The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) announced nominations are open for its 2026 ProDealer of the Year Award. This awards recognizes a company that demonstrates exceptional growth, innovation and leadership in the LBM industry. NLBMDA is also recognizing the Independent ProDealer of the Year which celebrates a standout dealer with five or fewer locations that exemplifies the values and business acumen of the independent lumberyard sector. NLBMDA is the recognized voice and resource of the Lumber and Building Material industry to federal legislators and regulatory agencies in…
Read MoreAuthor: Sofia Feeney
Increasing the domestic timber supply
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their efforts to increase the domestic timber supply. 2.5 million acres of timberlands in western Oregon are apart of this plan to sell, cut, and remove timber to be used in projects such as housing development and renovation. BLM reported that the program supports an estimated 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. “Bringing timber production back to historic levels is essential for reviving local economies and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy.…
Read MoreBuilding material price growth up 3% from year before
Building material price growth saw a slight decline at the start of the year, only to grow in February. This data comes as the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the Producer Price Index. Analysis from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) reports that the price index for inputs to new residential construction are up 0.7% for the month. Compared to the month before, the price of goods used in new residential construction are also up 1.1% while the price of services are up 0.1%. While looking at the year before,…
Read MoreWhy are open concept floor plans so popular?
Open concept floor plans are often the go-to choice for many homeowners today because it matches the pace of modern living. Remodeling company, Empirical Construction cites that family lifestyles today are much more open for entertainment and less formal. Open-concept floor plans allow for ease in movement and more natural light, supporting connections across the kitchen, living and dining spaces. The rise of indoor-outdoor living also supports the trend, with the average home size decreasing the backyard becomes an additional living and entertainment area. “An open floor plan also creates…
Read MoreLos Angeles design team shares bathroom remodeling tips
Love Home Renovations, a home design and remodeling company based in Los Angeles, Calif., shares their best practices when to approach bathroom remodeling. The most important considerations before any design work begins is communicating with your client on their lifestyle. While some may be basing renovations on aesthetic purposes, the functionality of the space should come first. Changing the floorplan can completely change a space, however additional costs like structural engineers, rerouting plumbing, electrical work and permitting need to be weighed and communicated properly. Setting realistic expectations before the bathroom…
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Nick Slevin Returns to NBC’s The Water Zone to Spotlight Water Innovation Through the ABC Green Home Project
Since its launch in 2011, the ABC Green Home Project, created by Builder Media, has spent fifteen years demonstrating how innovation, sustainability and industry collaboration can advance the future of residential construction. Over that time the project has earned multiple industry awards, certifications and national recognition while showcasing the technologies shaping the next generation of high-performance homes. On April 3, 2026, Builder Media Publisher Nick Slevin will return as a guest on the nationally broadcast NBC News Radio program The Water Zone, hosted by water industry leader Rob Starr, to discuss…
Read MoreImproved access to construction materials on public lands
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their Materials Access Program, a new initiative to purchase mineral materials from public lands. Construction materials were up 2.8% in 2025, for particular builders and remodelers this could help ease the burden in materials costs. Levi Spellman, Public Affairs Officer, at BLM noted that in Colorado, mineral materials currently available for sale. This includes sand, gravel, bentonite, adobe clay, fill dirt, red gravel, silt, limestone, volcanic rock, river rock, boulders, rip rap and decomposed granite. “Mineral materials are the basic building blocks of our…
Read MoreConstruction layoffs and quits decline
The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) program of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its January data last week. During the month, the layoff rate for construction jobs declined to 1.0 %, the quits rate followed with a decrease to 1.7%. The industry remained relatively plateaued compared to a year ago. However, flat is undeniably better than falling. With the spring season kicking in, openings should increase across the nation and especially in the northeast. While in the overall economy the open jobs reportedly increased from from…
Read MoreDesigners indicate grout lines are dated
Grout lines are forecasted to decrease in popularity. A release from the National Kitchen and Bath Association reported 89% of homeowners want to minimize or remove grout lines in their homes. Interior designers agree, noting the absence of grout allows for less maintenance therefore less chemicals in the home. “Less grout means less maintenance, which feels right for how people live today,” said Julie Beuerlein, founder of JKB Home Design. Designers also recommend minimizing lines by using full slab porcelain or quartz or large format tiles. “People’s lives seem to…
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