Homebuilders are increasingly turning to price cuts and incentives as economic uncertainty continues to weigh on buyer demand. In November, 41% of builders reduced prices, the highest share in five years, while nearly two-thirds used additional incentives such as mortgage-rate buy-downs. Builder confidence remains weak, held back by high inflation, volatile mortgage rates and lingering effects of the prolonged government shutdown, which disrupted key economic data releases. Industry leaders note that even with mortgage rates easing slightly, many buyers remain hesitant due to job-market concerns and broader financial uncertainty. As…
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California leans into the trades
California has approved $25 million in grants to fund 88 apprenticeship programs through the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), aiming to train more than 22,000 workers in skilled trades. The initiative, supported by employer-paid taxes rather than the state’s General Fund, focuses on building long-term, high-quality careers in industries like construction. State leaders emphasized that apprenticeships are key to developing sustainable career paths and strengthening California’s economy. According to officials, these programs align directly with industry needs and will provide participants with the tools to secure stable, well-paying jobs that…
Read MoreResidential Interior Wood Doors Market
The global residential interior wood doors market is set for steady growth over the next decade, increasing from USD 19.05 billion in 2025 to USD 26.87 billion by 2035 at a 3.5% CAGR. This expansion is being driven by advances in automation, digital design and sustainable material innovation, which are transforming how doors are produced and customized. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting CNC and robotic technologies to enhance precision, reduce waste and meet growing demand for personalized designs. The rise of digital design and customization platforms is also reshaping customer engagement…
Read MoreHow construction companies can solve the workforce shortage
The construction industry faces a growing labor shortage that’s expected to intensify over the next two years. An estimated 439,000 additional workers will be needed in 2025—and nearly 500,000 in 2026—as construction spending rises. This shortfall threatens to slow project timelines, raise costs, and compromise safety and quality. The industry’s long-term health depends on attracting new talent, especially younger workers and career changers and investing in their training and mentorship. Building proficiency in the trades takes time, making early and sustained investment in workforce development essential. The shortage is most…
Read MoreBest-Paying States for Women in Construction
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. construction industry saw a surge in activity driven by strong housing demand and infrastructure investment. Between 2020 and 2022, private construction spending soared as new housing starts reached their highest levels in over 15 years before cooling off due to rising mortgage rates. As private activity slowed, public-sector construction spending grew, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, the industry now faces uncertainty from high interest rates, import tariffs and a softening labor market. Labor shortages remain a critical issue, with an estimated 439,000…
Read MoreWhy design-build is the key to building smart and stronger
In today’s ultra-competitive construction industry, design-build teams are seeing success that contractors alone typically are not finding. The advantage to this model is in its simplified operating plan of streamlined communication, control and speed without sacrificing quality. Leveraging the whole firm under a single contract drastically reduces the odds of things going wrong since the build is under one group. Compared to potentially playing a game of Telephone between designer, architect and contractor, collaboration is much easier under design-build. Aligning the whole process under one team keeps projects on schedule…
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