KBF Design Gallery renovated the Mount Dora Home in Florida, reimagining the previously outdated space into a bright and cohesive home tailored for everyday living and entertaining. The company opened up the original kitchen, which had heavy cabinetry, limited lighting and segmented flow, to create a seamless connection with the living and dining areas. The result is a light-filled central hub featuring improved sight lines, enhanced functionality and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for gathering. Throughout the home, outdated finishes and fixtures were replaced with fresh, contemporary elements that elevate both…
Read MoreDay: May 20, 2026
NARI honors the top remodeling projects in the U.S.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) proudly announced the 2026 National Remodeler of the Year (RotY®) Award winners, recognizing the most innovative, expertly crafted and transformative remodeling projects across the U.S. Selected from a highly competitive pool of entries, these award-winning projects exemplify the pinnacle of design, craftsmanship, and project execution in today’s remodeling industry. Each winner has demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering outstanding results for homeowners. “The National Remodeler of the Year winners truly represent the best of the best,”…
Read MoreConstruction Material Price April Analysis
According to Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of federal Producer Price Index (PPI) data, overall construction input prices rose 1.7% from March to April and are now up 6.2% since January. The biggest drivers in April were energy and metals-related materials, including crude petroleum, natural gas, iron and steel, which can ripple through everything from transportation and asphalt to building systems and structural components. As prices of materials rise, the cost of building both housing and its associated infrastructure also increases. For counties, this trend is significant as tightening budgets…
Read MoreBIS is back in the desert
Join the forefront of innovation and collaboration at the Building Industry Show (BIS)! With a rich history of advocating for the homebuilding industry for over a century, the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) is thrilled to host BIS once again—this time at the stunning Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California from September 2-3, 2026. For decades, BIS has stood as the premier destination for the homebuilding industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, featuring renowned keynote speakers, fostering invaluable connections and much more. Expect over 1,000 attendees…
Read MoreResidential building workers’ wage subdues
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, residential building workers’ wage growth remained subdued in the first quarter of 2026, a reflection of easing construction activity and labor demand. Wages remain strong relative to other industries, at 8.4% higher than the manufacturing sector, 22.4% higher than the transportation and warehousing sector and 3.6% lower than the mining and logging sector. Both nominal and inflation-adjusted wage gains remained calm. Average hourly earnings for residential building workers increased 2.1% year-over-year in March, down from the 9.4% peak in mid-2024.…
Read MoreBuilding materials see price increase
According to the most recent Producer Price Index (PPI), prices of building materials used in residential construction were up 3.7% in April. Soaring energy prices caused a spike in the overall April PPI reading to 6% compared to last year. Including energy, the price index for inputs to new residential construction was up 5.9% from last year, with the price of goods used in new residential construction up 6.1% from last year. Among input goods, the largest year-over-year increase was for No. 2 diesel fuel as prices were 74.4% higher than…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Ben Quie & Sons
Minnesota-based Ben Quie & Sons brought a traditional, historic bathroom into the 21st century while still preserving its classic charm. The original footprint created a series of constraints that limited how the space could function. By removing the oversized tub, the builder was able to shift the shower into a more intentional location and tuck the toilet away, giving the layout a clearer sense of order and privacy. Replacing the heavily contrasted palette with a simplified one, as well as natural materials, allowed finishes to work with the light, rather than…
Read MoreHomeowners choose remodeling their forever home over moving
Across the nation, more homeowners are embracing the “Forever Renovation,” a continuous cycle of upgrading, adapting, improving and reimagining their homes over time. Real estate expert Philip A. Raices discussed several trends that are driving this transformation in the renovation industry. The biggest reason for the driving change is economic; millions of homeowners have locked in mortgage rates between 2% and 4%. For many families, moving would mean substantially higher monthly payments and higher insurance costs. As a result, homeowners are increasingly choosing to improve their forever home rather than…
Read MoreU.S. home builder sentiment increases in May
Home builder sentiment increased in May across the U.S. This month, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose to 37, up from 34 in April. About 32% of builders cut prices in May as a sale incentive to potential homebuyers. The price cut was down from 36% in April, with an average price reduction of 6%, versus 5% in April. The use of sales incentives was 61% in May, up from 60% in April, the 14th straight month at 60% or higher. The survey’s measure of current…
Read MoreNAHB analyzes renovation spending
A recent analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) examined how remodeling spending varies across household characteristics, including household type, householder age, generational cohort and household income. In 2024, homeowners spent around $670 billion on home remodeling projects. Roughly 20 million households, representing 23% of all owner-occupied households, reported remodeling expenditures during the year. Married-couple households accounted for the majority of remodeling activity in 2024, both in the number of households reporting projects and the highest amount of spending. Around 60% of all households that reported a remodeling…
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