Five new construction trends are emerging in Twin Cities, Minn. By next spring, these are the trends homebuyers are going to be asking about for their renovations. Black metal mullion windows are showing up in starter homes, custom builds and remodels, bringing in natural light into homes and expanding the interior space. Tongue-and-groove white oak planking on tray and cathedral ceilings has been frequently paired with structural beams. The ceiling as fifth wall trend has graduated out of kitchens and is now showing up in primary bedrooms and screened porches.…
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U.S. Census Bureau April 2026 Residential Construction Report
On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Census Bureau released its Monthly New Residential Construction report for April 2026. Regarding building permits, single-family authorizations in April were at a rate of 872,000, 2.6% below the revised March figure of 895,000. Across the U.S., privately-owned housing starts in April were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,465,000, 2.8% (±11%)* below the revised March estimate of 1,507,000, but 4.6% (±13.9%)* above the April 2025 rate of 1,400,000. Single-family housing starts in April were at a rate of 930,000, which is 9% below…
Read MoreNAHB urges Congress to advance housing supply reforms
On May 21, 2026, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio, testified before the House Small Business Committee on how small builders can help close the nation’s housing gap. “NAHB estimates the country is facing a structural shortage of about 1.2 million homes,” said Owens. “Small builders are doing all they can to increase housing supply, but they cannot overcome the shortage as long as rising costs and system delays continue to hold back progress.” In his testimony, he…
Read MoreBathroom renovations shift away from trending designs
Bathroom design trends are constantly changing; trends shift with time and most homeowners are looking to renovate spaces for long-term living. Designers are starting to see homeowners renovate their bathrooms, one of the most used and personal spaces of the home, with functionality and personalization in mind, rather than following trending designs. The once-popular sleek, all-white bathroom design now feels cold and sterile. Instead, homeowners are looking to renovate their bathrooms to feel more lived-in, softer and personal. Similar to the all-white bathroom design, the all-gray look that once made…
Read MoreConstruction employment increases in 32 states
Construction employment rose in 32 states from April 2025 to April 2026, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America on May 22, 2026. Texas added the most construction jobs, adding approximately 18,700 jobs, followed by North Carolina, Ohio, Louisiana, Illinois and Missouri. Louisiana had the largest percentage gain in the span of 12 months. “It’s encouraging to see construction employment increasing in many parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. In April 2026, Florida added the most…
Read MoreNAHB analyzes remodeling market demographics
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analyzed data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey and revealed which demographics are fueling the remodeling market. Married-couple households remain the dominant force in remodeling, accounting for the majority of both projects and spending. The Consumer Expenditure Survey examined remodeling spending in 2024, when an estimated $670 billion was spent on remodeling projects. Approximately 20 million households, nearly one-quarter of owner-occupied homes, undertook home improvements ranging from large additions and major renovations to smaller alterations and upgrades. Families with children, particularly those with kids…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Story Hill Renovations
Story Hill Renovations modernized a 1930s Tudor home, while still preserving its historic charm. The whole home remodel began with the first floor, which was fully renovated to support the client’s empty-nester lifestyle. The goal was to improve flow, accessibility and everyday comfort. The renovator replaced the existing peninsula with a central island, converting the sunroom into a light-filled dining space and introducing a layout ideal for entertaining. Historic materials and details anchor the space, including black-and-white checkered flooring, red oak custom inset cabinetry and a classic subway tile backsplash.…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: KBF Design Gallery
KBF Design Gallery renovated the Mount Dora Home in Florida, reimagining the previously outdated space into a bright and cohesive home tailored for everyday living and entertaining. The company opened up the original kitchen, which had heavy cabinetry, limited lighting and segmented flow, to create a seamless connection with the living and dining areas. The result is a light-filled central hub featuring improved sight lines, enhanced functionality and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for gathering. Throughout the home, outdated finishes and fixtures were replaced with fresh, contemporary elements that elevate both…
Read MoreConstruction Material Price April Analysis
According to Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of federal Producer Price Index (PPI) data, overall construction input prices rose 1.7% from March to April and are now up 6.2% since January. The biggest drivers in April were energy and metals-related materials, including crude petroleum, natural gas, iron and steel, which can ripple through everything from transportation and asphalt to building systems and structural components. As prices of materials rise, the cost of building both housing and its associated infrastructure also increases. For counties, this trend is significant as tightening budgets…
Read MoreBIS is back in the desert
Join the forefront of innovation and collaboration at the Building Industry Show (BIS)! With a rich history of advocating for the homebuilding industry for over a century, the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC) is thrilled to host BIS once again—this time at the stunning Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, California from September 2-3, 2026. For decades, BIS has stood as the premier destination for the homebuilding industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, featuring renowned keynote speakers, fostering invaluable connections and much more. Expect over 1,000 attendees…
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