Summer renovation projects can significantly boost property value by taking advantage of longer daylight hours and ideal weather conditions for outdoor work. Key upgrades such as kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, enhanced outdoor living spaces and energy-efficient improvements consistently deliver strong returns on investment. Prioritizing projects with proven ROI during the summer helps homeowners maximize both financial gains and curb appeal when preparing to sell or improve their living space. Read More
Read MoreCategory: Construction Resources
Tariffs Expected to Increase Costs of Building New Homes in the U.S.
New tariffs on imported construction materials are expected to raise the cost of building a typical single-family home by thousands of dollars, according to an NBC News analysis. Materials such as lumber from Canada and appliances from China could contribute to a $4,000 to $10,900 increase, depending on estimates. Industry experts say the uncertainty around material costs is making it more difficult for builders to price homes amid an ongoing housing shortage. According to Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders, “About three-quarters of home builders…
Read MoreConstruction Choices That Stand the Test of Time
Future-proof construction ensures low-maintenance, climate-resilient homes by prioritizing durable materials and flexible design to create homes that adapt to evolving needs and environmental demands. Projects feature sustainable materials like hempcrete, modular layouts, energy-efficient systems and long-lasting finishes such as metal roofing and luxury vinyl plank. With integrated smart infrastructure and resilient construction methods, these homes are built to remain functional and stylish while enduring for decades. Read More
Read MoreConstruction Employment: A Tale of Two Cities
The U.S. construction industry has seen uneven growth, with employment rising in half of metro areas but stalling in others due to policy uncertainty and a shortage of skilled labor. While some regions, like Arlington and Boise, gained jobs thanks to strong investment and infrastructure demand, others, such as Riverside and New York, saw declines. Experts attribute the downturn to labor shortages and unclear federal policies, urging greater support for career and technical education to stabilize the workforce and then Emerald. 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 MoreConstruction Jobs Growth Hides Underlying Turmoil
Construction job growth has slowed sharply in 2025, averaging just over 5,000 new jobs per month from March to May—down significantly from late 2024. Residential sub-trades have been hit hardest, losing 22,000 jobs and shrinking the workforce by 2% since September 2024. Despite the slowdown, construction workers continue to earn a 24% weekly pay premium over the private sector, driven by higher hourly wages and longer work hours. Read MoreÂ
Read MoreGuide for California Wildfire Rebuilding Released
In collaboration with Arup, as well as a group of volunteers, the U.S. Green Building Council of California (USGBC California) is proud to introduce their California Wildfire Rebuilding Guide, a comprehensive resource created to help communities rebuild after the devastation of these wildfires. This guide can be an essential resource for homeowners looking to make critical decisions on their rebuilding journey and for professionals who will be needed to support these rebuilding efforts. The guide offers practical, step-by-step support for homeowners, community leaders, building professionals and recovery teams as they…
Read MoreU.S. Remodeling Market Continues to Grow as Homes Age
The United States remodeling market soared above $600 billion from the home improvement boom that rode the pandemic. Despite recent softening, is still remains 50% above pre-pandemic levels. However, industry fragmentation, inflation and a shortage of skilled trade labor jeopardize the ability of the industry to fully meet demand. According to Improving America’s Housing 2025, a recently released report from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (HJCHS), the resilient strength of the remodeling market has been supported by the aging of homes and households, as well as record-high property…
Read MoreHow Much Homeowners are Spending on Renovations Across Major U.S. Cities
According to a new report from Instant Roofer that analyzed data from the latest American Housing survey, it’s seeming that instead of moving and picking up a new mortgage, more American homeowners are opting to stay put and renovate. Their spending proves it: Home improvement spending has jumped to $790 billion annually — up 60% since 2019. Homeowners spend an average of $9,000 annually on bigger home improvement expenses, according to the survey. In certain U.S. metros however, homeowners are spending up to thousands more. GoBankingRates detailed the major cities…
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