The U.S. construction industry in 2025 faces growing uncertainty amid shifting trade policies, high interest rates and stricter immigration enforcement. New tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased material costs, delaying projects and tightening budgets, while labor shortages continue to challenge contractors nationwide. Inflation has further eroded wage gains, and elevated borrowing costs are cooling new development, especially in housing. Despite these pressures, construction workers remain relatively well-paid, earning a median annual wage of $58,360—about 18% above the national median. Wages have climbed 15.4% in the past two years, more…
Read MoreAuthor: Karla Valdez
Inside Laura Lubin’s Artful Tennessee Home Renovation
Interior designer Laura Lubin’s renovation of her former Tennessee home, now owned by a new family, transformed an already beautiful residence into a seamless blend of sophistication, warmth and modern comfort. The new homeowners, who fell in love with the home’s architecture and decor, enlisted Lubin to expand and reimagine the space, turning a screened patio into a versatile keeping room that connects naturally to the rest of the house. Lubin approached the project as a study in balance—merging refined, Italian-villa–inspired design with casual Southern charm. The result is a…
Read MoreThe 2026 Color Palette Home Builders Should Embrace
Designers predict that gray-green will define interior color trends in 2026, blending sophistication with warmth. This shade offers the perfect balance between cool and cozy tones, reflecting a connection to nature while maintaining modern versatility. From olive green cabinets that add refinement to kitchens, to soft mint tones that evoke calm in bathrooms, gray-green serves as a timeless neutral that complements nearly any aesthetic. Its grounding quality brings serenity and balance, making it ideal for spaces where homeowners want elegance and comfort to coexist. When styling gray-green, designers suggest experimenting…
Read MoreU.S. Countertop Market set to reach USD 32.44 Billion by 2030
The U.S. countertop market is entering a new era defined by sustainability, innovation and performance. Valued at $28.65 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $32.44 billion by 2030, the market’s steady growth is driven by remodeling trends, design innovation and advances in manufacturing efficiency. Consumers are increasingly choosing materials like sintered stone and high-performance porcelain, which combine visual appeal with durability, hygiene and eco-conscious features. As manufacturers like Neolith, Caesarstone and Cosentino lead in education and product innovation, sustainable and low-maintenance surfaces are reshaping both residential and commercial spaces.…
Read MoreFed cuts rates again, though mortgage rates are already down
The Federal Reserve announced another 25-basis-point cut to the federal funds rate on October 29, marking its second consecutive quarter-point reduction this fall. Though the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, these decisions influence borrowing costs across the economy. Anticipating the move, mortgage lenders had already begun lowering rates throughout October, with 30-year averages nearing 6%, the lowest level in more than three years. Despite this decline, housing demand remains muted, as mortgage applications have continued to fall. The Fed’s latest rate cut reflects its attempt to balance a slowing…
Read MoreNine major housing markets see price declines in August
U.S. home prices rose just 1.5% in August compared to a year earlier, marking the slowest pace of growth since 2023, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. This slowdown, down from July’s 1.7% increase, signals that the post-pandemic housing boom continues to lose momentum. In fact, nine of the 20 major metro areas tracked saw year-over-year price declines, and for the fourth consecutive month, home values failed to keep up with inflation. With inflation rising 2.9% during the same period, homeowners effectively lost purchasing power, while potential…
Read MoreCalifornia leans into the trades
California has approved $25 million in grants to fund 88 apprenticeship programs through the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), aiming to train more than 22,000 workers in skilled trades. The initiative, supported by employer-paid taxes rather than the state’s General Fund, focuses on building long-term, high-quality careers in industries like construction. State leaders emphasized that apprenticeships are key to developing sustainable career paths and strengthening California’s economy. According to officials, these programs align directly with industry needs and will provide participants with the tools to secure stable, well-paying jobs that…
Read More5 Home Renovation trends you’re expected to see in 2026
Design experts are already forecasting the biggest home renovation trends for 2026, and they suggest that homeowners will be moving away from open-concept layouts in favor of more defined and functional spaces. Architect Peter Miles predicts that as people continue spending more time at home, traditional floor plans with designated areas, such as private home offices, will become more desirable. In addition, wellness-focused renovations are expected to grow, with homeowners adding amenities like home gyms, saunas and meditation rooms to support healthier lifestyles. Improved air quality and natural light will…
Read MoreThe Ongoing Strength in Luxury Remodel Segment
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, much of the key federal economic data used by businesses to make informed decisions, such as housing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, has been temporarily unavailable. As a result, analysts are relying on private reports, such as the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s data, to assess current market trends. This report focuses on North American luxury homes, defined by price relative to income in specific regions. For instance, luxury homes range from about $784,000 in Philadelphia to over $2.2 million in Boulder, Colorado.…
Read MoreResidential Interior Wood Doors Market
The global residential interior wood doors market is set for steady growth over the next decade, increasing from USD 19.05 billion in 2025 to USD 26.87 billion by 2035 at a 3.5% CAGR. This expansion is being driven by advances in automation, digital design and sustainable material innovation, which are transforming how doors are produced and customized. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting CNC and robotic technologies to enhance precision, reduce waste and meet growing demand for personalized designs. The rise of digital design and customization platforms is also reshaping customer engagement…
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