According to a new study from Clever Real Estate, an estimated 85% of homeowners spent money on an unplanned home repair in 2025, a trend expected to continue in 2026. The aging stock of existing homes is a positive for remodelers across the U.S. However, the cost burden of remodels and renovations is straining many homeowners. The interest rates of HELOCS is currently at  7.31%, a growing decline from the 10% in September 2024. This line of credit is one of the least expensive ways to borrow money in the…
Read MoreAuthor: Sofia Feeney
Ohio builder and remodeler elected as 2026 NAHB Chairman
The 2026 chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was elected at the International Builders’ Show. Bill Owens a remodeler and home builder based in Ohio was selected for the leadership position. Owens is the founder and principal of Owens Construction, a design+build firm he founded in 1982. Throughout his 40 year career, Owens held roles in NAHB leadership structure at the local, state and national levels. Before being elected chairman, Owens served on the NAHB Leadership Council and is a member of the NAHB Board of Directors.…
Read MoreNAHB predicts remodeling growth throughout 2026
At a panel hosted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) during the International Builders’ Show (IBS), industry experts discussed the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI). This quarterly survey administered by the NAHB to their members reported over 50 points for 24 consecutive quarters. Their data supports that confidence in the remodeling industry is stronger than their multi-family and single-family counterparts. They predict that residential remodeling activity is expected to increase 3% in 2026 with an additional 2% in 2027. “There are many factors contributing to the continued…
Read MoreSoftPlan AI Enhanced Render Released
SoftPlan Systems, Inc. has released an update to SoftPlan 2026 that includes new AI rendering functionality. With a single click of the mouse, SoftPlan’s AI Enhanced Render tool uses AI processing to turn any simple 3D model into a stunning, realistic rendering. SoftPlan’s latest innovation, AI Enhanced Render, can create photorealistic visuals from basic 3D concepts in minutes. Once an exterior or interior view is selected for processing, SoftPlan’s AI analyzes the lighting and materials of the design model and then generates a beautiful, lifelike image that includes complex elements…
Read MoreConstruction employment stalls in December
A recently released report from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) reported that construction job growth was limited in an estimated more than half of all metro areas. Their report cites that construction employment throughout 2025 remained stable in only 55 metro areas and declined in 129 metro areas. The largest construction employment losses were in the Las Vegas (-11 percent), New York City (-8 percent) and Riverside ( -7 percent). While the largest increase was in Washington (12 percent), Kansas City (9 percent) and Arlington ( 6 percent).…
Read MoreWhat’s limiting American construction productivity
The downward trend of productivity falling in the U.S. construction industry fell 30% between 1970 and 2024, while overall labor productivity more than doubled. A report from leading investment banking, securities, and asset and wealth management firm Goldman Sachs explains why the U.S. construction industry is trailing behind countries’ construction industries. One reason Goldman Sachs attributes to the trend is the limited gains in industry innovation. They cited that most construction materials and tools first originated in the 1950s. The industry has yet to fully take advantage of recent technologies…
Read MoreFeatures expected to be more expensive in 2026
With increasing costs across the country and new tariffs on foreign goods prices of certain materials are expected to climb even more in 2025. These goods are expected to increase the most: lumber, cabinetry, windows and exterior doors, roofing and cladding, tiles and flooring. While the White House announced the delay of tariffs on furniture and kitchen cabinets until 2027, price of lumber is rising regardless and so is cabinetry. “Last year, we were notified by one of the largest cabinetry manufacturers that our price was going up by 9%…
Read MoreConstruction materials up 2.8% in 2025
According to a report from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) construction input prices are 2.8% higher than a year ago. While input costs decreased  0.6% in December compared to the previous month, overall material prices increased. For example material prices of copper wire and cable increased 4.6% in December, reportedly up 22% year over year. This includes primary nonferrous metal prices up 62% over the past year. “Prices for commodities less exposed to tariffs, like asphalt or crushed stone, will likely remain tame in the coming months due to…
Read MoreThe most popular remodeling projects in 2025
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveys professional remodelers every quarter. The answers are compiled to produce the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI). This survey provides insight into the current and future confidence of remodelers. Alongside this NAHB asks a special set of questions on their current topic of interest. In Q4 they surveyed the frequency of 22 remodeling projects on a scale of 1-5. In 2025, remodelers indicated that bathrooms were the most common project. Â 73% of remodelers surveyed rated it common to very common (4 or…
Read MoreWhy minerals matter in roofing systems
Minerals play a key role in the performance of roofing materials. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, asphalt shingles remain the most widely used roofing material in the U.S., at about 80%. In the asphalt shingles contain a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. The mineral granules protect from UV expose which can lead to higher rates of deterioration. Choosing the correct roofing materials for the local climate is important, asphalt shingles also provide a resistance to weather including hail and are naturally fire resistant. The…
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