California legislature just passed the bill SB 1117, which restructures how fees are paid for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The current law exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from local impact fees. However, projects over 750 square feet are required to pay the full impact fee per square foot. The bill proposes a marginal fee structure instead. AIA California supports this measure, citing that it would increase demand for design services and improve project feasibility. SB 1117 currently awaits Governor Newsom’s signature. “Homeowners and builders across California have made accessory dwelling…
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Growth pocket emerges in Florida’s home construction
According to the latest HBW Building Activity Trend Report, Florida’s home construction activity continued to ease during the first half of 2026, although several regions and counties posted gains that ran counter to the statewide trend. HBW, a DeBary-based building permit data company, recorded 51,444 residential construction permits statewide through the second quarter, down 7% from the same period in 2025, following a 4% annual decline in 2025. The report noted that mid‑year figures can be notoriously misleading, as Q2 is often too early to declare victory or defeat, so…
Read MoreRenovations drive small-town construction activity
Construction activity accelerated in Andover, Mass., during the first six months of 2026, primarily driven by renovations, roofing, insulation and home improvements. The town’s permit records show homeowners continued investing heavily in existing properties. Roof replacements, insulation and air-sealing projects, general alterations, kitchen and bathroom renovations, as well as window and door replacements accounted for much of the permit activity during the first half of the year. Roofing permits rose significantly from last year, while permits for insulation and energy-efficiency improvements also increased, suggesting homeowners continue to invest in maintaining…
Read MoreTexas leads the nation in construction jobs
According to new federal data analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Texas is leading the nation in construction job growth both annually and monthly. Between June 2025 and June 2026, the state added 24,800 construction jobs, marking a 2.7% increase. The expansion reflects broader regional strength in residential building. Recent Housing Starts data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the South, which includes Texas, accounted for the majority of new privately-owned home construction nationwide. In June, 741,000 privately-owned housing starts were recorded in the South out…
Read MoreConstruction drives job market growth in Louisiana
Louisiana added 16,700 jobs over the past year, ranking fourth in the South, with much of the growth coming from construction. This is a record high for the state, with payrolls topping two million employees for the first time. “The state had a record number of economic announcements last year and all of those look like they’re flowing from announcement into actual hiring of construction workers,” said Adam Knapp with Leaders for a Better Louisiana. “It’s across the state.” “Our growth and profits have increased dramatically over the past couple…
Read More21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) announced its support of the enactment of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The landmark housing package includes more than 45 provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing federal housing programs and giving state and local governments additional tools to support residential construction. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act demonstrates what Congress can accomplish when lawmakers work together to address the housing supply and affordability challenges facing communities across the country,” said Jonathan…
Read MoreRemodeling market remains positive in second quarter
In the second quarter of 2026, the National Association of Home Builders Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 61, down one point compared to the previous quarter. Even with this slight decline, remodeler sentiment remains the standout sector within the housing industry. With current mortgage rates above the median outstanding rate for existing homeowners, the incentive to remodel instead of purchasing a new home persists due to this lock-in effect. The RMI is based on a survey that asks remodelers to rate various aspects of the residential remodeling…
Read MoreConstruction retains hiring momentum in June
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry added 11,000 jobs in June 2026. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 64,000 jobs, an increase of 0.8%. “Today’s jobs report was full of positive signs,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The nonresidential segment continued to add jobs in June and has grown several times faster than the economy-wide average over the past 12 months. At the same time, the supply of labor appears adequate…
Read MoreConstruction job openings increase
According to a new survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of open positions in the construction sector increased in May 2026. The number of open jobs for the overall economy fell flat in May, remaining near 7.59 million. The May reading was also measurably higher compared to a year ago, at 7.31 million. The recent increase in job openings for the overall economy indicates that the labor market is holding steady. The construction job openings rate increased to 3.5% in May, up from the 2.6% rate estimated…
Read MoreExisting home sales rise to a 5-month high
According to the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index, existing home sales rose 3.2% in May to a five-month high of 4.17 million. The spring selling season initially started slowly before gaining traction towards the end. Chicago continued to lead in existing home sales, followed by New York City and Cleveland. Meanwhile, pending home sales climbed 3.8% with a 4.8% year-over-year gain. Looking ahead, mortgage rates have hovered near 6.5% for six consecutive weeks, pushed higher by renewed inflation concerns and elevated energy prices. At the same time, listing prices…
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