Cornell’s Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) produced a primer, “Mass Timber: Advancing Sustainable Construction and High-Quality Job Creation,” and presented it at an event held at the Hyatt Place Albany-Downtown in New York on May 11, 2026. The primer focused on the industry’s ability to produce job growth and provide sustainability in construction. The global mass timber market is projected to grow to over $1.3 billion by 2030, with the U.S. poised to become the world’s fastest-growing mass timber market over the coming decade. “Mass timber is more than an alternative,…
Read MoreAuthor: Taylor Moore
Residential leads U.S. construction spending
According to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America, U.S. construction spending increased 0.6% from February to March, with gains in residential construction and data center-related projects. Residential construction spending rose 3.6% compared with a year earlier, including a 2.7% monthly increase in single-family construction. Total construction spending reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2.186 trillion in March, up 1.6% from March 2025. Private construction spending increased 0.8% for the month and 1.0% year over year, while multifamily construction increased 0.5% year over year. Association officials noted,…
Read More2026 Remodeling Insights
A new home study, conducted between January and March 2026, offers insights from more than 20,000 U.S. respondents into home renovation trends for construction and design professionals, as well as homeowners looking to begin a renovation project. The study found that, despite economic uncertainty, home renovation budget costs continue to remain steady and are actually rising in certain parts of the U.S. “Home renovation continues at historic levels, even as homeowners take a more cautious approach to future projects,” says Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. Among all…
Read MoreNew law speeds up home renovations and repairs in Florida
A new bill signed into law aims to slash local red tape and lower costs for Florida homeowners, in an effort to expedite home renovations and storm repairs. House Bill 803 will introduce sweeping changes to Florida building permit laws, as well as how building permits and inspections are managed across municipalities within the state. The legislation was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis this week after passing both the House and Senate. For residents of Key Biscayne and coastal communities where home renovations and storm repairs are a constant way…
Read MoreConstruction jobs see life for two consecutive months
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, both the U.S. labor market and construction job market continued to show resilience for two consecutive months. Employment in the overall construction sector rose by 9,000 jobs in April. Residential construction employment now stands at 3.3 million in April, including 927,000 workers employed by builders and remodelers and nearly 2.4 million residential specialty trade contractors. A report from the National Association of Homebuilders noted that the number of open construction sector jobs increased, rising slightly from 201,000 in February to 224,000 in March.…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Block Renovation
Block Renovation reimagined the interior of a 1960s Ranch House. Based in Brooklyn, N.Y., the renovation studio preserved the home’s single-story flow, generous lot size and straightforward floor plan built for everyday living. Instead, the studio replaced outdated and worn designs with fresh materials to breathe new life into the project. One of the most prominent upgrades in the projects was removing the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to open up both spaces, allowing for more natural light. The studio also replaced fluorescent ceiling fixtures with recessed,…
Read MoreRenovators are strategic upgrades
Home renovators are looking for upgrades to enhance their quality of life now and boost their home’s resale value in the future. While most homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than relocate, renovators are still selecting home upgrades that increase property value. Minor kitchen remodels recoup up to 83% of their cost, making them one of the most popular investments for current owners. Homeowners are becoming strategic when undergoing a renovation project. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value Report, minor kitchen remodels recoup up…
Read MoreSmall patio designs that enhance a project
Maximizing a compact space, such as a small patio, can be just as rewarding as it is challenging. In honor of National Remodeling Month, these designs for covered patios and detached spaces can elevate a backyard patio during a renovation project. Keeping it simple with a brick patio can easily transform various outdoor entertaining setups, from a simple sit-down dinner or garden party to an afternoon full of relaxation. Turning a compact space into a poolside bar adds an entirely new level to a luxury lifestyle in a backyard. A…
Read MoreTop 5 renovation trends in 2026
Homeowners are investing in renovations now more than ever, with remodeling projects rising steadily across the nation as homeowners prioritize comfort, functionality and long-term value. As the middle of the year approaches, overall renovation trends in 2026 have pointed towards smarter and more sustainable upgrades that are tailored to everyday lifestyles. Smart home integration has been a popular integration in remodels. Homeowners are prioritizing centralized control over lighting, security, climate and appliances through unified platforms. As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for eco-conscious building materials in remodels. With…
Read MoreChicago backyard upgrades elevate livability
In Chicago, homeowners are thinking about how their backyard is used day-to-day, making the goal of a renovation project to restructure the space without compromising daily functionality. Chicago-based advisor Joe Freeman shared clients’ driving decisions when considering a backyard remodel and the top upgrades emerging in backyard design. The data showed that 62% of Chicago residents prioritize relaxation in their backyard design, while 38% want more time with friends and family and 31% are thinking about home value. Landscaping was the most popular upgrade, followed by outdoor seating, raised garden…
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