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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Remodeling market sentiment improves
The sentiment across the remodeling market is looking up. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter. The survey results indicate a consistent uptick in morale from Q2. The Current Conditions Index (CCI) saw a two point increase from Q2 (66) to Q3 (68). This defies the index’s steady decrease since Q4 2024. The CCI is calculated by multiple factors including the current market for large remodeling projects, moderately-sized projects and small projects. The Future Indicators Index (FII), which accounts for…
Read MoreLumber prices level off
As we head into the fall months, lumber prices remain stable. Throughout the year the market saw swings up and down as construction increases in the summer months then softens in winter. While the swings are not volatile, additional news of impending tariffs lends concern to the future. While the prices of lumber is relatively stable, closely matching how it was in 2023, many key professionals say this is due to decreased supply. Western-SPF in Canada and Eastern-SPF purchasers voiced their supply concerns not matching the construction demand. “In the…
Read MoreSelf-Luxury: Redefining Home Renovation
Once measured by square footage, imported finishes, and dramatic statement pieces, it has shifted toward what we are calling self-luxury, the creation of personal spaces that restore, ground and comfort us. At Chapter, a full-service design-build firm, we define self-luxury as the intersection of design and self-care — treating the home not as a backdrop but as an active participant that nurtures well-being as intentionally as one cares for body and mind. This philosophy guided a recent Westchester renovation, offering a glimpse into how this new approach to luxury is…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Historic Lake Geneva
Facing Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a Greek Revival facade underwent a remodel and addition to blend modern needs with its historic charm. The project, in collaboration with En Masse Architecture and Abrams Valenti Interiors completely revitalized the underused property by modernizing the layout and upgrading fixtures. While the home has underwent other remodels, the layout of the 4,000-square-foot home, did not align with the new owners’ lifestyle. The kitchen and the dining room were relocated to better connect with the outdoors and add a private terrace. The new scullery allows for separation…
Read MoreNew Jersey is a hub for remodeling
New Jersey is at the forefront for remodeling businesses. The Garden State is known for its perfectly preserved Victorian buildings in darling towns like Cape May and Asbury Park. Owners of aging homes are looking towards experienced remodelers to renovate their properties to fit their needs without sacrificing its original charm. The merging of smart-home technologies, high-performance materials, and updated lighting systems with classic design elements are a staple in the state’s increasing remodeling business. “Modern remodeling projects in New Jersey increasingly emphasize both aesthetics and practicality. Whether through kitchen and…
Read More5 Popular Bathroom Design Ideas in 2026
Client preferences in bathroom design are always shifting. Stay informed on trends to incorporate in 2026. Seapointe Design & Remodel give their perspective on five design trends that are speaking to the current buyers. Biophilic designs Bathrooms are more than a functional space, clients want to feel relaxed in these spaces. Natural materials like stone countertops, wooden vanities, and incorporations of greenery are a leading contributor to curating an experience for a wellness focused buyer. Smart Technology Heated flooring, smart showers and other technologies allow for an easier experience saving…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Price Declines
Framing lumber reaches its lowest level in more than a year. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) recent study on material costs give insight of the behaviors within the U.S. framing lumber market. Summary of the week-to-week lumber prices and plywood prices for the week ending on Sept. 19, 2025: The framing lumber composite price was down 1.6%(-6.5% YoY). The price of lumber futures was up 4.6% (+11.5% YoY). The lumber futures price is down 5.4% from a month ago. The structural panel composite price was down 0.9% compared to…
Read More2025 home remodel design trends
Mitchell Construction Group, a design + build firm based in Medfield, MA, gives their insight on 2025 home remodel design trends. Their insights include reinventing outdoor spaces, utilizing multi-use spaces, renovating mud rooms and using more rich color palettes. Integrating niche features in kitchens like coffee bars. Also in kitchens they found that range alcoves offer increased functionality for home chefs as well as serving as increased storage space for meal preparation. They emphasized offering unique ceiling treatments like wood paneling and coffered ceilings to serve homeowners looking to reinvent…
Read MoreRemodeling spending trend: natural disaster repairs
Natural disaster repairs are growing in their share of the overall remodeling market. According to data from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies in their latest Improving America’s Housing 2025 report, this is an increasing trend. From 2022 and 2023 spending for repairs caused by natural disasters represented 6 percent of the total market share. This is up from 4 percent reported two decades earlier. According to the NOAA Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disaster database, in 2023 the U.S. experienced 28 record breaking disasters each with an estimated total for…
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