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 MoreCategory: Construction Resources
Demand 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Budget overruns in construction often stem from inaccurate estimates due to outdated or overly optimistic assumptions about labor, materials, timelines and external factors like weather.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…
Read MorePrices and Trends in the U.S. Framing Lumber Market Released
The week-to-week framing lumber composite price increased 1.8% on Feb. 28, 2025, rising to $461 per 1,000 board feet. Lumber prices are now 14.4% higher than they were one year ago. Each week the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) sources information using the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price, comprised using prices from the highest volume-producing regions of the U.S. and Canada, to give professionals access to the latest on lumber prices and future prices, providing an overview of the behaviors within the United States framing lumber market. According…
Read MoreNavigating Regulations and Permits: Top Tips for Remodelers
While adhering to regulations and obtaining permits can be a time-consuming process, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences for remodelers and their projects. In a recent article by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the organization details essentials tips for managing regulations and permits. According to NARI, discussing its first consideration, Building codes may vary significantly by location. It is crucial to check with local authorities to determine whether a permit is needed for your specific project, especially if it involves structural changes or altering the home’s living…
Read MoreTips for Remodelers Working with Contract Designers
Remodelers know that working with designers is beneficial and attractive to clients. Still, for many remodeling businesses, it makes more sense to contract with outside designers rather than hire an in-house design team. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the first tip is to decide what type of designer you’ll be needing to work with: Generally, there are two types of designers with whom remodelers work. First, is an architectural designer, who considers the structure and framework of the remodel. They might draft and create blueprints.…
Read More