According to the National Association of Homebuilders’ (NAHB) analysis of the latest 2024 data from the American Community Survey (ACS), the long-running shift in the construction labor force away from construction trades and toward management, business and technical roles is ongoing and gaining momentum. While the total industry employment now exceeds the levels reached during the 2005 to 2006 housing boom, the composition of that workforce has changed markedly. The share of construction trades workers has declined from 71% in 2005 to 59% in 2024. At the same time, the…
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New 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 MoreMillennials and Gen Z are diving into renovations in 2026
According to Houzz’s 2026 House & Home Study, more than half of U.S. homeowners are pursuing home renovation plans, with a higher share of millennials and Gen Z diving into renovations. The annual report surveyed more than 20,000 users across the nation to figure out how homeowners are budgeting for their projects, their reasons for renovating, the scope and spend of projects. Marine Sargsyan, the head of economic research at Houzz, said home renovation is continuing at historic levels. The report emphasized older clients prioritizing renovations to age in place,…
Read MoreExterior renovations require balance for a lasting look
Home renovation designs require careful planning and execution to ensure that exterior designs will have a lasting, beautiful and sustainable impact on a client’s home. For example, leaving a brick exterior as it is, instead of painting over it, will allow the exterior to age gracefully and balance with nature. While painting over a project might have a fresher presentation, it can risk moisture being trapped beneath the brick. “Brick, on its own, ages gracefully and tolerates Mother Nature much better without paint on the surface,” said Tyler Hull, Founder…
Read MoreBathroom remodels shift to color and smart technology
When it comes to bathroom designs during a remodel, two things are most prominent. First, all white bathrooms are out; color is in. Second, smart technology is being embedded in bathrooms. According to data from Grand View Research, the market for smart technology, specifically smart showers, is expected to expand by 11.7% from 2023 to 2030. The idea behind this rising trend is that integrating digital technology into a shower’s plumbing systems can provide a client with a catered, spa-like experience, making it a modern bathroom upgrade that combines form…
Read MoreBathroom storage design ideas
Bathroom storage is one of the most requested features from a client when remodeling. Sweeten, one of the nation’s largest remodelers with over 2,000 renovations under its belt gives their insight on intelligent ways to increase storage in this area. Recessed wall cabinets are an easy and common solution where a cabinet may not fit physically or aesthetically. Behind doors or next to vanities these built in nooks are simple storage solutions. In a similar vein, linen closets always are a useful addition. These allow for more closed off storage, still…
Read MoreInterior designs taking the spotlight in renovations
Today, clients are looking for interior designs that are both considerable and personal. From reimagined living rooms to sunlit kitchens, the way Americans are thinking about their homes has shifted. Interior design is getting personal in 2026 and the results are striking in renovations. Cool tones and minimal designs dominated the conversation. However, warmth has staged a confident comeback; deep terracottas, aged brass, burnished wood and textiles. Interior designers are being asked to solve real problems beautifully with built-ins that disappear into walls and furniture with hidden storage that does…
Read MoreNHE grants boost residential construction visibility
The National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB’s philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the homebuilding industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities. This year, a record nine recipients were awarded funds to increase the visibility of careers in residential construction. Such recipients include Cal Poly University – San Luis Obispo, which will develop and enhance courses on safety culture in construction, integrated residential construction and trade entrepreneurship, as well as…
Read MoreNew data provides overview of March construction prices
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released on April 14, 2026, construction input prices increased 2.2% in March compared to the previous month. However, prices decreased in two of the three energy subcategories last month. Natural gas and unprocessed energy materials prices were down 51.7% and 7.7%, respectively. “Construction materials prices surged in March and are now up 4.8% year over year, the largest annual increase since January 2023,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This monthly increase…
Read MoreYoung adults’ interest in construction trades doubles
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released new survey research on the interest of construction trades for young adults. The study focuses on ages 18 to 25 and their perception and interest of working in construction trades. In 2016, NAHB conducted a similar survey. Since then, the interest has doubled from 3 to 6%. Importantly the study also found that more young adults are unsure of what field to build a career in. The figure has dropped from 74% in 2016 to 65% now. “The two most important benefits…
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