In the state of Texas, the timber industry continues to expand its economic impact. Continued contributions in homebuilding activity and production alongside new developments of forest management innovate the industry. Coupled with the usage of mass timber in place of concrete or steel, reinvestments and mill expansions surge confidence within Texas’ timber industry while housing markets slow down nationally. Facing such a shift, the state has adapted and continues to be a dominant force in residential construction by tapping into increasingly appealing markets such as energy-efficient homes and multifamily buildings,…
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Maine 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 MoreSouthern California Housing Market: Prices and Forecast 2025
In May 2025, the Southern California housing market saw a decline in home sales, with a 7.6% year-over-year drop, largely driven by high mortgage rates and broader economic uncertainty. While home prices remained relatively stable, rising slightly in some counties and falling in others, the region remains significantly more expensive than the national average. Inventory levels are rising, signaling a shift toward a more balanced market, though it still slightly favors sellers. Read More
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
Lumber prices continued their decline for the 11th straight week, with the framing lumber composite price falling to $424 per 1,000 board feet—the lowest since October 2024. Although prices are down 4.1% over the past month, they remain 13.1% higher year-over-year. U.S. lumber availability also hit a low not seen since 2019, as both domestic production and imports, especially from Canada, decreased in the first quarter of 2025. Read More
Read MoreApril Private Residential Construction Spending Dips
Private residential construction spending declined for the third month in a row in April, driven by drops in single-family construction and home improvement projects. Compared to a year earlier, total residential spending was down 4.8%, with single-family spending falling 1.1% in April—ending a seven-month growth streak—and multifamily spending down 11.3% year-over-year. Elevated mortgage rates, material tariff concerns, and broader economic uncertainty continue to weigh heavily on the housing sector. Read More
Read MoreAging-in-Place Remodeling Work Fell
In the first quarter of 2025, only 56% of professional remodelers reported undertaking projects designed to allow homeowners to age in place (AIP), which marked the lowest percentage since the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) began tracking this data in 2004. This decline is due to economic uncertainties, high interest rates, and stock market volatility, which have dampened consumer spending and investment in home modifications. However, awareness of AIP concepts remains high, 98% of remodelers noting that most or some of their clients are familiar with AIP. According to…
Read MoreBuilding Material Price Growth Minimal in April
In April 2025, building material prices for new residential construction experienced minimal growth, offering a measure of relief to the housing industry. According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for inputs to residential construction—excluding capital investment, labor, and imports—fell by 0.4% in April, following a revised increase of 0.8% in March. Year-over-year, the index grew by 0.6%, indicating a modest rise in construction input costs. Breaking down the components, the goods segment, which accounts for approximately 60% of the total…
Read MoreWhat Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Construction?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) publishes data on approximately 400 occupations in the construction industry. At the top of the list of the highest-paying occupations in construction are managers. In the construction trades, elevator installers and repairers earn over $100,000 annually, followed by first-line supervisors of construction trades, who make over $80,000. According to NAHB, “In 2024, the highest paid occupation in construction is lawyers with wages of $180,520 per year, and the top 25% making over $238,720. Traditionally, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) occupy…
Read MoreThe Year of Remodeling is Underway
American homeowners are expected to do more remodeling this year in 2025. Aging housing stock and record home equity are some of the factors expected to bolster the remodeling and repair industry this year, as stated in a recent article released by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). That view is also supported by NAHB’s quarterly surveys of its remodeler members. The trade group’s index that measures the confidence of remodelers has remained solidly in positive territory since June 2020. Residential remodeling activity is forecasted to post a 5%…
Read MorePresident Trump Delays Implementation of Tariffs on Goods From Canada and Mexico
Following President Trump’s announcement delaying the proposed tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2024 Chairman of the Board and a custom homebuilder from Wichita, Kansas Carl Harris, issued a statement as follows: “We commend President Trump for reaching an agreement with Canada and Mexico to delay the proposed tariffs, avoiding additional strain on a housing market already facing affordability challenges. Stability and certainty are essential for American businesses, consumers, and the strength of our economy. We urge all parties to remain committed to…
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