Local studio Rude Haus renovated a home in New Hope, Pa. with an assortment of hand-crafted elements to create a colorful, vintage atmosphere. Instead, the designer incorporated Pennsylvania’s surrounding countryside into the living spaces of Clover House by using bright colours and texture. Handmade tiles depicting plants, animals and countryside motifs that frame the threshold between the living room and dining room. The project entailed updating the main living areas of the split-level home after its owners performed initial renovations, which brought the house up to code, but left the…
Read MoreDay: February 18, 2026
Renovations for home maintenance expected to grow
According to a new study from Clever Real Estate, an estimated 85% of homeowners spent money on an unplanned home repair in 2025, a trend expected to continue in 2026. The aging stock of existing homes is a positive for remodelers across the U.S. However, the cost burden of remodels and renovations is straining many homeowners. The interest rates of HELOCS is currently at 7.31%, a growing decline from the 10% in September 2024. This line of credit is one of the least expensive ways to borrow money in the…
Read MoreSolar panels boost home resale value
A recent study from EnergySage revealed that solar panels could also boost home resale values by tens of thousands of dollars. Homes with owned solar panels tend to sell for five to 10% more than homes without solar panels. When applied to today’s average California home prices, solar panel installation could significantly increase a property’s overall worth. According to EnergySage, “For the average $790,000 California home, that’s an eye-popping $39,500 to $79,000 boost in resale value.” Read More
Read MoreOhio builder and remodeler elected as 2026 NAHB Chairman
The 2026 chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was elected at the International Builders’ Show. Bill Owens a remodeler and home builder based in Ohio was selected for the leadership position. Owens is the founder and principal of Owens Construction, a design+build firm he founded in 1982. Throughout his 40 year career, Owens held roles in NAHB leadership structure at the local, state and national levels. Before being elected chairman, Owens served on the NAHB Leadership Council and is a member of the NAHB Board of Directors.…
Read MoreWood becomes top choice for kitchen cabinets
For the first time in recent years, wood has emerged as the top choice for kitchen cabinets, selected by 29% of renovating homeowners, marking a six percentage point jump from 2025. The previously popular sleek, minimalistic white tone in kitchens is being replaced with wood finishes for kitchen cabinets. Medium wood tones are becoming increasingly popular, followed by light wood then dark wood in 2026 kitchen remodeling trends. Wood is also taking over kitchen countertops in renovations. Renovators increasingly are choosing a contrasting countertop material for kitchen islands apart from…
Read MoreRenovation influx expected in 2026
A national survey conducted by a leading research company found that, out of 2,000 homeowners, one in five have renovation or home upgrade plans in 2026. The survey found that 43% of homeowners completed a renovation in 2025, while an additional 32% report plans to renovate in 2026. Nearly six in 10 respondents said they plan to update interior spaces, while 43% cited landscaping projects. “These findings reflect how strongly homeowners connect personal fulfillment with their living spaces,” said Chris Freeborg, VP and Chief Marketing, Communications & Product Development Officer.…
Read MoreNAHB predicts remodeling growth throughout 2026
At a panel hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the International Builders’ Show (IBS), industry experts discussed the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI). This quarterly survey administered by the NAHB to their members reported over 50 points for 24 consecutive quarters. Their data supports that confidence in the remodeling industry is stronger than their multi-family and single-family counterparts. They predict that residential remodeling activity is expected to increase 3% in 2026 with an additional 2% in 2027. “There are many factors contributing to the continued…
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