A new home study, conducted between January and March 2026, offers insights from more than 20,000 U.S. respondents into home renovation trends for construction and design professionals, as well as homeowners looking to begin a renovation project. The study found that, despite economic uncertainty, home renovation budget costs continue to remain steady and are actually rising in certain parts of the U.S. “Home renovation continues at historic levels, even as homeowners take a more cautious approach to future projects,” says Marine Sargsyan, head of economic research at Houzz. Among all…
Read MoreCategory: Newsletter
Newsletters from/for Bytes Newsletters
New law speeds up home renovations and repairs in Florida
A new bill signed into law aims to slash local red tape and lower costs for Florida homeowners, in an effort to expedite home renovations and storm repairs. House Bill 803 will introduce sweeping changes to Florida building permit laws, as well as how building permits and inspections are managed across municipalities within the state. The legislation was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis this week after passing both the House and Senate. For residents of Key Biscayne and coastal communities where home renovations and storm repairs are a constant way…
Read MoreConstruction jobs see life for two consecutive months
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, both the U.S. labor market and construction job market continued to show resilience for two consecutive months. Employment in the overall construction sector rose by 9,000 jobs in April. Residential construction employment now stands at 3.3 million in April, including 927,000 workers employed by builders and remodelers and nearly 2.4 million residential specialty trade contractors. A report from the National Association of Homebuilders noted that the number of open construction sector jobs increased, rising slightly from 201,000 in February to 224,000 in March.…
Read MoreThe revival of HELOCs
According to New York Fed data, homeowners are more likely to tap into Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC). In Q1 2026, HELOC balances rose by $12 billion, increasing the total to $446 billion. Around 43% of Americans renovated their home in the last year and another 33% plan to renovate in the next year. Tapping into this equity allows homeowners to complete necessary renovations such as roof replacements or increase the value of homes with kitchen and bath remodels. This demand continues to debt limits which increased 1.4%. “Homeowners who…
Read MoreExisting home sales rise
New data from April 2026 reported existing-home sales increased by 0.2%. While a slight increase, this rebound from March’s nine-month low exhibits signs of a balancing market. The average sales price of existing homes increased 0.9% from the previous year at $417,700. Regionally, the Midwest and South saw the most increase at +2.2% and +0.5% respectively. The Northeast remained unchanged while the West fell 2.6%. The percent of first-time homebuyers are also up, at 33%. “Despite mixed macroeconomic signals—including a record-high stock market and historically low consumer confidence—home sales were…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Block Renovation
Block Renovation reimagined the interior of a 1960s Ranch House. Based in Brooklyn, N.Y., the renovation studio preserved the home’s single-story flow, generous lot size and straightforward floor plan built for everyday living. Instead, the studio replaced outdated and worn designs with fresh materials to breathe new life into the project. One of the most prominent upgrades in the projects was removing the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to open up both spaces, allowing for more natural light. The studio also replaced fluorescent ceiling fixtures with recessed,…
Read MoreRenovators are strategic upgrades
Home renovators are looking for upgrades to enhance their quality of life now and boost their home’s resale value in the future. While most homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than relocate, renovators are still selecting home upgrades that increase property value. Minor kitchen remodels recoup up to 83% of their cost, making them one of the most popular investments for current owners. Homeowners are becoming strategic when undergoing a renovation project. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value Report, minor kitchen remodels recoup up…
Read MoreConstruction jobs see growth since February
According to the newly released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), jobs in the construction industry had 224,000 openings in March. This is a significant increase to the reported slow February numbers of 2001,000. JOLTS includes all positions that are open on the last business day of the month. Overall in March the total number of job openings was relatively unchanged at 6.9 million. Compared to the same time last year, jobs in the construction industry is down 54,000 jobs. “Construction industry hiring rebounded from February’s…
Read MoreSmall patio designs that enhance a project
Maximizing a compact space, such as a small patio, can be just as rewarding as it is challenging. In honor of National Remodeling Month, these designs for covered patios and detached spaces can elevate a backyard patio during a renovation project. Keeping it simple with a brick patio can easily transform various outdoor entertaining setups, from a simple sit-down dinner or garden party to an afternoon full of relaxation. Turning a compact space into a poolside bar adds an entirely new level to a luxury lifestyle in a backyard. A…
Read MoreTop 5 renovation trends in 2026
Homeowners are investing in renovations now more than ever, with remodeling projects rising steadily across the nation as homeowners prioritize comfort, functionality and long-term value. As the middle of the year approaches, overall renovation trends in 2026 have pointed towards smarter and more sustainable upgrades that are tailored to everyday lifestyles. Smart home integration has been a popular integration in remodels. Homeowners are prioritizing centralized control over lighting, security, climate and appliances through unified platforms. As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for eco-conscious building materials in remodels. With…
Read More