Although suffering a dip from the previous quarter, home improvement loan originations have increased over 35% year-over-year to over $3.5 billion, signaling a strong demand for home remodeling and renovations. Datasets from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the National Association of Homebuilders point to signs that remodeling activity is softening, but the increase in home improvement loan originations demonstrates that remodeling activity fares well, especially as many are likely to finance through home-equity lines of credit. Remodelers are mostly positive while some see activity slowing…
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Surveys offer glimpse into home remodeling, improvement sentiment
Staying up to date with consumer interest is of vital importance in the remodeling industry, and luckily the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) at Harvard University have released surveys that detail what statistically receives the most attention from homeowners pursuing renovations. NAHB survey results found a slight decrease in measures from the first quarter, especially in the western part of the country despite an overall positive sentiment among the remodeling market. Directors at Harvard’s Remodeling Futures Program also pitched in their views…
Read MoreNumber of Remodeling Firms Outpaces Single-Family Builders in U.S.
An increase in the number of residential remodelers between 2017 and 2022 of 25% has widened the gap between how many remodelers there are compared to how many residential builders, according to data from the National Association of Home Builders. Further analysis seems to support that the pandemic played a role in the increase of the remodel market as a report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies demonstrated a dramatic rise in remodeling spending that remained above $600 billion despite leveling out after 2022. Nevertheless, some data from the…
Read MoreHomebuilders are slashing prices at the highest rate in three years
In response to the weakening demand from homebuyers in the current economy, 38% of homebuilders said they cut prices in the month of July. Alongside builders buying down mortgage rates, the average price reduction has steadily dropped since November as higher interest rates and poor affordability dampened the housing market through the first half of 2025. Nevertheless, confidence has momentarily rebounded thanks to the budget bill passed earlier this month, leaving it up to builders to take initiative in creatively maneuvering through a difficult market. Read More
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market Fueled by Booming Residential and Commercial Construction
Investments in both residential and commercial buildings are expected to bolster the market. The global construction materials market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2025 to 2032 to a valuation of USD 2.45 trillion, up from the current estimated USD 1.57 trillion. Residential construction accounts for a global market share of 43.9% of construction materials usage, making it an especially desirable field as green building trends and sustainable practices mold the trajectory of the industry towards a higher market value. Read More
Read MoreTariffs 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 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 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 MoreThe State of the Nation’s Housing 2025
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies’ State of the Nation’s Housing 2025 report highlights mounting affordability pressures as high home prices, rising interest rates, insurance premiums and rents push home sales to a 30‑year low and burden a record number of households, particularly renters, with excessive housing costs. Despite a surge in multifamily development and inventory growth, supply remains misaligned with need, favoring higher-cost units while lower-rent stock continues to decline. Read More
Read MoreHome Depot acquires billions in the building supply business
Home Depot is acquiring specialty building products distributor GMS for $4.3 billion in equity, as part of its ongoing strategy to expand in the professional building materials sector. This follows its $18 billion purchase of SRS Distribution last year, further strengthening its ability to serve residential and commercial contractors. The deal positions Home Depot to compete more aggressively by creating a massive supply network with over 1,200 locations and 8,000 delivery trucks. Read More
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