Every summer brings a new wave of design trends, but 2026 is already looking different. Homeowners are moving away from quick-fix updates and focusing on improvements that make their homes more comfortable, functional and enjoyable for years to come. Remodelers and designers are seeing an increase in clients seeking a blend between indoor and outdoor living, wanting spaces that equally support functionality and entertainment. Outdoor spaces remain one of the most requested home improvements. Instead of simple patios and decks, families are creating outdoor spaces that function like an extension…
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U.S. Census Bureau April 2026 Residential Construction Report
On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau released its Monthly New Residential Construction report for April 2026. Regarding building permits, single-family authorizations in April were at a rate of 872,000, 2.6% below the revised March figure of 895,000. Across the U.S., privately-owned housing starts in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,465,000, 2.8% (±11%)* below the revised March estimate of 1,507,000, but 4.6% (±13.9%)* above the April 2025 rate of 1,400,000. Single-family housing starts in April were at a rate of 930,000, which is 9% below…
Read MoreConstruction employment increases in 32 states
Construction employment rose in 32 states from April 2025 to April 2026, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America on May 22, 2026. Texas added the most construction jobs, adding approximately 18,700 jobs, followed by North Carolina, Ohio, Louisiana, Illinois and Missouri. Louisiana had the largest percentage gain in the span of 12 months. “It’s encouraging to see construction employment increasing in many parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. In April 2026, Florida added the most…
Read MoreRenovators are strategic upgrades
Home renovators are looking for upgrades to enhance their quality of life now and boost their home’s resale value in the future. While most homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than relocate, renovators are still selecting home upgrades that increase property value. Minor kitchen remodels recoup up to 83% of their cost, making them one of the most popular investments for current owners. Homeowners are becoming strategic when undergoing a renovation project. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value Report, minor kitchen remodels recoup up…
Read MoreNew York City home renovation sparks record-breaking sale
Interior designer Purvi Padia and founder of REVELRY set out to remodel her five-bedroom, 5,840-square-foot duplex penthouse in the exclusive West Village in New York City to make it feel more welcoming. What followed was a two-year, $6 million transformation that led to a $60 million sale, which came in at nearly three times the neighborhood average price per square foot for luxury condos and represented a 106% increase on the $29 million the owner paid for the apartment in 2016. The star attraction of the remodel that led to…
Read MoreHomeowners are remodeling instead of relocating
According to a recent survey from Redfin, more homeowners are choosing to renovate their homes rather than relocate. Around 43% of Americans renovated their home in the last year and another 33% plan to renovate in the next year. Approximately 65% of homeowners who recently renovated chose to upgrade their current home instead of moving. Of the homeowners who are planning to renovate in the next year, 71% say that they are remodeling instead of buying a new house. “Many Americans are choosing to stay put and make the home…
Read MoreFed’s rate cut boosts existing construction projects
Contractors are cautiously optimistic after the Federal Reserve delivered its third interest-rate cut of 2025, lowering its benchmark rate by another 25 basis points. The move reinforces a gradual easing trend that developers hope will reduce borrowing costs as 2026 approaches. Industry leaders say the cut boosts confidence and supports projects already in planning, but it is not large enough to immediately spur a wave of new nonresidential construction starts. While planning activity dipped slightly in November, it remains significantly higher than last year, suggesting continued momentum even as financing…
Read MoreWhen will housing prices drop?
New data from Realtor.com shows the U.S. housing market is cooling, with homes staying on the market longer and prices softening in many areas. In November 2025, the typical home spent 64 days for sale, three days longer than a year earlier and nine days longer than in 2022. Price trends vary by location, but nationally there are clear signs of easing: annual price declines were recorded in 28 of the 50 largest metro areas, while six others saw flat prices. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the median home price…
Read More2026 U.S. Labor Market Outlook
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,…
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…
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