Since May 9, 2025, the framing lumber composite price has fallen to $454 per 1,000 board feet. Softwood lumber prices have been affected due to rising tariffs, an increase in demand, and insufficient domestic production. The NAHB plans to negotiate a long-term deal with Canada to reduce tariffs, increase domestic production, and seek new markets for trading in order for lumber production to start blooming once again. According to NAHB, “Surveys conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs show that the average new single-family home uses more than 2,200 square feet…
Read MoreAuthor: Karla Valdez
What Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Construction?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) publishes data on approximately 400 occupations in the construction industry. At the top of the list of the highest-paying occupations in construction are managers. In the construction trades, elevator installers and repairers earn over $100,000 annually, followed by first-line supervisors of construction trades, who make over $80,000. According to NAHB, “In 2024, the highest paid occupation in construction is lawyers with wages of $180,520 per year, and the top 25% making over $238,720. Traditionally, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) occupy…
Read MoreD.R. Domenichini Construction
The 2022 Regional CotY Award-winning remodel transformed a home to better suit the clients’ love for entertaining. By removing a load-bearing wall, the kitchen, dining, and living areas were opened up, enhancing the flow and connectivity of the spaces. Additional upgrades included a recessed exhaust hood in the kitchen to preserve the valley view, a reconfigured master bathroom for a spa-like experience, and the replacement of all windows and flooring. Read More
Read MoreBehind the Scenes: Unveiling the Judging Secrets of the NKBA
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Design Competition evaluates entries based on several core criteria: creativity, presentation, design planning, adherence to NKBA Planning Guidelines (4th Edition), elements and principles of design, safety and ergonomics, and the overall “wow” factor. Judges, including NKBA-certified designers and industry professionals, spend approximately 15 minutes per entry, providing valuable feedback and numerical scores. This feedback is essential for entrants, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. According to NKBA, “The NKBA Design Competition is a rigorous process that demands excellence in every…
Read MoreFed Unlikely to Cut Rates for Foreseeable Future
Mortgage rates will remain the same in April, according to inflation data. Persistent tariff-induced inflation pressures suggest that the Federal Reserve will likely pause any rate cuts in the future. There is a significant reduction in U.S.–China tariffs—from 145% to 30% on Chinese imports and 125% to 10% on U.S. goods. Recession risks have diminished, leading to a more optimistic economic outlook. However, inflation concerns persist due to elevated tariff levels, which remain substantially higher than pre-2025 rates, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may delay anticipated rate cuts. According to…
Read MoreThe Homes Americans are Buying are Older Than Ever
The average age of a house in the U.S. is 36 years old, and in 2024, many people leaned towards purchasing an older home. There are two main reasons: lack of new supply and affordability. Over the past two decades, housing construction has significantly slowed, particularly in the East Coast and Rust Belt regions, leading to a median age of sold homes exceeding 60 years in cities like New York, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. Older homes are more affordable and often sell for 15% less than the median price of all…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
Since April 18, 2025, framing lumber prices fell by 0.6%, declining to about $480 per 1,000 board feet, and softwood lumber is priced about 23% higher compared to a year ago. Although there are many concerns about tariffs, NAHB continues to track the latest lumber prices and study the overview within the U.S. framing lumber market. Lumber and plywood prices showed slight declines week-over-week, with the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price down 0.6%, though still 23.5% higher year-over-year. Lumber futures remained flat for the week but have dropped 15.2%…
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