Combining goods and services, the price index for inputs to new residential construction was up by 2.0% in September and 10.3% higher than in 2025. The price of goods used in new residential construction, including energy, increased by 1.8% over the month and increased by 9.7% from last year, while the price of services was up 2.2% over the month and up 11.3% from last year. Prices for service inputs to residential construction rose 2.2% in September. On a year-over-year basis, service input prices were up 11.3%, the highest since…
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Number of new homes with deck edges upward
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) analysis of data from the HUD/Census Bureau Survey of Construction, the share of new homes with a deck inched upward in 2025. In 2025, the number of new homes with a deck increased to 17.8%, slightly higher than 17.4% in 2024. The share of new homes with decks dropped significantly between 2017, at 23.8%, and 2021, at 17.5%. Since then, the share has remained largely stable, fluctuating only within a relatively narrow range. According to NAHB, decks and patios also tend…
Read MoreWhat trades need more workers
According to the September 2026 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey, 47% of builders reported experiencing labor shortages. While builder-reported shortages had steadily declined since the height of the pandemic, that figure has now ticked up 5 percentage points since the NAHB’s last survey on the subject in 2025. The sharpest decline in workers occurred among framing crews (up 9 percentage points to 57%), landscapers (up 7 points to 39%) and roofers (up 6 points to 36%). This continues for subcontractors, with over half of all surveyed builders at…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: GVD Renovations & Remodeling
GVD Renovations and Remodeling upgraded both bathrooms in a home in Greenwood, Calif., transforming the primary one into a spa-style bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub and neo-angle walk-in shower. The hall bath was converted from a dated tub into a bright walk-in shower. Both spaces now have a cohesive modern black-and-white color palette, with dark matte fixtures and vinyl plank flooring to evoke luxury. The builder relocated plumbing to place the new freestanding tub beneath the window overlooking the forest. The neo-angle walk-in shower was designed with marble walls,…
Read MoreConstruction material prices increase 2.2% in September
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index released new September data on Oct. 15, 2026. The new data revealed that construction material prices increased 2.2% in September compared to the previous month. “Construction input prices have risen more than 11% over the past 12 months, the largest year-over-year increase in nearly four years,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While higher fuel prices… have driven a substantial portion of the increase, prices for tariffed materials like iron, copper and other…
Read MoreDesigners say these 6 kitchen trends will be everywhere in 2027
We know how fast kitchen design trends move. With 2027 looming around the corner, designers are expecting six design trends to take over kitchen renovations. The first is already prominent in high-end homes: tile backsplashes. “We’re surrounding our cabinets with 4- to 8-inch square tiles as countertops and [backsplashes] are shifting away from just a solid stone,” said Jill Tran, co-owner and principal designer of Tran + Thomas Design Studio in Mission, Kan. “Those ‘grids’ are another element that we have to consider when creating our cabinetry designs.” Slim shaker…
Read MorePending home sales soften in September
According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report, pending home sales in September decreased by 7.3% month-over-month and 11.3% year-over-year. All four major U.S. regions declined, with the West seeing the largest drop. The South followed close behind, followed by the Midwest and Northeast. “Market conditions weakened in September due to fast-rising mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Although job growth and income gains can support home purchases, housing affordability is more affected by changes in mortgage rates. Given that mortgage rates have…
Read MoreJob site safety issues to be aware of in cold weather
With fall comes cold weather and harsh work conditions, so it is important to prepare for hidden safety hazards on job sites. Risks of cold-related injuries and illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite and dehydration, which can all lead to lasting adverse health effects. Ice and snow can also present slip and fall risks. Cold weather also brings an elevated risk of construction jobsite fires due to a high number of on-site heaters to keep workers warm. Dehydration is a hidden risk on job sites, caused by sweat evaporating in dry air…
Read MoreBathroom remodeling trends shaping the modern home
As homeowners look for ways to create spaces that feel luxurious yet highly functional, bathroom remodeling design continues to evolve. Looking toward 2027, the momentum behind spa-inspired features, smart upgrades and personal design elements shows no signs of slowing down. While cool grays dominated much of the last decade, bathroom remodeling trends have been shifting toward softer, warmer tones. Even bold colors are expected to warm up 2027; deep greens, terracotta, burgundy and muted navy are gaining popularity in vanities and accent walls. Tile design seems to be entering a…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Renova Renovations
Renova Renovations gave a second life to this now-modernized kitchen in West Delray Beach, Fla. White cabinets and marble counters define the kitchen, with stainless steel appliances integrated into the layout. A wooden range connects to the ceiling and effortlessly matches the cabinetry. Hardwood flooring connects the working and gathering areas. Pendant and recessed lighting, smart home features and glass door adjustments complete the scope of the renovated space. The new design embodies modern luxury, expanding the space visually and functionally. Read Full Article Photo Credit: Renova Renovations
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