The most popular trend in kitchen remodels is not based on aesthetic or “what’s in,” but rather one primary focus: How to elevate the functionality of one of the most used rooms in the home. Kitchen renovations are being done with long-term functionality in mind. Elizabeth Valkovics, the founding principal of Batten Court Design, said clients are looking for timeless design paired with durable materials and fixtures, like honed quartzite, solid oak cabinetry and unlacquered brass. “We are seeing a rise in holistic design that considers the layout, improved lighting,…
Read MoreYear: 2026
Understanding construction material costs
The elevated building material costs is a current headwind for the industry. However, understanding where the rise comes from, building close relationships with dealers and transparency with clients can help you keep your projects on track. According to analysis from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) construction input prices are 2.8% higher than a year ago. For small and mid-sized firms, simply absorbing these costs is not an option. Many ABC Carolinas members reported their projects were cancelled, rebid or significantly scaled back after updated quotes with higher budgets. “Start with…
Read MoreNLBMDA opens entries for 2026 ProDealer of the Year
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) announced nominations are open for its 2026 ProDealer of the Year Award. This awards recognizes a company that demonstrates exceptional growth, innovation and leadership in the LBM industry. NLBMDA is also recognizing the Independent ProDealer of the Year which celebrates a standout dealer with five or fewer locations that exemplifies the values and business acumen of the independent lumberyard sector. NLBMDA is the recognized voice and resource of the Lumber and Building Material industry to federal legislators and regulatory agencies in…
Read MoreIncreasing the domestic timber supply
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their efforts to increase the domestic timber supply. 2.5 million acres of timberlands in western Oregon are apart of this plan to sell, cut, and remove timber to be used in projects such as housing development and renovation. BLM reported that the program supports an estimated 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. “Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy.…
Read MoreUSDA guarantees $115.2M for timber production advancement
On March 23, 2026 at the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Administrator for the Rural Business and Cooperative Service J.R. Claeys announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture is guaranteeing $115.2 million across eight states through the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP) to ensure sawmills and other wood processing facilities have the necessary funding to establish, reopen, expand, or improve their operations. The states receiving the advancement include California, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin. “We cannot allow wildfires to devastate and…
Read MoreBuilding material price growth up 3% from year before
Building material price growth saw a slight decline at the start of the year, only to grow in February. This data comes as the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index. Analysis from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) reports that the price index for inputs to new residential construction are up 0.7% for the month. Compared to the month before, the price of goods used in new residential construction are also up 1.1% while the price of services are up 0.1%. While looking at the year before,…
Read MoreAging housing signals future remodeling market growth
An analysis from the National Association of Home Builders showed that the U.S. owner-occupied housing stock has aged measurably, particularly since the Great Recession, as residential construction has consistently fallen short of demand, contributing to a persistent housing shortage. According to the latest data from the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes has reached 42 years old. As a result, the aging housing stock opens the door for a future growing remodeling market. Older homes tend to be less energy-efficient than newly-built, modernized houses and are…
Read MoreWhy are open concept floor plans so popular?
Open concept floor plans are often the go-to choice for many homeowners today because it matches the pace of modern living. Remodeling company, Empirical Construction cites that family lifestyles today are much more open for entertainment and less formal. Open-concept floor plans allow for ease in movement and more natural light, supporting connections across the kitchen, living and dining spaces. The rise of indoor-outdoor living also supports the trend, with the average home size decreasing the backyard becomes an additional living and entertainment area. “An open floor plan also creates…
Read MoreBathroom remodel trends highlight luxury and functionality
Homeowners in Paramus, N.J., are increasingly investing in high-end, detail-oriented Bathroom Remodel projects that emphasize both luxury and long-term functionality. Designers and experts at Bergen Bath Studio highlight how bathroom design preferences in Paramus are setting themselves apart in 2026. “Paramus homeowners typically look for a more customized and upscale finish in their bathroom renovations,” said Bob Clark, owner of Bergen Bath Studio. “There’s a strong focus on both design detail and long-term durability.” Another notable trend in Paramus is the growing demand for premium Bathtub Installation options. Clients are increasingly…
Read MoreLos Angeles design team shares bathroom remodeling tips
Love Home Renovations, a home design and remodeling company based in Los Angeles, Calif., shares their best practices when to approach bathroom remodeling. The most important considerations before any design work begins is communicating with your client on their lifestyle. While some may be basing renovations on aesthetic purposes, the functionality of the space should come first. Changing the floorplan can completely change a space, however additional costs like structural engineers, rerouting plumbing, electrical work and permitting need to be weighed and communicated properly. Setting realistic expectations before the bathroom…
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