Residential construction costs continued to climb in September, with overall building material prices rising at their fastest pace since early 2023. The Producer Price Index showed a 0.3% increase in final demand, driven largely by a sharp 3.5% rise in energy prices—the first energy increase in more than a year. Input prices for new residential construction rose 0.2% for the month and 3.1% year-over-year, with building materials up 3.5% from last year as inflation gradually accelerated throughout 2025. Some categories saw dramatic increases, including parts for construction machinery (+41%) and…
Read MoreCategory: Newsletter
Newsletters from/for Bytes Newsletters
Census releases August construction report
Delayed by 42 days because of the government shutdown, the Census presented their August construction spending report this week. The overall construction in August bounced back a bit, 0.2 percent, above the revised July estimate. However it is 1.6 percent below the August 2024 estimate. Looking at private construction projects, spending rose 0.3% in August compared to July. Residential construction remains in the positive, with a reported 0.8% increase in investment. However a report from Reuters suggested, “But outlays on new single-family housing projects dropped 0.4%. Spending on multi-family housing…
Read MoreDesign trends popular for the last half of 2025
Designers report the market is shifting away from the neutral minimalist color schemes and design trends as we wrap up 2025. Melissa Dittmann Tracey from the The National Association of Realtors shares her insight on where these trends are heading. First she indicates that the market will gravitate towards layered textures like boucle, grasscloth, plaster, zellige tile, fluting and handcrafted details. “Texture can adds warmth, depth and subtle dimension to spaces,” said Tracey. “It also adds personality, welcoming homeowners to reach out and touch.” The pendulum of style is greatly…
Read MoreRemodeling rising to the top of the residential construction market
Remodeling activity including firms and employment is growing in the residential construction market. The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) analyzed the quarter-century of Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data and found that the rise of remodelers is not a a short term trends, but a possible market shift. As the U.S. housing economy is currently unfavorable for middle class homeowners looking for starter or move-up homes. Life still happens to homeowners for example welcoming a child or need for multigenerational living, therefore the demand is there for more…
Read MorePutting 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 MoreSustainable and wood-based market to expand
The global facade materials market, exterior building materials, is increasing in demand fir sustainable and wood-based solutions. This is driving incredible growth expected throughout 2035. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the market is valued at USD 272.0 billion in 2025. This is predicted to grow to USD 565.8 billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. Currently, wood dominates the market with 36.9% revenue share in 2025. It is applauded for its consistency throughout the market, natural appeal, renewability and engineered enhancements. While metal, glass,…
Read MoreHardwood companies seek relief from Trump tariffs
As the Trump administration pledges financial relief for soybean farmers following the government shutdown, Kentucky’s hardwood lumber industry is also seeking aid after years of struggle tied to international trade tensions. At GreenTree Forest Products in Wallingford, a small family-run sawmill that employs 90 people, business has slowed dramatically. Falling lumber prices, reduced demand from homebuilding and bourbon industries and volatile trade policies have all cut into profits. Since 2018, when China imposed 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. hardwoods, exports have plummeted, devastating mills that relied heavily on overseas buyers.…
Read MoreChris Beard presents his insights into the remodeling industry
Chris Beard the Vice President of Building Products Research at John Burns Research and Consulting presents his outlook on the remodeling industry. At an event at at GlassBuild America in Orlando, his advice is a steading tone across the industry. In his opening remarks he acknowledges that this year presented challenges and was, ‘bumpy.’ Despite this and factors of consumer confidence and housing affordability, he expects household formation to increase. He cites those in the 70+ age group who are looking to age in place. This is complemented by those…
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 MoreHomeowners to dip into HELOCS to fund remodels
As whispers across the industry point to a remodeling surge, a new study finds homeowners are more likely to utilize HELOCs to fund these projects. HELOCs or Home Equity Lines Of Credit, are showing more promise as interest rates for homes are slowly dropping. “A single Fed cut won’t thaw the sales market overnight, but it could still act as a powerful catalyst by channeling money into home improvements instead.” said Allaire Conte at Realtor. “That money, in turn, could be a lifeline for the housing market of tomorrow.” A…
Read More