According to recent NAHB surveys, specialty retailers, lumber yards, and wholesale distributors are the primary sources for building products, collectively accounting for about 70% of purchases by both builders and remodelers. Lumber yards are particularly favored for structural materials like plywood, sawn lumber, and engineered wood products. Notably, remodelers are three times more likely than builders to shop at home improvement centers, especially for hand and power tools, which are commonly purchased by both groups at these outlets. NAHB explains one major difference between builders and remodelers was the share…
Read MoreAuthor: fiona@builder.media
Shifting Trade Policies Reshape Building Material Market
Evolving trade policies and tariffs are reshaping the landscape for building materials, prompting innovation and new sourcing strategies in the construction industry. While costs for items like lumber and steel have risen, the focus is shifting toward strengthening domestic production and improving supply chain resilience. These changes may lead to more stable pricing and increased opportunities for local manufacturers in the long run. According to the NAHB, moving forward, we will continue working with all relevant stakeholders to roll back tariffs on building materials, boost sawmill production and increase the…
Read MoreRenovation rebound: Home remodeling is on the rise
Home renovation spending in the U.S. is projected to hit $509 billion in 2025, surpassing the previous record of $487 billion in 2023, as homeowners increasingly opt to renovate rather than move amid high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory. Many are leveraging significant home equity gains—averaging $150,000 over the past five years—to fund improvements, with nearly half of mortgaged homes now considered “equity-rich.” Popular projects include kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, and HVAC installations, which not only enhance daily living but also offer substantial returns on investment. According to The…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: “Heirloom Harmony: A Serene Sanctuary in Bucks County”
Irwin Build’s award-winning transformation of a 6,000-square-foot home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, earned top honors in the 2025 National Remodeler of the Year Awards for the Entire House $750,000 to $1,000,000 category. The renovation celebrates timeless elegance by blending heirloom pieces with a warm, natural palette of taupes, creams, and soft earth tones—creating a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Expansive windows bathe the interior in natural light, highlighting curated artwork and offering tranquil views of the surrounding landscape. Every detail of the home was thoughtfully designed to balance…
Read MoreTop Remodeling Projects for Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery
The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry highlights that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing, each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. While personal satisfaction drives many remodeling decisions, Realtors® often recommend projects such…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week; Palm Beach Florida Family Home Transformed
According to Mansion Global, tearing everything down is one way to get a transformative renovation, but some projects can get the same effect by elevating what’s already there through craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices. Such was the hope when Lindsey Koch, a former executive at New Era Caps, embarked on renovating her North Palm Beach, Florida, vacation home: She didn’t just want a luxury home—she wanted artistry. “You don’t always get this opportunity with houses of this level because so often, they’re torn down or rebuilt,” said Stephanie Mahaney of…
Read MoreThe Bathroom Trends to Watch in 2025
According to Benzinga, as homeowners prepare for renovations in the coming year, bathrooms are taking center stage as spaces for both functionality and indulgence. In recent years, bathroom remodel trends have leaned heavily on minimalist aesthetics, neutral palettes, and clean, simple lines. Fixtures in polished chrome and stark white marble were the hallmarks of modern luxury, while functionality often took precedence over personality. However, as design preferences evolve, homeowners are moving away from purely utilitarian spaces and embracing innovative concepts that merge form with function. Designers and industry experts are…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
The framing lumber composite price decreased 2.0% for the week ending on Dec. 13. Despite the decline, lumber prices are 12.8% higher than they were one year ago. NAHB continually tracks the latest lumber prices and futures prices, and provides an overview of the behaviors within the U.S. framing lumber market. The information is sourced each week using the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price which is comprised using prices from the highest volume-producing regions of the U.S. and Canada. A summary of other wood prices, including plywood prices, is…
Read MoreAuburn Gresham Victorian Is 2000th Home Remodeled Through Cook County Land Bank
Developer Tytus Henry remodeled the four-bed, four-bath Victorian home “from the ground up,” with help from local youth who hope to work in the trades. Local officials and leaders at the Cook County Land Bank Authority joined Henry Thursday to celebrate the completion of the single-family home at 8514 S. Peoria Ave. The four-bedroom, four-bath Victorian home is the 2,000th Cook County Land Bank Authority property to be redeveloped in the organization’s 10-year history. The Cook County Land Bank Authority bought the vacant property in 2019. The 4,500-square-foot home was…
Read More2 in 3 Homeowners Have Gone Into Debt for Renovations
Nearly 2 in 3 homeowners (63%) have gone into debt to fund a renovation, according to new research from Clever Real Estate, a St. Louis-based real estate company. PR Newswire says with 94% of homeowners having completed a major renovation in the past five years, about 3 in 4 (78%) went over budget on their last project. Nearly half (44%) exceeded their budget by at least $5,000, while 35% exceeded it by at least $10,000. With three months remaining in 2024, 45% of homeowners have already spent $5,000 or more…
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