Last week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that three-bedroom homes are the sweet spot for many builders across the United States. As for bathrooms, two full ones are the sweet spot in new homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Construction. Homes with two full bathrooms continued to have the largest share of starts, followed by homes with three full bathrooms. Homes with four or more full bathrooms and homes with one bathroom or fewer made up under 10% of starts each. In 2025,…
Read MoreCategory: Newsletter
Newsletters from/for Bytes Newsletters
Chocolate interiors dominate home design
Throughout 2026, we’ve seen a steady shift away from pale, neutral interiors and towards warmer, earthy tones. The rise of chocolate interiors has remained consistent, as more homeowners prioritize interiors that feel intentional and connected to natural materials. Design-industry data, homeowner search behavior and buyer preference research reveal the same thing: Chocolate brown is returning as the new architectural neutral, especially when paired with warm lighting, authentic wood, creamy textiles, natural stone and sophisticated metal finishes. Rather than treating it as an accent in remodels, design professionals are increasingly using…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Henderer Design + Build + Remodel
Located in Corvallis, Ore., this kitchen’s original layout wasted valuable space, with cabinetry and finishes that no longer met the demands of daily living. Henderer Design + Build + Remodel was challenged to reimagine the home’s kitchen for improved durability, efficiency and long-term performance. By reworking the layout around the island, the builder improved circulation, created clearly defined work zones and replaced failing construction with thoughtful, custom cabinetry. The redesigned island serves as the heart of the kitchen, offering generous prep space, seating and highly functional storage. The range wall…
Read MoreWood framing continues to dominate single-family construction
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ analysis of 2025 Census Bureau data, in 2025, wood framing accounted for 94% of all completed single-family homes. Approximately 947,000 wood-framed homes were completed last year, while the wood-framed market share remained unchanged at 94%. Concrete-framed homes represented 5% of completions, while steel-framed homes had a 25% increase from 2025, with 5,000 completions. Non-wood-based framing methods remain concentrated in the South due to residential resiliency requirements. Concrete-framed homes made up 9% of all single-family home completions in the South. Approximately 60% of…
Read MorePending home sales increase in August
According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report, pending home sales rose 0.3% month over month in August. Pending home sales rose month-over-month in the South and West but fell in the Northeast and Midwest. Year-over-year, pending home sales decreased 4.7%. “Buyers steadily entered into contracts in August even though mortgage rates increased,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “However, the housing market is still sluggish, with contract signings below last year. This is due to higher mortgage rates offsetting the increased buying power created…
Read MoreEarthy tones and natural textures takeover fall remodels
Fall is the season of change and is often the time of year when homeowners look to renovate their interiors, wanting an upgraded, cozy home that feels both stylish and functional. This fall, earthy tones and natural textures are making a big splash in renovations. Colors such as warm browns, rich greens, soft terracottas and muted yellows feel calming. These hues not only bring a serene vibe but also blend seamlessly with both modern and rustic decor. As for tile in flooring, walls, bathrooms and backsplashes, the matte look is…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Oak Hill Construction
Oak Hill Construction renovated the exterior and interior of this New England home in Charlotte, Vt. The overall goal was to preserve its classic character. The home now feels brighter, both internally and externally, while enhancing functionality. The builder also succeeded in maintaining the home’s historical charm. Oak Hill Construction replaced the roof, repaired areas of rot and completely remodeled the wraparound porch, restoring one of the home’s most defining features. The builder upgraded a variety of details within the interior, including interior doors and tile work. Each of the…
Read MoreExisting home sales 1.2% lower than last year
On a year-over-year basis, existing home sales saw a slight decrease, only 1.2% lower than in 2025. However, on a month-over-month basis, existing home sales fell for the third consecutive month as a result of both elevated home prices and mortgage rates. Homes stayed on the market for a median of 31 days in August 2026, up from 29 days in the previous month but unchanged from August 2025. Last month, existing home sales decreased across the four major regions: Sales in the Northeast decreased 4.0%, in the Midwest 3.1%…
Read MoreWhat the custom home premium reveals about homebuilding
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data, the custom home premium reached its highest level since 2011, at 12.6%. The custom home premium is the difference between what typical buyers pay per square foot for a contractor-built home versus a spec home. For custom single-family detached homes started in 2025, the median price increased to $171 per square foot. For spec starts, excluding improved lot values, the median was $152 per square foot, nearly unchanged from $153 a year earlier. The…
Read MoreExisting home sales see slight dip in August
According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Existing-Home Sales report, existing-home sales in August 2026 decreased by 2.0% month-over-month and 1.2% year-over-year. “Mortgage rates and home sales move in opposite directions, so it’s not surprising to see a mild dip in home buying activity due to high mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Still, home prices are rising and existing home sales are actually up 1.6% year-to-date through the first eight months of the year. Homebuying demand, despite higher interest rates, is no doubt being supported by…
Read More