An analysis from the National Association of Home Builders showed that the U.S. owner-occupied housing stock has aged measurably, particularly since the Great Recession, as residential construction has consistently fallen short of demand, contributing to a persistent housing shortage. According to the latest data from the 2024 American Community Survey (ACS), the median age of owner-occupied homes has reached 42 years old. As a result, the aging housing stock opens the door for a future growing remodeling market. Older homes tend to be less energy-efficient than newly-built, modernized houses and are…
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Why are open concept floor plans so popular?
Open concept floor plans are often the go-to choice for many homeowners today because it matches the pace of modern living. Remodeling company, Empirical Construction cites that family lifestyles today are much more open for entertainment and less formal. Open-concept floor plans allow for ease in movement and more natural light, supporting connections across the kitchen, living and dining spaces. The rise of indoor-outdoor living also supports the trend, with the average home size decreasing the backyard becomes an additional living and entertainment area. “An open floor plan also creates…
Read MoreBathroom remodel trends highlight luxury and functionality
Homeowners in Paramus, N.J., are increasingly investing in high-end, detail-oriented Bathroom Remodel projects that emphasize both luxury and long-term functionality. Designers and experts at Bergen Bath Studio highlight how bathroom design preferences in Paramus are setting themselves apart in 2026. “Paramus homeowners typically look for a more customized and upscale finish in their bathroom renovations,” said Bob Clark, owner of Bergen Bath Studio. “There’s a strong focus on both design detail and long-term durability.” Another notable trend in Paramus is the growing demand for premium Bathtub Installation options. Clients are increasingly…
Read MoreLos Angeles design team shares bathroom remodeling tips
Love Home Renovations, a home design and remodeling company based in Los Angeles, Calif., shares their best practices when to approach bathroom remodeling. The most important considerations before any design work begins is communicating with your client on their lifestyle. While some may be basing renovations on aesthetic purposes, the functionality of the space should come first. Changing the floorplan can completely change a space, however additional costs like structural engineers, rerouting plumbing, electrical work and permitting need to be weighed and communicated properly. Setting realistic expectations before the bathroom…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Steve Gray Renovations
Steve Gray Renovations’ clients found a lot that they were absolutely in love with, but the 1950s Sears Home that came with it was not quite what they envisioned. Its original footprint was 1800 square feet, with a small, walk-out basement. The beautiful 3 1/2 acre lot in Zionsville, Ind. offered good schools, a great community and a tranquil, tree-filled setting for a dream home opportunity. The renovation company worked with conceptual designer Gary Nance to re-envision the original home’s foundation and incorporate it into a home renovation plan that would…
Read MoreDesigners weigh in on renovating vintage homes
Experts shared how to design a new space with an older, vintage feel and the key to making new materials look older than they actually are. The common practice is restoration, not replacement, during vintage renovation design. During restoration, fellow designers insist on sticking to the original source material, as projects should feel like an extension rather than a complete redo. “Every house has a story, and I want to honor that before bringing in anything new,” said interior designer Leanne Ford. She recommended refinishing the floors instead of ripping…
Read MoreImproved access to construction materials on public lands
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced their Materials Access Program, a new initiative to purchase mineral materials from public lands. Construction materials were up 2.8% in 2025, for particular builders and remodelers this could help ease the burden in materials costs. Levi Spellman, Public Affairs Officer, at BLM noted that in Colorado, mineral materials currently available for sale. This includes sand, gravel, bentonite, adobe clay, fill dirt, red gravel, silt, limestone, volcanic rock, river rock, boulders, rip rap and decomposed granite. “Mineral materials are the basic building blocks of our…
Read MoreSenate passes major housing affordability bill
On March 12, 2026, the Senate passed a bill aimed at boosting the supply of housing and bringing down prices. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, written by Sens. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., won 89 votes. The 303-page legislation creates a series of grants and pilot programs for housing construction. Another key section titled “Homes Are For People, Not Corporations,” prohibits large institutional investors from purchasing certain single-family homes, as a way to promote homeownership opportunities for families rather than corporations. “It will mean, for the…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Sweeten
Sweeten renovated a nearly 100-year-old English house in Bronxville, N.Y., turning an outdated and awkward layout into a modern haven. The classic English Tudor home was transformed with an open-concept kitchen, a custom mudroom and thoughtfully updated bathrooms. Creating an open layout on the first floor involved eliminating the wall between the dining room and kitchen. The new open-concept kitchen included a large center island for entertaining, providing an anchor between the dining space and the cooking area. The quartz marble design for the countertops contrasted with the custom wood…
Read MoreConstruction layoffs and quits decline
The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) program of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its January data last week. During the month, the layoff rate for construction jobs declined to 1.0 %, the quits rate followed with a decrease to 1.7%. The industry remained relatively plateaued compared to a year ago. However, flat is undeniably better than falling. With the spring season kicking in, openings should increase across the nation and especially in the northeast. While in the overall economy the open jobs reportedly increased from from…
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