The U.S. kitchen appliances market is expanding steadily, projected to grow from about $74 billion in 2024 to more than $115 billion by 2033. This growth is fueled by rising demand for smart, energy-efficient and multifunctional appliances, along with strong interest in home renovations and upgraded kitchen spaces. As smart-home adoption spreads, more consumers are choosing appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, voice control and sustainability features that support convenience, healthier cooking and lower energy use. Shifting lifestyle trends, such as remote work, busier schedules, health-focused eating and the influence of cooking…
Read MoreAuthor: Karla Valdez
Single-Family Construction Loan Volume Rises in the Third Quarter
Single-family construction lending strengthened in the third quarter, even as the broader real estate lending environment continued to cool. Loans for 1–4 family construction rose to $91.2 billion, the first annual increase in more than two years, showing a small but meaningful uptick in residential building activity. Overall AD&C lending, however, continued its decline for the seventh consecutive quarter, dropping to $463 billion, driven mostly by reduced lending for other types of real estate development. Despite the modest improvement in single-family construction loans, lending levels remain far below historical highs…
Read MoreThumbtack and Redfin Reveal the Home Trend Predictions 2026
Thumbtack’s 2026 Home Trend Predictions Report, released in partnership with Redfin, highlights a major shift in how homeowners are updating their spaces. Renovations are becoming more purposeful, with rising demand for multifunctional kitchens, tech-integrated upgrades and flexible layouts such as ADUs, in-law suites and basement conversions that support multigenerational living or generate rental income. Natural design elements, indoor–outdoor connections and upcycling are also playing a bigger role as homeowners embrace sustainability and comfort. The report shows that many people are staying in their homes longer and choosing to renovate rather…
Read MoreEnd-of-Year Construction Outlook
As 2025 wraps up, the construction industry continues to wrestle with high costs, labor shortages and policy uncertainty, which have slowed activity across both residential and commercial sectors. While data centers remained a bright spot, most building segments stalled due to elevated interest rates and tariff pressures. Labor conditions also tightened, with retirements and limited immigration keeping the supply of skilled workers low and wages high. Input costs stayed relatively stable in 2025, but trade uncertainty could push them higher in 2026. Despite these challenges, the outlook for 2026 carries…
Read MoreHome Remodeling Statistics and Trends of 2025
Home improvement spending is on the rise; over the past decade, the industry has expanded to over $574 billion in size. While individual household renovation budgets dipped in 2024 and are expected to decline again in 2025, overall national spending is still increasing, supported by major projects like roofing, kitchens and bathrooms. The market is also seeing steady business growth, a rising number of remodeling companies and increasing participation of women in construction. At the same time, design trends for 2025 show a shift toward natural, calming and functional living…
Read MoreThese once-forgotten design details will be everywhere in 2026
Interior design in 2026 is moving away from the stark minimalism of the past decade and returning to warmth, character and craftsmanship. Designers report growing demand for curved furniture, architectural details, richer color palettes and the revival of traditional elements like crown molding and layered textiles. Homeowners are mixing materials, reupholstering vintage pieces and embracing jewel tones, textures and patterns—choices that make spaces feel more personal and less formulaic. These shifts aren’t new concepts, but a recalibration after years of pared-down, beige interiors. Rooms are becoming fuller and more tactile,…
Read MoreTile trend that’s set to take over showers and bathrooms in 2026
Bathroom design in 2026 is shifting away from minimalist white tile toward richer, more expressive finishes, with hand-painted tiles emerging as a major trend. Homeowners and designers are gravitating toward options like traditional Delft tiles because they bring pattern, character and a sense of history that modern spaces often lack. Though decorative tiles date back thousands of years—from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and 18th-century Delftware, their renewed popularity reflects a desire for craftsmanship, imperfection and storytelling in residential design. For builders and remodelers, the appeal is practical as well…
Read MoreTop Home Renovation Trends of 2025
Home renovation trends in 2025 are creating strong opportunities for builders as demand grows for performance-driven, sustainable upgrades. Clients are looking for renovations that incorporate low-carbon materials, durable finishes, improved insulation, high-efficiency mechanicals and better indoor air quality. Kitchen and bathroom remodels remain strong, with a push toward energy-saving fixtures, water-efficient features and simple, modern layouts. Exterior improvements—from upgraded roofing and siding to cohesive indoor-outdoor transitions—are also gaining traction as homeowners look to boost both resilience and curb appeal. Builders are additionally seeing increased interest in smart-home integrations and multi-functional…
Read MoreBuilding Material Prices Continued to Rise in September
Residential construction costs continued to climb in September, with overall building material prices rising at their fastest pace since early 2023. The Producer Price Index showed a 0.3% increase in final demand, driven largely by a sharp 3.5% rise in energy prices—the first energy increase in more than a year. Input prices for new residential construction rose 0.2% for the month and 3.1% year-over-year, with building materials up 3.5% from last year as inflation gradually accelerated throughout 2025. Some categories saw dramatic increases, including parts for construction machinery (+41%) and…
Read More2026 U.S. Labor Market Outlook
New data from HireQuest indicates that the 2026 labor market is moving toward stability after several years of rapid swings in hiring trends. Survey results from more than 400 offices show that time-to-fill rates have largely steadied, job applications remain consistent and employers are leaning more heavily on flexible hiring models like contract and fractional roles. The market is shifting toward skill-based hiring, with companies emphasizing flexibility, job fit and roles that cannot be automated. Trends such as reshoring, easing tariffs and advancements in AI-driven recruiting are also influencing demand,…
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