Laurel Builders Inc. of Shakopee, Minnesota, earned the 2025 National Remodeler of the Year Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) for their outstanding residential kitchen remodel in the $100,000 to $150,000 category. The project involved reimagining a small, dimly lit kitchen with a disconnected breakfast bar into a bright, open-concept space that seamlessly integrates with the main floor. By removing walls and structural elements, the team created a unified area that offers ample storage, cooking space, and an inviting seating area for family and guests. The…
Read MoreAuthor: fiona@builder.media
Trends to Watch for Remodeling Contractors
Remodeling contractors are navigating a dynamic landscape in 2025, marked by evolving homeowner preferences, technological advancements, and economic pressures. According to Nationwide Excess & Surplus, contractors face challenges such as fluctuating home sales, rising interest rates, inflation, and labor shortages. To remain competitive, it’s essential for contractors to stay informed about emerging trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. One significant trend is the increasing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient home improvements. Homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly materials and energy-saving upgrades, driven by both environmental concerns and potential cost savings. Additionally, the…
Read MoreHamish Murray Construction Earns 2025 NARI Remodeler of the Year Award for Entire House Over $1 Million
Hamish Murray Construction Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, received the 2025 National Remodeler of the Year (RotY) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in the “Entire House Over $1,000,000” category. The award-winning project, known as the Hillsdale Modern Ranch, involved a comprehensive renovation tailored for a family of four. The remodel added 290 square feet to the existing ranch-style home and stripped the remaining structure down to the studs to facilitate a complete transformation. The renovation aimed to preserve the home’s natural and cozy ambiance while…
Read MoreRemodeled Show Home Returns for IBS 2026 with a Fresh, Real-World Approach
The New American Remodel® (TNAR) is set to return at the 2026 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida, after a brief hiatus. Led by Phil Kean Design Group, the 2026 project focuses on a “soft remodel” of a 3,341-square-foot home in Winter Park, originally built in the 1950s. Unlike previous TNAR projects that involved extensive structural changes, this remodel aims to retain much of the original layout, updating key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms to create a cohesive and architecturally significant design. Phil Kean, CEO of Phil Kean…
Read MoreBuilding Material Price Growth Minimal in April
In April 2025, building material prices for new residential construction experienced minimal growth, offering a measure of relief to the housing industry. According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for inputs to residential construction—excluding capital investment, labor, and imports—fell by 0.4% in April, following a revised increase of 0.8% in March. Year-over-year, the index grew by 0.6%, indicating a modest rise in construction input costs. Breaking down the components, the goods segment, which accounts for approximately 60% of the total…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: D.R. Domenichini Construction
D.R. Domenichini Construction, in partnership with Studio 38 Designs, received a 2022 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a full home renovation in Morgan Hill, California. The project, which fell in the $250,000 to $500,000 category, reimagined a dated floor plan into an open-concept layout ideal for entertaining. Updates included the removal of a load-bearing wall, expanded sightlines, and layered lighting—blending bold color accents with warm wood textures to bring character and cohesion throughout the home. The homeowners, known for…
Read MoreQ1 2025 NKBA/ John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI)
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation to professionals with proven experience and knowledge in the remodeling industry. This credential signifies that a remodeler has mastered both the technical and business sides of the trade, from building codes and project management to financial planning and ethical practices. To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of continuous experience and complete 16 hours of continuing education. The certification process includes a comprehensive examination that evaluates knowledge across multiple remodeling disciplines. NARI also offers…
Read MoreNARI’s Certified Remodeler Program Sets Industry Standard for Remodeling Professionals
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation to experienced remodeling professionals who demonstrate comprehensive expertise in both technical and business aspects of the industry. This certification signifies a remodeler’s proficiency in managing full-scale remodeling operations, including sound business practices, financial oversight, marketing strategies, building code compliance, job site evaluation, and green remodeling techniques. To be eligible, candidates must have at least five years of continuous experience in the remodeling field, be employed by or own a firm with at least 90% of its…
Read MoreMarch Private Residential Construction Spending Dips
In March 2025, private residential construction spending in the U.S. declined by 0.4%, marking the end of a five-month growth streak. This downturn was primarily driven by a 1.2% decrease in home improvement expenditures, reflecting subdued remodeling activity in the first quarter. Despite this monthly dip, overall spending remained 2.8% higher than in March 2024, indicating some resilience in the housing market. Single-family construction spending saw a modest 0.1% increase for the month but was still 0.8% lower compared to the previous year. Multifamily construction spending remained flat in March…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Ruby Hills, Pleasanton, California
MSK Design Build undertook a comprehensive renovation of a 1997 executive home in Ruby Hill, Pleasanton, California, transforming it into a modern luxury residence. The clients, a professional couple with two children, aimed to replace the outdated pink-and-floral interior with a contemporary design suitable for both family living and entertaining. Key objectives included creating an open-plan kitchen and great room, converting a formal dining room into an elegant bar and games area, and replacing a powder room with a wine room featuring a waterfall. The design team, led by Kelly…
Read More