The outlook for lumber production and pricing in 2026 is still debated by many in the industry. 2025 saw multiple headwinds in the industry, with battling trade policy and uncertainty. Despite a near 45% import duty for Canadian product, the reported lumber prices from December 2025 is relatively low. “Waning housing production over the course of 2025 created an environment where lumber supply was continually above demand, especially over the second half of the year,” said Jesse Wade,NAHB director of tax and trade policy analysis. “In 2026, depending on housing…
Read MoreMonth: January 2026
U.S. residential remodeling market forecast
According to a study by Renub Research, the U.S. residential remodeling market is expected to reach US$ 804.02 billion by 2033. This is a significant increase from $ 531.34 billion in 2024. Researchers expect a growth at a CAGR of 4.71% between 2025 and 2033. They defined key factors that are driving the remodeling market. This includes the aging housing stock and maintenance requirements of the existing structures. “Roofing replacements, plumbing updates, electrical rewiring and HVAC improvements are now routine projects for homeowners seeking safety and efficiency.” Also a large…
Read MoreRemodel of the week: Bishop Studio
The design team from Bishop Studio remodeled and preserved the midcentury model style ranch for the first time since construction in 1966. The original construction was led by renowned architect and close friend of Frank Lloyd Wright, Don Erickson. The team from Bishop Studio includes designers Jennie Bishop, Natalie Fantozzi and Veronica Callahan who took on the project in Winnetka, Ill. The clients were a young couple with two young children. The studio’s vision was to modernize without sacrificing original charm and warm feel. This is executed by a balance…
Read MoreResidential remodeling averages across the U.S.
The national average of remodels across the U.S. is $149,470. For residential contractors the price of labor, building materials and complexity of the project all factor into the end result. Oklahoma is 32.9% below the national average for remodeling, with an average of $100,114. While this is attractive for clients, it could also indicate that profit margins are tighter for remodelers. Large projects such as home additions in the state average at $5,889. Following Oklahoma, Arkansas’s average is $104,634, 29.9% below the national average. A home addition averages at $6,155.…
Read MoreBuilding material price rises at end of year
According to the latest Producer Price Index release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, residential building material prices continued to show growth. Price growth averages above 3.0%, despite concerns in the remodeling and new residential construction market. Across building materials, metal products experienced price increases. However, ready-mix concrete and softwood lumber declined throughout 2025. “The largest year-over-year price increases continue to show in metal products. Topping the list in November was metal molding and trim, with prices up 48.2% from last year. Two key inputs, ready-mix concrete and softwood lumber,…
Read MoreRemodeler weighs in on 2026 trends
Mark Philben, project development manager at Charlie Allen Renovations in Cambridge, Mass., weighs in on the upcoming trends in residential remodeling. While color of the year indications lean towards neutral and earthy tones, Philben expects bold colors to shine on walls and trim. He explained the client tendency as high to want painted cabinets with rich colors and accented trim along built ins. Energy efficiency is also a priority in the remodeling sector. “Energy efficiency is paramount in everything we install, whether it’s lighting/electrical, heating and cooling, or even water-saving plumbing…
Read MoreInnovations in construction materials
Revolutionizing concrete is a continued effort from innovators and they just reached a breakthrough. Researchers from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) developed a new carbon-negative building material that is groundbreaking in sustainable construction. Nima Rahbar is the Ralph H. White Family Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering. Under his guidance, the team created a enzymatic structural material (ESM) by harnessing an enzyme that converts carbon dioxide into solid mineral particles. Then the particles are bonded together and cured under gentle conditions, faster than…
Read MoreRemodeling trends in 2026
For remodelers, experts are forecasting the 2026 market for strong remodeling activity. Remodelers are taking into account how tariffs are playing less of a role in their businesses as they do not rely on raw materials as often. To engage productively in the current market, remodelers should be tapped into upcoming trends for clients. Looking at timeless trends like salvaging older components. “If architecture is not actively salvaging the carbon and craftsmanship of 100-year-old houses, new construction ought to be designed to last the next 100 years.”said Austin and Kotono Watanabe…
Read MoreWhat mortgage rates mean for the remodeling industry
Despite mortgage rates continually dropping throughout 2025, much of the market is looking to upgrade their current spaces rather than moving. Consumers shifting their focus mean that remodelers must be ready to tap into the current market moment. Advisory from Daniels Design & Remodeling is clear guidance to their clients on why remodeling is the right move for them. This form of conversation to clients before they even make a phone call sets remodelers up for a productive conversation. Their expertise allows for expectations to be set, like on terms…
Read MoreThe Remodeling Labor Market
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) released a study on the role immigrant labor plays on the remodeling industry. While immigrants account for an estimated one in five workers nationally,in the construction trades they represent about one in three workers. With the recent tightening of immigration laws, standards and work permits the team at JCHS predicts this could potentially strain the building and remodeling labor market. This is especially true in large metro areas. Their research shows that in the seven metros that issued at least 150,000 building…
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