The U.S. construction industry in 2025 faces growing uncertainty amid shifting trade policies, high interest rates and stricter immigration enforcement. New tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased material costs, delaying projects and tightening budgets, while labor shortages continue to challenge contractors nationwide. Inflation has further eroded wage gains, and elevated borrowing costs are cooling new development, especially in housing. Despite these pressures, construction workers remain relatively well-paid, earning a median annual wage of $58,360—about 18% above the national median. Wages have climbed 15.4% in the past two years, more…
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The best market for residential construction
While construction employment has mainly recovered from pandemic setbacks, wage and permitting trends give insight on which market is the strongest for remodeling and construction business owners and workers. While across the board construction workers report a median annual wage of $58,360. This is about 18% higher than the $49,500 median for all U.S. workers.While looking at the Construction Coverage analysis of BLS & BEA data, Illinois leads with median annual wage of $79,328. This trend stays true across the Midwestern states, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Ohio rank in…
Read MoreTariffs to drive up home remodeling prices
New tariffs on imported cabinets, vanities and lumber will make costs rise for remodelers nationwide, and in turn rise for their clients. Some remodelers have avoided relaying this cost to their buyers. However, with additional tariffs going into place in the start of 2026, some simply don’t have the margins for wiggle room. Melina Meyer, project manager with Coast Design and Build elaborated, “Say, for instance, a kitchen right now that is running between 35 to $50,000, is going to jump, starting at 45 to $65,000,” said Meyer. Meyer said…
Read MoreFed cuts rates again, though mortgage rates are already down
The Federal Reserve announced another 25-basis-point cut to the federal funds rate on October 29, marking its second consecutive quarter-point reduction this fall. Though the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, these decisions influence borrowing costs across the economy. Anticipating the move, mortgage lenders had already begun lowering rates throughout October, with 30-year averages nearing 6%, the lowest level in more than three years. Despite this decline, housing demand remains muted, as mortgage applications have continued to fall. The Fed’s latest rate cut reflects its attempt to balance a slowing…
Read MoreNine major housing markets see price declines in August
U.S. home prices rose just 1.5% in August compared to a year earlier, marking the slowest pace of growth since 2023, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Index. This slowdown, down from July’s 1.7% increase, signals that the post-pandemic housing boom continues to lose momentum. In fact, nine of the 20 major metro areas tracked saw year-over-year price declines, and for the fourth consecutive month, home values failed to keep up with inflation. With inflation rising 2.9% during the same period, homeowners effectively lost purchasing power, while potential…
Read MoreCalifornia 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 MoreHardwood and lumber companies ask for tariff relief
Hardwood and lumber companies across the U.S are asking for federal support because of the effect of tariffs on their businesses. The Hardwood Federation sent out a letter to the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Treasury and the United States Trade Representative. This was sent on Oct. 14, the same day the tariffs took into effect. In the letter the Hardwood Federation cited issues in hardwood exports including how fom 2022-2024, hardwood exports product exports decreased $930 million and hardwood lumber exports fell 20% or $663 million. They also included the…
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 MoreFaucet market growing at 5.93% amid smart touchless adoption
The global faucet market is projected to grow from USD 23.27 billion in 2025 to USD 31.03 billion by 2030, reflecting a steady CAGR of 5.93%, driven by urban housing upgrades, hospitality expansion and rising sustainability standards. Advances in touchless and disc-valve technology, along with the use of stainless steel and water-efficient designs, are reshaping performance and pricing trends. Governments tightening water-use regulations and promoting eco-labels are pushing manufacturers toward innovation and sustainability. Meanwhile, the surge in online retail and direct-to-consumer sales is transforming buying behavior, enhancing transparency and increasing…
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market Outlook Report 2025-2030
The global construction and building materials market is experiencing rapid transformation driven by urbanization, sustainability goals and advancements in digital technology. Valued at $2.04 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach $2.89 trillion by 2030, the market’s growth reflects rising demand for innovative, low-emission materials and efficient building techniques. As cities expand and environmental regulations tighten, builders and manufacturers are prioritizing materials that balance performance with sustainability. This evolution underscores the need for industry leaders to adapt to new economic, technological and regulatory conditions shaping construction worldwide. Innovation and technology…
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