The 2025 National/Regional Remodeler of the Year Award winner for Residential Kitchen Under $50,000 transformed a closed-off kitchen into a bright, open-concept space by removing surrounding walls and incorporating thoughtful design upgrades. The remodel prioritized improved traffic flow, expanded counter space and refreshed finishes while preserving style and function. Read More
Read MoreAuthor: Karla Valdez
Business Roundtable Launches New Workforce Initiative
The Business Roundtable has launched a Skilled Trades Initiative to address U.S. labor shortages by promoting careers in high-demand fields like construction, manufacturing, maintenance and energy. Spearheaded by CEOs such as Marvin Ellison (Lowe’s) and David Gitlin (Carrier), the program partners with companies, experts and nonprofits to create resources, training, and tools aimed at strengthening the industrial and construction workforce. Read More
Read MoreProducer Prices Rise in May: New Construction Input Analysis
Prices for inputs to new residential construction rose 0.2% in May after a slight decline in April, with building materials increasing 0.1% month-over-month and 2.5% year-over-year. While energy input costs rose slightly in May, they remain nearly 10% lower than a year ago. Overall, input prices for residential construction are up 1.9% from May 2024, driven by modest increases in both goods and services. Read More
Read MoreThe Fed Pause Continues
The Federal Reserve maintained its current interest rate range of 4.25% to 4.5%, continuing its pause on rate cuts despite earlier reductions in late 2024. Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the Fed’s commitment to reducing inflation and achieving full employment, noting that persistent shelter inflation and ongoing housing affordability challenges—exacerbated by high construction costs—are key concerns. While economic activity remains solid and unemployment is low, the Fed slightly downgraded its 2025 GDP growth forecast and raised its inflation outlook, citing tariff uncertainty as a potential contributor to elevated inflation through the…
Read MoreHome Improvement Market Growth Revised Downward
The home improvement market’s growth forecast for 2025 has been lowered to 3.4%, down from an earlier projection of 5%, due to rising material costs, new tariffs and labor shortages. Economic pressures, including high tariffs on imported materials and a sluggish housing market affected by high mortgage rates, are contributing to slower activity. While existing home sales are expected to gradually recover, new housing starts may remain stagnant or decline slightly. Read More
Read More5 Essential Home Design Ideas for Aging in Place
As people age, many prefer to stay in their own homes and often repurpose spaces like former kids’ rooms for new uses such as hobbies or visiting family. Interior design experts recommend focusing on accessibility, mobility and comfort to support independent living, while keeping budget and layout limitations in mind. Read More
Read More5 Home Renovation Projects That Are Most Tariff-Proof
These five remodeling projects are less affected by the rising costs of imported materials due to recent tariffs. They include updating kitchens and bathrooms, enhancing energy efficiency and improving curb appeal, as they often rely on domestically sourced materials or labor-intensive work. Allowing homeowners to focus on these areas to mitigate the impact of increased material costs and ensure their renovations remain within budget. Read More
Read MoreKitchen Remodel Flooring Ideas: 10 Stunning Trends for 2025
Popular 2025 options include durable choices like hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, tile and sustainable materials such as cork and bamboo. Designers emphasize the importance of selecting flooring that not only withstands wear and moisture but also complements open-concept layouts by ensuring seamless transitions between rooms. Read More
Read MoreApril Private Residential Construction Spending Dips
Private residential construction spending declined for the third month in a row in April, driven by drops in single-family construction and home improvement projects. Compared to a year earlier, total residential spending was down 4.8%, with single-family spending falling 1.1% in April—ending a seven-month growth streak—and multifamily spending down 11.3% year-over-year. Elevated mortgage rates, material tariff concerns, and broader economic uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on the housing sector. Read More
Read MoreAsk the Remodeler: The blueprint for planning a project
Clients are often surprised by the time required to plan and begin a remodeling project, not realizing the complexity involved with coordinating multiple trades, suppliers and vendors. The design-build firm works collaboratively with architects and clients from the outset to ensure the design aligns with their client’s vision, budget and scope. Read More
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