​In March 2025, construction input prices rose by 0.5%, marking the third consecutive month of significant increases, according to an analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Nonresidential construction input prices experienced a slightly higher uptick of 0.6% for the month. While crude petroleum prices declined during this period, the decrease was offset by substantial price hikes in natural gas, steel, copper, and lumber. Notably, the prices of iron and steel, steel mill products, and copper wire and cable each surged by over…
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Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA)
​The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), developed by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, offers a short-term forecast of national spending on home improvements and repairs for owner-occupied homes. By analyzing a weighted average of eight key economic indicators—including home sales, housing starts, retail sales at building material suppliers, and home prices—LIRA estimates the annual rate of change in remodeling expenditures over a four-quarter horizon. This tool aids in identifying potential turning points in the home improvement business cycle and is updated quarterly. Notably, LIRA focuses exclusively on owner-occupied…
Read MoreNGBS Green Remodeling Certification: Enhancing Sustainability in Residential Renovations
The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Green Remodeling Certification, administered by Home Innovation Research Labs, offers a structured pathway for homeowners and builders to integrate sustainable practices into residential renovation projects. This certification emphasizes improvements in energy and water efficiency, aiming to reduce environmental impact while enhancing home comfort and durability. The program accommodates a range of project scopes, from minor updates to comprehensive renovations, across various residential structures, including single-family homes, townhouses, and multifamily buildings. Certification levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald—are awarded based on the extent of green practices…
Read More2025 Remodeling Impact Report Highlights Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery
The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, released by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), reveals that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing—each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. These findings underscore the value homeowners place on both personal enjoyment and…
Read MoreRemodeling Market Sentiment Down in the First Quarter
​Despite a five-point decline in the first quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) remains in positive territory at 63, indicating that more remodelers view market conditions as good than poor. Rising homeowner equity and limited opportunities to move into other homes continue to support the home improvement market and keep remodeler sentiment positive. Notably, small remodeling projects under $20,000 maintained a strong index score of 76, reflecting steady demand in this segment. “Rising homeowner equity and limited opportunities to move into other homes is still supporting…
Read MoreWhere do builders and remodelers buy building products?
According to recent NAHB surveys, specialty retailers, lumber yards, and wholesale distributors are the primary sources for building products, collectively accounting for about 70% of purchases by both builders and remodelers. Lumber yards are particularly favored for structural materials like plywood, sawn lumber, and engineered wood products. Notably, remodelers are three times more likely than builders to shop at home improvement centers, especially for hand and power tools, which are commonly purchased by both groups at these outlets. NAHB explains one major difference between builders and remodelers was the share…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: “Heirloom Harmony: A Serene Sanctuary in Bucks County”
Irwin Build’s award-winning transformation of a 6,000-square-foot home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, earned top honors in the 2025 National Remodeler of the Year Awards for the Entire House $750,000 to $1,000,000 category. The renovation celebrates timeless elegance by blending heirloom pieces with a warm, natural palette of taupes, creams, and soft earth tones—creating a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Expansive windows bathe the interior in natural light, highlighting curated artwork and offering tranquil views of the surrounding landscape. Every detail of the home was thoughtfully designed to balance…
Read MoreTop Remodeling Projects for Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery
​The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry highlights that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing, each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. While personal satisfaction drives many remodeling decisions, Realtors® often recommend projects such…
Read MoreThe Bathroom Trends to Watch in 2025
According to Benzinga, as homeowners prepare for renovations in the coming year, bathrooms are taking center stage as spaces for both functionality and indulgence. In recent years, bathroom remodel trends have leaned heavily on minimalist aesthetics, neutral palettes, and clean, simple lines. Fixtures in polished chrome and stark white marble were the hallmarks of modern luxury, while functionality often took precedence over personality. However, as design preferences evolve, homeowners are moving away from purely utilitarian spaces and embracing innovative concepts that merge form with function. Designers and industry experts are…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
The framing lumber composite price decreased 2.0% for the week ending on Dec. 13. Despite the decline, lumber prices are 12.8% higher than they were one year ago. NAHB continually tracks the latest lumber prices and futures prices, and provides an overview of the behaviors within the U.S. framing lumber market. The information is sourced each week using the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price which is comprised using prices from the highest volume-producing regions of the U.S. and Canada. A summary of other wood prices, including plywood prices, is…
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