According to the latest Producer Price Index release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, residential building material prices continued to show growth. Price growth averages above 3.0%, despite concerns in the remodeling and new residential construction market. Across building materials, metal products experienced price increases. However, ready-mix concrete and softwood lumber declined throughout 2025. “The largest year-over-year price increases continue to show in metal products. Topping the list in November was metal molding and trim, with prices up 48.2% from last year. Two key inputs, ready-mix concrete and softwood lumber,…
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What mortgage rates mean for the remodeling industry
Despite mortgage rates continually dropping throughout 2025, much of the market is looking to upgrade their current spaces rather than moving. Consumers shifting their focus mean that remodelers must be ready to tap into the current market moment. Advisory from Daniels Design & Remodeling is clear guidance to their clients on why remodeling is the right move for them. This form of conversation to clients before they even make a phone call sets remodelers up for a productive conversation. Their expertise allows for expectations to be set, like on terms…
Read MoreThe Remodeling Labor Market
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) released a study on the role immigrant labor plays on the remodeling industry. While immigrants account for an estimated one in five workers nationally,in the construction trades they represent about one in three workers. With the recent tightening of immigration laws, standards and work permits the team at JCHS predicts this could potentially strain the building and remodeling labor market. This is especially true in large metro areas. Their research shows that in the seven metros that issued at least 150,000 building…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alder House
SHED Architecture reimagines a 1990s home with passive building techniques and contemporary style. Located in Seattle, Wash., the 2,820-square-foot project planned for a deeper immersion with its ecological surroundings. SHED worked in collaboration with Thomas Jacobson Construction, structural engineer Swenson Say Fagét and energy modeling from Atvaga Building Modeling for this project. Modernizing the building required the reconfiguration of living spaces. This includes opening up the kitchen to the other living spaces and expanding the square footage by 20 feet. This transformed the home’s livability. On the exterior the cornice was replaced with…
Read MoreTariffs on Furniture and Kitchen Cabinets Delayed
Projected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, the White House announced the delay of tariffs on furniture and kitchen cabinets. In October, the White House imposed a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, furniture and vanities with a planned increase in January of furniture to 30% and 50% of kitchen cabinet and vanity levies. By invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Act) this move extends potential increases in tariffs for upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for another year. A White House fact sheet stated, “The…
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