The U.S. housing market is seeing a long-term shift toward remodeling as aging homes and high new-home prices make renovation the more practical option for many Americans. According to NAHB’s analysis of employment and establishment data, remodeling is no longer a short-term trend but a structural transformation in residential construction. The number of remodeling firms nearly doubled from under 69,000 in 2000 to over 128,000 in early 2025, now representing 56% of all residential building construction businesses. This growth reflects steady consumer demand for affordable improvements and builders’ strategic pivot…
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The Best-Paying Cities for Construction Workers
The U.S. construction industry in 2025 faces growing uncertainty amid shifting trade policies, high interest rates and stricter immigration enforcement. New tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased material costs, delaying projects and tightening budgets, while labor shortages continue to challenge contractors nationwide. Inflation has further eroded wage gains, and elevated borrowing costs are cooling new development, especially in housing. Despite these pressures, construction workers remain relatively well-paid, earning a median annual wage of $58,360—about 18% above the national median. Wages have climbed 15.4% in the past two years, more…
Read MoreThe best market for residential construction
While construction employment has mainly recovered from pandemic setbacks, wage and permitting trends give insight on which market is the strongest for remodeling and construction business owners and workers. While across the board construction workers report a median annual wage of $58,360. This is about 18% higher than the $49,500 median for all U.S. workers.While looking at the Construction Coverage analysis of BLS & BEA data,  Illinois leads with median annual wage of $79,328. This trend stays true across the Midwestern states,  Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Ohio rank in…
Read MoreInside Laura Lubin’s Artful Tennessee Home Renovation
Interior designer Laura Lubin’s renovation of her former Tennessee home, now owned by a new family, transformed an already beautiful residence into a seamless blend of sophistication, warmth and modern comfort. The new homeowners, who fell in love with the home’s architecture and decor, enlisted Lubin to expand and reimagine the space, turning a screened patio into a versatile keeping room that connects naturally to the rest of the house. Lubin approached the project as a study in balance—merging refined, Italian-villa–inspired design with casual Southern charm. The result is a…
Read MoreThe 2026 Color Palette Home Builders Should Embrace
Designers predict that gray-green will define interior color trends in 2026, blending sophistication with warmth. This shade offers the perfect balance between cool and cozy tones, reflecting a connection to nature while maintaining modern versatility. From olive green cabinets that add refinement to kitchens, to soft mint tones that evoke calm in bathrooms, gray-green serves as a timeless neutral that complements nearly any aesthetic. Its grounding quality brings serenity and balance, making it ideal for spaces where homeowners want elegance and comfort to coexist. When styling gray-green, designers suggest experimenting…
Read MoreThis bathroom design is in high demand
Remodelers find that open-concept wet bathroom design is in high demand for its balance of accessibility, functionality and style. So much so that a reported one in six renovated bathrooms adopt this style. This is reported that 41% of new remodels value with aging household members. The defining features that gravitate many clients are low-curb or curbless showers, non-slip flooring,grab bars and built-in seating. The room layout of these bathrooms are an integral part of the design. Remodelers often prioritize large format tiles through 12 x 24-inch rectangles. Additionally it…
Read MoreU.S. Countertop Market set to reach USD 32.44 Billion by 2030
The U.S. countertop market is entering a new era defined by sustainability, innovation and performance. Valued at $28.65 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $32.44 billion by 2030, the market’s steady growth is driven by remodeling trends, design innovation and advances in manufacturing efficiency. Consumers are increasingly choosing materials like sintered stone and high-performance porcelain, which combine visual appeal with durability, hygiene and eco-conscious features. As manufacturers like Neolith, Caesarstone and Cosentino lead in education and product innovation, sustainable and low-maintenance surfaces are reshaping both residential and commercial spaces.…
Read MoreTariffs to drive up home remodeling prices
New tariffs on imported cabinets, vanities and lumber will make costs rise for remodelers nationwide, and in turn rise for their clients. Some remodelers have avoided relaying this cost to their buyers. However, with additional tariffs going into place in the start of 2026, some simply don’t have the margins for wiggle room. Melina Meyer, project manager with Coast Design and Build elaborated, “Say, for instance, a kitchen right now that is running between 35 to $50,000, is going to jump, starting at 45 to $65,000,” said Meyer. Meyer said…
Read MoreHow remodelers can boost their marketing
As the industry grows, each remodeler needs to stand out in their marketing. Comrad Digital Marketing gives their insights on how remodelers can grow their online presence to attract new customers. Many clients will Google or ChatGPT, “best remodeler near me,” and go with the first result. Being visible in the online atmosphere is key to being trusted in the eyes of clients. Quality digital marketing starts with a quality website. It includes the basics like who you are and what you do. Do you specialize in kitchen remodeling? Or have…
Read MoreHardwood and lumber companies ask for tariff relief
Hardwood and lumber companies across the U.S are asking for federal support because of the effect of tariffs on their businesses. The Hardwood Federation sent out a letter to the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Treasury and the United States Trade Representative. This was sent on Oct. 14, the same day the tariffs took into effect. In the letter the Hardwood Federation cited issues in hardwood exports including how fom 2022-2024, hardwood exports product exports decreased $930 million and hardwood lumber exports fell 20% or $663 million. They also included the…
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