…
Read MoreRemodeling Market Poised for Growth in 2025
The U.S. remodeling market is poised for growth in 2025, driven by an aging housing stock, high levels of home equity, and favorable demographics, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Nearly half of owner-occupied homes were built before 1980, with a median age of 41 years, prompting homeowners to invest in renovations rather than relocate. NAHB forecasts a 5% increase in residential remodeling activity for 2025, followed by a 3% gain in 2026. The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index indicates sustained positive sentiment among remodelers since mid-2020,…
Read MoreResidential Building Worker Wage Growth Slows Amid Softer Labor Market
Wage growth for residential building workers slowed in March 2025, reflecting a softening in the construction labor market, Wage growth for residential building workers slowed in March 2025, reflecting a softening in the construction labor market, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average hourly earnings rose to $38.76, a 4.5% increase from the previous year—down from a peak of 9.3% year-over-year growth in June 2024. The decline points to easing pandemic-related labor shortages and a shift in according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average hourly earnings…
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