Following the Fed’s rate cut, mortgage and refinancing applications are up week-over-week. Compared to last week, mortgage applications have increased by 29.7% and the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Refinance Index reports a 58% increase. With mortgage rates at their lowest since last October, refinancing applications have jumped to take advantage of the lower rates. In anticipation of the rate cut leading up to the Federal Reserve meeting, homeowners were already jumping to refinance. Through this influx of newly refinanced mortgages, contractors can expect increased remodeling activity to begin shortly. With the…
Read MoreAuthor: Emmanuel Jimenez
Why design-build is the key to building smart and stronger
In today’s ultra-competitive construction industry, design-build teams are seeing success that contractors alone typically are not finding. The advantage to this model is in its simplified operating plan of streamlined communication, control and speed without sacrificing quality. Leveraging the whole firm under a single contract drastically reduces the odds of things going wrong since the build is under one group. Compared to potentially playing a game of Telephone between designer, architect and contractor, collaboration is much easier under design-build. Aligning the whole process under one team keeps projects on schedule…
Read MoreContractor’s Guide to Tampa Bay Hurricane-Resistant Home Renovations
Hurricane-resistant home features have long been considered practical, but not necessary upgrades in the past. However, growing awareness of flood risks and storm dangers played an impact in homeowners seeking out these features. Rather than solely being luxury upgrades that boost property values, hurricane-resistant home features are now seen as essential to safety in some areas. For contractor success, knowing one’s demographic is key to thriving in the industry. Taking Tampa Bay as an example, homeowners are increasingly opting for hurricane-resistant home renovations. Features that protect their kitchens and bathtubs…
Read MoreHome Remodeling Statistics and Trends of 2025
Home improvement has surged over the last decade, and insights project that the market will continue rising into next year. Data from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies tracks home improvement spending to measure remodeling activity, which has trended upward. Considering the industry will only continue to grow larger, remodelers and contractors can capitalize on market growth moving forward. Since 2015, home improvement spending jumped 82% from $277 billion to $502 billion in 2024, with an expected increase of $9 billion before the end of 2025. Median annual spending on…
Read MorePermitting 101: Tips to Keep Projects Compliant and On Schedule
Those seeking to get into design/build work would be wise to gain a deep understanding of the nuance behind the permit process. Maintaining compliance with regulation is key to keeping projects on schedule, so planning for permitting ahead of time prevents any later hiccups. Structural projects that bear any sort of weight tend to be subject to a specific permit, such as pools and decks. Similarly, overhead structures that carry weight above where a human may occupy space are also susceptible to permits, like pergolas and rooftops. Accounting for permitting…
Read MoreHow Technology is Reshaping Home Renovation in 2025 and Beyond
Home renovation is becoming increasingly influenced by technology, demonstrating a shift towards modernity and greater personalization. Four major points have been identified that are tied to how AI is changing the remodeling industry. Artificial Intelligence (AI) The growth of AI as a tool is nothing new, and all industries are seeking ways to incorporate it into their practices. Designers and contractors are adopting AI to aid with layout solutions, assist with materials selections and speed up project timelines. Using AI helps remodelers to stay within budget and ahead of schedule,…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: English Country Style Kitchen in California
A home in Arroyo Grande, Calif. had a complete kitchen makeover, adding cabinetry that reached the ceiling and open space. The kitchen was remodeled to have an English country style to serve its primary function and as an entertainment hub. Changing the cabinetry was a primary goal, and the previous dark cherry cabinets were replaced with a natural wood finish. The new cabinetry reached the ceiling and provided an overall brighter atmosphere. A softer tone from the white oak cabinets and quartzite countertop brightened up the whole room. Selecting finishes…
Read MoreSafe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is offering an exclusive discount on a special program. The Safe & Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program by J.J. Keller & Associates is specially available to NLBMDA members. The ELDT Certification Program allows trainers the flexibility and knowledge to optimize driver training to prevent accidents and reduce liability. The Certification Program includes preparation for online courses, classroom instruction, range and road experience to be provided to trainees. Evaluation at the end of the program gives advice to trainers on…
Read MoreTackling Tiny Lots: Designing with Installation and Maintenance in Mind
In order for a landscaping remodel to be successful in accordance with the homeowner’s wishes, it must be feasible. Installing and maintaining renovation projects in small lots require careful consideration of what is practical given the size constraints. Therefore, they require a bit of creativity when it comes to working through the design goals. To strike a balance between what the homeowner wants and what is practical, scaling down is often a good compromise. Rather than completely ruling out a feature that is too big, considering a smaller feature that…
Read MoreModern Design Trends Influence Home Remodeling Service Industry
Understanding homeowner preferences is crucial to thriving as a contractor, as is understanding that homeowners are bound to renovate. By leaning into the homeowner, contractors can position themselves to capitalize on the remodel market. The New Jersey home remodel market, for example, is seeing a rise in homeowners desiring modernity in their homes, while still prioritizing comfortable livability. Being able to enter the remodel market and updating homes with contemporary finishes gives homeowners exactly what they want. While some trends go away, design experts predict certain trends will continue to…
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