This May, Builder and Developer will mark our fourth year of recognizing women in home building leadership. These are the executives, designers, operators and innovators shaping the future of residential construction; leading companies, directing strategy and building communities. Recognizing leadership excellence is part of our commitment to the future of homebuilding. View last year’s May B&D issue here. Know a woman who should be featured in our upcoming May issue? Please email nominations to sofia@builder.media Deadline for nominations is Friday April 17th. Leadership in home building deserves sustained recognition, year after…
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JBREC reports dealers receiving accelerated orders
John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC) recently reported in their Building Products Dealer Survey, building product orders rose 7% year over year. This reporting indicates the strongest growth reading since the fall. Additionally, a little over half of dealers (54%) surveyed relayed accelerating orders compared to the prior month, citing more favorable weather and the previous decline in mortgage rates. However, analysts propose that this increase is not from demand, rather an elevated cost adjustment. “But dealers project full-year 2026 volume growth of less than 1%, with revenue gains of…
Read MoreRemodeling market sentiment holds steady
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2026, indicating remodelers are remaining positive in the market. While the survey reported at a 62, a two point decrease from the Q4 report, NAHB holds that the sentiment of remodelers is still in steady place. Looking at the bigger picture, the reporting of 62 in Q1 is still stronger than Q2 (59) and Q3 (60) in 2025, despite new economic headwinds. “Ongoing positive remodeler sentiment is consistent with the NAHB…
Read MoreCanadian lumber duties expected to decline
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) published its plans to lower antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber. This comes as a scheduled review process of existing tariffs. The DOC presented a decrease of antidumping duties by nearly 10%, from 20.56% to 10.66%. While the countervailing duties are only expected to decrease by less than half a percent from 14.63% to 14.17%, the combined rate would decrease from 35.16% to 24.83%. DOC will likely issue final results of the plans in 120 days, around when lower duties would take…
Read MoreInterview with Bill Owens, remodeler & NAHB Chairman
Bill Owens, a remodeler of over 40 years, shares his plans as Chairman of the Board for the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB), the largest homebuilder association in the U.S. Builder and Developer: Could you tell us about your journey in the home building and construction industry and how it led to this prestigious position? Bill Owens: My career in the industry actually began when I was still a student, more than 40 years ago. I started doing small remodeling projects for profit when I was in college at Miami University…
Read MoreTop Exterior Home Upgrades
Whether designing an exterior renovation to add to a client’s long-term livability or boost a project’s curb appeal for resale, the following are expert-recommended exterior home upgrades. The garage door takes up a significant portion of the facade of a project, so naturally, its design should reflect aesthetic and functionality. A garage door replacement will have the biggest impact on curb appeal and resale value. A porch renovation is another efficient way to boost curb appeal. “Updating (an) old rotting wood front porch is a great way to add both…
Read MoreIncreased interest for functionality and multigenerational living
While many U.S. homeowners are facing economic pressure, renovation projects remain a priority. The How America Renovates 2026 report found that 68% of respondents reporting that their projects are for home functionality, not resale value. This comes as 42% of homeowners surveyed said that economic concerns affected their project plans, a majority of them continued rather than pausing. Despite economic headwinds, the rise is functionality is pressured by the increase in multigenerational living. “This reality is tied closely to changing household dynamics,” wrote Block Renovation in the study. “Multigenerational living…
Read MoreReal Home Trend is Redefining Renovation Design
Today’s homeowners are moving away from picture-perfect decorating toward spaces that tell a story when remodeling. Instead of matching sets and untouched surfaces, clients are looking to embrace layered rooms filled with meaningful items designed to reflect their daily lives, otherwise known as the ‘real home’ trend. “A real home feels layered, lived-in and deeply personal,” said designer Mimi Meacham. “It tells the story of the people who live there. You see the books they actually read, the art they’ve collected over time, the heirlooms, the kids’ projects and the…
Read MoreOpen concept and accessibility in kitchen remodeling
Kitchen remodeling trends are leaning towards open shelving and accessible appliances. Dedicated spaces like a wet bar or coffee station are increasing in popularity as well as smart appliances. Tymur Construction, a remodeling and construction firm note that smart appliance that allow for ease of use with voice assistants or smartphone connection are a must-have for many modern clients. Tymur also emphasizes the multi-use features needed of kitchen islands. “Kitchen islands are no longer just for extra counter space,” said Tymur. “They have become multi-functional hubs.” Kitchens are often now the…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alex Yeske Interiors
Alex Yeske Interiors renovated a 1939 Californian Home and gave it new life with a layered, English-inspired glow. The goal was to preserve the home’s historic charm while introducing British-inspired layers, soft lighting and a calm, garden-led palette. “We wanted our work to feel like it had both always been there and could stand the test of time for many years to come,” said Yeske. Completed in just over eight months, the most transformative decision in the project was also the simplest, by removing almost all overhead lighting. In the…
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