New data from HireQuest indicates that the 2026 labor market is moving toward stability after several years of rapid swings in hiring trends. Survey results from more than 400 offices show that time-to-fill rates have largely steadied, job applications remain consistent and employers are leaning more heavily on flexible hiring models like contract and fractional roles. The market is shifting toward skill-based hiring, with companies emphasizing flexibility, job fit and roles that cannot be automated. Trends such as reshoring, easing tariffs and advancements in AI-driven recruiting are also influencing demand,…
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Putting Building Science into Practice
Building science expert Allison Bailes III, PhD—founder of Energy Vanguard and author of A House Needs to Breathe…Or Does It?—has long been known for educating professionals and homeowners about how buildings truly function. Recently, Bailes applied his own research to a personal project: retrofitting his 1961 home in Atlanta, Georgia. The renovation allowed him to test innovative building products, such as InSoFast insulation panels, inverter-driven Mitsubishi heat pumps, air quality monitors, and bio-based spray foam insulation. Each choice reflected his core principle that any product must align with sound building…
Read MoreTop Renovations to Increase Home Value in 2026
With mortgage rates expected to drop below 6% in 2026, more buyers will reenter the market — making it an ideal time for homeowners to invest in value-boosting renovations. Key improvements that promise the strongest return include enhancing curb appeal, upgrading bathrooms and kitchens and creating more functional layouts. Exterior updates like new garage doors, entryways and siding can yield ROI exceeding 200%, while open floor plans and finished basements appeal to modern buyers seeking livable, flexible spaces. Luxurious, spa-like bathrooms and well-designed kitchens with islands or walk-in pantries continue…
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 More5 Home Renovation trends you’re expected to see in 2026
Design experts are already forecasting the biggest home renovation trends for 2026, and they suggest that homeowners will be moving away from open-concept layouts in favor of more defined and functional spaces. Architect Peter Miles predicts that as people continue spending more time at home, traditional floor plans with designated areas, such as private home offices, will become more desirable. In addition, wellness-focused renovations are expected to grow, with homeowners adding amenities like home gyms, saunas and meditation rooms to support healthier lifestyles. Improved air quality and natural light will…
Read MoreThe Ongoing Strength in Luxury Remodel Segment
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, much of the key federal economic data used by businesses to make informed decisions, such as housing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, has been temporarily unavailable. As a result, analysts are relying on private reports, such as the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s data, to assess current market trends. This report focuses on North American luxury homes, defined by price relative to income in specific regions. For instance, luxury homes range from about $784,000 in Philadelphia to over $2.2 million in Boulder, Colorado.…
Read MoreRefinancing Applications Increased Amid Fed Rate Cut
Following the Fed’s rate cut, mortgage and refinancing applications are up week-over-week. Compared to last week, mortgage applications have increased by 29.7% and the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Refinance Index reports a 58% increase. With mortgage rates at their lowest since last October, refinancing applications have jumped to take advantage of the lower rates. In anticipation of the rate cut leading up to the Federal Reserve meeting, homeowners were already jumping to refinance. Through this influx of newly refinanced mortgages, contractors can expect increased remodeling activity to begin shortly. With the…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: English Country Style Kitchen in California
A home in Arroyo Grande, Calif. had a complete kitchen makeover, adding cabinetry that reached the ceiling and open space. The kitchen was remodeled to have an English country style to serve its primary function and as an entertainment hub. Changing the cabinetry was a primary goal, and the previous dark cherry cabinets were replaced with a natural wood finish. The new cabinetry reached the ceiling and provided an overall brighter atmosphere. A softer tone from the white oak cabinets and quartzite countertop brightened up the whole room. Selecting finishes…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Luxurious Modern Mediterranean Style Coastal Home
A vacation retreat in Pismo Beach, California was recently remodeled to the vision of the ultimate beachside retirement home using modern Mediterranean style to naturally brighten up the previously dark and dimly-lit house. Tackling the whole house with new paints, materials and detailing transformed the home into the ultimate coastal paradise. Substituting lighter-colored cabinetry in place of the red-stained wood and changing the dark countertops to white made the most of the decision to more light enter in through the bigger windows near the kitchen. The entrance and living room…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Historic Home Marries Modern Design
A recent modernization by TKS Design Group tackled remodeling a historic home with low ceilings, lackluster lighting and little open space. The transformation brightened up the kitchen tremendously by using a white base for the quartz countertops, tiles and cabinets, enhancing them with a pop of light bluish-purple complimented by gold accents. What once was dim and gloomy received a major change that befits a home with such history. Read More
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