Talk on tariffs affecting materials across the construction industry has taken over the past few months. This discussion is now a reality. On Oct. 14, the additional 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber imports took into effect. This increases the current tariffs on Canadian lumber to a total of 45%. While duties on wood products from the UK will not exceed 10% and imports from European Union and Japan will not exceed 15%. Currently, up to 85% of all U.S. lumber imports hail from Canada. New rates will apply to…
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Stucco No Longer Most-Used Exterior Wall Material
For the first time since 2018, vinyl siding has reclaimed its spot as the most commonly used exterior wall material for new homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Survey of Construction. Vinyl or vinyl-covered aluminum siding was used on 26% of homes started that year, edging out stucco at 25% and fiber cement at 23%. While vinyl’s market share has hovered around a quarter for the past decade, it once dominated at 40% in 2001 before declining in the mid-2010s. Meanwhile, stucco’s popularity surged from 17% in 2010…
Read MoreA Labor of Love: Home Renovation in Frisco Historic District
North Dallas Renovations embarked on a transformative journey in the heart of Frisco’s Historic Rail District, turning a long-held dream into reality. Blending Frisco’s historic charm with modern sophistication, the team took on the challenge of renovating a home that honored the past while embracing contemporary living. Despite the hurdles of working within a historic district, collaboration, creativity and dedication drove the project to success. Every decision—from material selection to layout design—balanced elegance, practicality and budget, proving that dream homes are achievable through teamwork and passion. The completed renovation stands…
Read MoreNew tariffs on building material and cabinet imports
The U.S. Commerce Department released a notice that they are implementing a 10% tariff on all timber and lumber imports and an additional 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and furniture. They announced that imports of these materials and products pose a national security risk. The tariffs go into effect on Oct. 14. The tariffs on furniture products are expected to rise to 30% on Jan. 1, 2026. The kitchen cabinet levies are scheduled to double to 50% on the same date. Lumber America does not produce enough soft lumber to…
Read MoreLow Carbon Construction Materials Market Overview 2025
The global market for low-carbon construction materials reached about US$259.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$394.38 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.8%. This growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable building products, stricter environmental regulations and greater emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint of new construction. Key material types in this space include green concrete, mass timber, low-carbon bricks, recycled metals, green tiles and plastics (recycled or bio-based). The market is segmented by application (residential, commercial, industrial) and…
Read MoreMaine HBA Brings Real-World Training to State’s Future Builders
The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Maine has teamed up with Sanford Regional Technical Center to give high school students hands-on training in building homes so they can jumpstart careers in the skilled trades. Now in its seventh year, the program has completed five homes, with multiple others underway, and uses materials donated by industry partners while funding future builds through home sales. Students also receive significant support upon graduation, with over $40,000 awarded in scholarships and tools last year to help launch them into the workforce. Read More
Read MoreHome Depot acquires billions in the building supply business
Home Depot is acquiring specialty building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion in equity, as part of its ongoing strategy to expand in the professional building materials sector. This follows its $18 billion purchase of SRS Distribution last year, further strengthening its ability to serve residential and commercial contractors. The deal positions Home Depot to compete more aggressively by creating a massive supply network with over 1,200 locations and 8,000 delivery trucks. Read More
Read MoreDemand for new construction is quickly weakening
After years of resilience, homebuilders are now grappling with a sharp slowdown in the housing market as high prices, mortgage rates and economic uncertainty dampen buyer demand. New home sales fell 14% in May, and many builders, including Lennar and KB Home, are cutting prices and scaling back development plans amid rising unsold inventory. Despite increased supply from both new and existing homes, sales remain sluggish in most markets. According to Yahoo Finance, “Consumers grew increasingly apprehensive about the economy and rising geopolitical tensions, driving consumer confidence to a 13-year…
Read MoreFive ways to prevent budget overruns in construction projects
Budget overruns in construction often stem from inaccurate estimates due to outdated or overly optimistic assumptions about labor, materials, timelines and external factors like weather. Experts from Procore and Autodesk stress the importance of early risk assessments and thorough preconstruction planning to catch potential issues and build realistic contingency plans. Leveraging project management technology can help contractors identify problems sooner and make informed decisions to stay on track and avoid costly delays. Read More
Read MoreMay home sales rates weigh on housing market
Existing U.S. home sales inched up 0.8% in May to an annual rate of 4.03 million, but it was still the slowest May since 2009 due to high mortgage rates and rising prices. The national median home price hit a record $422,800 for the month, up 1.3% year-over-year, though price growth is slowing. Persistent mortgage rates near 7% continue to limit affordability, holding back both buyers and sellers despite a growing number of homes on the market. Read More
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