John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) recently reported in their Building Products Dealer Survey, building product orders rose 7% year over year. This reporting indicates the strongest growth reading since the fall. Additionally, a little over half of dealers (54%) surveyed relayed accelerating orders compared to the prior month, citing more favorable weather and the previous decline in mortgage rates. However, analysts propose that this increase is not from demand, rather an elevated cost adjustment. “But dealers project full-year 2026 volume growth of less than 1%, with revenue gains of…
Read MoreDay: April 15, 2026
Remodel of the week: J.S. Brown & Co.
J.S. Brown & Co. a design-build remodeling firm established in 1978 completed a whole home remodel and addition in Grandview Heights, Ohio. This project included a lengthy punch list including opening the floor plan and updating to modern amenities. This project truly started from the ground up with new foundation and structural framing to support the addition, all while preserving the home’s original charm. The project team then was able to reconfiguring walls to enable an open-concept layout, allowing for more seamless movement and entertainment. The kitchen saw contemporary upgrades…
Read MoreRemodeling market sentiment holds steady
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2026, indicating remodelers are remaining positive in the market. While the survey reported at a 62, a two point decrease from the Q4 report, NAHB holds that the sentiment of remodelers is still in steady place. Looking at the bigger picture, the reporting of 62 in Q1 is still stronger than Q2 (59) and Q3 (60) in 2025, despite new economic headwinds. “Ongoing positive remodeler sentiment is consistent with the NAHB…
Read MoreCanadian lumber duties expected to decline
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) published its plans to lower antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber. This comes as a scheduled review process of existing tariffs. The DOC presented a decrease of antidumping duties by nearly 10%, from 20.56% to 10.66%. While the countervailing duties are only expected to decrease by less than half a percent from 14.63% to 14.17%, the combined rate would decrease from 35.16% to 24.83%. DOC will likely issue final results of the plans in 120 days, around when lower duties would take…
Read MoreOur Next Hybrid Net-Zero Demonstration Home Begins
Integrating high-performance building materials with luxury and sustainability Celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a modern agrarian design, this multi-certified, 4,500-square-foot demonstration home builds on a 15-year, multiple award-winning legacy, bringing together industry leaders to deliver verified performance, advanced building technology and a national showcase platform for the future of housing. The ABC Green Home 5.0 TerraVerde project represents the next evolution in high-performance residential construction, uniting innovation, proven building science and a forward-looking vision for how Americans will live in the decades ahead. As a multi-certified demonstration home, TerraVerde is…
Read MoreInterview with Bill Owens, remodeler & NAHB Chairman
Bill Owens, a remodeler of over 40 years, shares his plans as Chairman of the Board for the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB), the largest homebuilder association in the U.S. Builder and Developer: Could you tell us about your journey in the home building and construction industry and how it led to this prestigious position? Bill Owens: My career in the industry actually began when I was still a student, more than 40 years ago. I started doing small remodeling projects for profit when I was in college at Miami University…
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