Home renovation is becoming increasingly influenced by technology, demonstrating a shift towards modernity and greater personalization. Four major points have been identified that are tied to how AI is changing the remodeling industry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) The growth of AI as a tool is nothing new, and all industries are seeking ways to incorporate it into their practices. Designers and contractors are adopting AI to aid with layout solutions, assist with materials selections and speed up project timelines. Using AI helps remodelers to stay within budget and ahead of schedule,…
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Safe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is offering an exclusive discount on a special program. The Safe & Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program by J.J. Keller & Associates is specially available to NLBMDA members. The ELDT Certification Program allows trainers the flexibility and knowledge to optimize driver training to prevent accidents and reduce liability. The Certification Program includes preparation for online courses, classroom instruction, range and road experience to be provided to trainees. Evaluation at the end of the program gives advice to trainers on…
Read MoreTackling Tiny Lots: Designing with Installation and Maintenance in Mind
In order for a landscaping remodel to be successful in accordance with the homeowner’s wishes, it must be feasible. Installing and maintaining renovation projects in small lots require careful consideration of what is practical given the size constraints. Therefore, they require a bit of creativity when it comes to working through the design goals. To strike a balance between what the homeowner wants and what is practical, scaling down is often a good compromise. Rather than completely ruling out a feature that is too big, considering a smaller feature that…
Read MoreHomeowners may look to HELOC
While many people are expecting Federal Reserve cuts, home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are expected to follow the reserve more closely and increase renovations and improvements. Home Depot and Lowe’s analysts estimate there is roughly $50 billion in pent-up demand for home improvement work. These are projects that homeowners have put aside while borrowing costs stayed high across loans and materials. Lower HELOC rates could provide homeowners with the funds to funnel directly into their new kitchens, bathrooms or addictions. This comes at a time where the new housing market is…
Read MoreModern Design Trends Influence Home Remodeling Service Industry
Understanding homeowner preferences is crucial to thriving as a contractor, as is understanding that homeowners are bound to renovate. By leaning into the homeowner, contractors can position themselves to capitalize on the remodel market. The New Jersey home remodel market, for example, is seeing a rise in homeowners desiring modernity in their homes, while still prioritizing comfortable livability. Being able to enter the remodel market and updating homes with contemporary finishes gives homeowners exactly what they want. While some trends go away, design experts predict certain trends will continue to…
Read MoreSeven Key Principles for Universal Design
Universal design is attained when a home is built, crafted or remodeled in a way that makes function accessible to for all inhabitants regardless of age or condition. As a section of the remodel market expected to expand, there are seven important ways that apply to a home exhibiting universal design. 1. Equitable Use Design that accommodates everyone from aging grandparents to children with limited mobility. 2. Flexibility in Use Accounting for a wide variety and range of usage, whether tall or short. 3. Simple and Intuitive Use…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Luxurious Modern Mediterranean Style Coastal Home
A vacation retreat in Pismo Beach, California was recently remodeled to the vision of the ultimate beachside retirement home using modern Mediterranean style to naturally brighten up the previously dark and dimly-lit house. Tackling the whole house with new paints, materials and detailing transformed the home into the ultimate coastal paradise. Substituting lighter-colored cabinetry in place of the red-stained wood and changing the dark countertops to white made the most of the decision to more light enter in through the bigger windows near the kitchen. The entrance and living room…
Read MoreContractor insights into industry trends
Findings from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) show that contractor activity has held steady throughout Q2 despite market growth softening. Current concerns include tariff and labor impact, but the outdoor materials market and demand for energy-efficient projects saw gains higher than anticipated. With data pointing to an increase in home improvement projects under $5k and a decrease in projects over $100k, the findings suggest homeowners are prioritizing inexpensive summer projects that take advantage of sunny weather or optimize efficiency in expecting the heat wave. Read More
Read MoreHome Improvement Originations Surge Despite Weak Outlook
Although suffering a dip from the previous quarter, home improvement loan originations have increased over 35% year-over-year to over $3.5 billion, signaling a strong demand for home remodeling and renovations. Datasets from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the National Association of Homebuilders point to signs that remodeling activity is softening, but the increase in home improvement loan originations demonstrates that remodeling activity fares well, especially as many are likely to finance through home-equity lines of credit. Remodelers are mostly positive while some see activity slowing…
Read MoreThe Process of an Award-Winning Bathroom Remodel
The team at Bath Tune-Up in McKinney, Texas, shared their process on their Chrysalis Award winning bathroom remodel. The budget of the remodel was a modest $39,000 and the team kept it within the original footprint of the room. They adressed client concerns about aging in place and added accessibility features without sacrificing contemporary design elements. The bathroom remodel prioritized safety, an addition of a foldable bench and accessibility bars allows for seamless and easy movement regardless of age. This was complemented by stunning tile-work and fixture selection to make…
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