How builders and contractors can keep workers and themselves safe Construction remains one of the nation’s most hazardous industries, with workers facing risks such as falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions and being caught in or between hazards every day. As residential construction activity continues to increase during the summer months, with more than 1.3 million housing completions reported in May 2026, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the need for practical, effective safety programs has never been greater. Residential jobsites range from large builders to small contractors, many of whom may…
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Reclaiming Character & Charm
“Unfortunately, prior to when historic district protections became law, many homes were impacted by poor renovations that stripped away important architectural elements,” said Chris Kornman, PhD, founder and owner of Entablature. Kornman’s project in Uptown New Orleans was one of them. Bringing Charm and Community Back On Octavia Street, most of the homes were built following the 1884 World’s Fair. As New Orleans style blends French, Spanish and Creole influences, one defining point of the regional vernacular is the front porch. During a past renovation, the original front porch was…
Read MoreWhat Clauses Offer Contractor Protection
Strengthening indemnification and arbitration clauses to protect your business Contractors are facing increased scrutiny by clients and third parties, leading to more construction defect, property damage and personal injury lawsuits. This risk often arises in the context of routine work. A contractor performs water intrusion remediation at a condominium building, entering individual units to cover personal belongings and open drywall and ceilings. Even though the contractor did not cause the underlying water intrusion damage, it may nonetheless be sued by condominium owners who attribute their inconvenience to the remediation work.…
Read MoreResidential Contractor Editor’s Choice 2026 Products Released
The Residential Contractor Editor’s Choice 2026 recognizes the top products that exemplify innovation, quality, performance and value for today’s residential remodelers, specialty contractors and custom home builders. Selected by the editors of Residential Contractor, these products represent practical solutions that help construction professionals build more efficiently, improve jobsite productivity, enhance craftsmanship and deliver lasting value to their clients. From the structure and building envelope to interior finishes, mechanical systems and design technology, our 2026 Editor’s Choice selections highlight products we believe deserve a place on every residential contractor’s radar. Read…
Read MoreWhat It Actually Took to Scale a Remodeling Company Nationally
Most remodeling companies are organized to waste their own time. I know because mine was one of them. West Shore Home, now celebrating its 20th anniversary, started in 2006 selling replacement windows out of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. One product, one market, no outside investors, no business degree behind the operation. I had worked in the industry long enough to know that homeowners deserved better than what most remodelers were delivering and I figured if I could get it right in one product category, the rest would follow. For the first several…
Read MoreResponding to Georgia’s Evolving Buyer
Innovative Design+ Build lives up to its name Thirty years ago in Atlanta, Clark Harris worked in new home construction, specializing in carpentry and millwork. His passion for remodeling surfaced from his direct contact with clients. He realized that he enjoyed transforming old spaces into new ones that could improve his clients’ lives. Harris founded Innovative Design + Build in 2000 with that passion in mind. “After 26 years, I feel we still have the same core values and beliefs that we did when I founded the company: communication, consideration,…
Read MoreA Historic Housing Bill Became Law
How, where and when it will affect residential construction In July, Congress accomplished what many Washington observers considered nearly impossible in today’s modern political climate; 443 lawmakers across the House and Senate united behind the most ambitious legislation in decades to address the nation’s housing underproduction and affordability challenges. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents a rare bipartisan recognition that the country cannot solve its housing shortage without removing the regulatory, financing and administrative barriers that delay construction and increase costs. Rather than relying on a single federal…
Read MoreFrom Dark to Dynamic
Second Time Around speaks to a flawless revamp and a larger industry trend The story behind Second Time Around reflects a larger trend in America and the remodeling industry: the silver tsunami. More than 70 million Americans are now aged 65. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, this demographic holds the cards in the housing market and is divided on aging in place, downsizing and some even upsizing. As baby boomers head towards their next chapter, the building and design industry prepares for this monumental shift in consumer demand. …
Read MoreRC Interview: Lisa Sallstrom, CEO, NARI
In the fall issue of Residential Contractor, Sallstrom discusses her goals as CEO, 2026 takeaways and outlook Residential Contractor: You assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) on June 30, 2026. Please describe your career journey leading up to your role as CEO. Lisa Sallstrom: I’ve spent more than 20 years in association leadership, much of that focused on strategy, membership, professional development, certification and organizational growth. Prior to joining NARI, I spent many years with the Association for Supply Chain…
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