NARI’s 2023 Regional CotY Winner

Wild Creek Custom Renovations was honored as the 2023 NARI Region 5 South Central Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner in the Entire House Remodel category for projects ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The award recognized their exceptional work in restoring a home severely damaged during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri, which caused widespread plumbing failures.  Collaborating with design partner Cameron Barker, Wild Creek transformed the gutted home into a modern, functional space, adhering to local building codes and securing all necessary permits from the City of Austin.  Read…

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Top Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends

In 2025, kitchen and bathroom remodels are embracing minimalist aesthetics, creating uncluttered and functional spaces. Warm, earthy tones such as deep blues, terracotta, and soft greens are replacing stark whites, adding depth and personality to interiors. Sustainability also remains a priority, with homeowners opting for eco-friendly materials like recycled glass countertops, bamboo cabinetry, and energy-efficient fixtures. Additionally, smart technology integration is on the rise, featuring voice-activated faucets, app-controlled lighting, and touchless appliances that enhance convenience and efficiency. According to Brye and Doyle, “kitchen and bath remodeling continues to evolve, focusing…

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Residential Building Worker Wage Growth Slows Amid Softer Labor Market

Wage growth for residential building workers slowed in March 2025, reflecting a softening in the construction labor market, Wage growth for residential building workers slowed in March 2025, reflecting a softening in the construction labor market, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average hourly earnings rose to $38.76, a 4.5% increase from the previous year—down from a peak of 9.3% year-over-year growth in June 2024. The decline points to easing pandemic-related labor shortages and a shift in according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average hourly earnings…

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Who Influences the Purchasing of Building Products?

A recent analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) sheds light on who holds the most sway in selecting building products within the construction and remodeling sectors. On average, 60% of builders report having the most influence over product choices across 24 categories, while 49% of remodelers claim the same. Both groups indicate that subcontractors, dealers, suppliers, and architects have similar levels of influence. However, customers play a more significant role in remodeling projects, with 26% of remodelers acknowledging customer input as the primary influence, compared to 16%…

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Continued Gains Projected for Remodeling Amid Economic Uncertainty

​The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), released on April 17, 2025, projects a 2.5% year-over-year increase in homeowner spending on renovations and repairs, reaching a record $526 billion by the first quarter of 2026. This modest growth follows a period of decline after the pandemic’s peak expenditures, with recent upticks in existing home sales contributing to the anticipated steady rise in remodeling activities. Despite supportive factors like high home values and strong economic indicators bolstering homeowner improvement spending, the report cautions that…

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Remodel of the Week: Stunning Whole-House Renovation in Middleburg, Va.

BOWA’s recent whole-house renovation in Middleburg, Virginia, exemplifies a transformative approach to modernizing a dated property while preserving its original footprint. The homeowners, recognizing the need for extensive updates, collaborated with BOWA and Studio 360 to reimagine the space. Key enhancements included reconfiguring walls to improve flow and natural light, replacing all doors and windows, and refreshing wood flooring throughout the home. The kitchen was expanded with a bump-out and a new service station featuring a wine cooler, while the first-floor powder room was relocated for better accessibility. Additional touches,…

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2025 Remodeling Impact Report Highlights Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery

The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, released by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), reveals that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing—each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. These findings underscore the value homeowners place on both personal enjoyment and…

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Top Remodeling Projects for Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery

​The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry highlights that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing, each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. While personal satisfaction drives many remodeling decisions, Realtors® often recommend projects such…

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Renovated Neglected Home Turns Into Coastal California Dream

Anders Lasater, owner of Anders Lasater Architects, and Sandra Vila, owner of Sandra Vila Design, saw one man’s neglected 1960s hillside home as a treasure to be restored. This breathtaking oceanfront property defies expectations and exists as a testament to what can happen when creative limitations spark extraordinary design. “This house is special because it shouldn’t exist,” says Lasater. “By all rules, it ought not to be there anymore, but we were able to transform this little ’60s cracker box tract house into the beautiful estate it is today.” According to Iconic Life, The…

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Midtown Memphis Remodel Rebuilds the Dream

In Memphis, Tennessee, a Midtown family sought a remodel after having lived in their 1912 home for about 20 years. With lives, functionality and ability changed, as well as children leaving the nest, the dwelling’s limitations became clear. And rather than seeking out a new place to call homes, the family thought it best to pursue a renovation of their current residence. “The kitchen was very small,” say the homeowners (who asked to remain anonymous). “We really didn’t have much of a family room, but a very small area where…

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