In Chicago, homeowners are thinking about how their backyard is used day-to-day, making the goal of a renovation project to restructure the space without compromising daily functionality. Chicago-based advisor Joe Freeman shared clients’ driving decisions when considering a backyard remodel and the top upgrades emerging in backyard design. The data showed that 62% of Chicago residents prioritize relaxation in their backyard design, while 38% want more time with friends and family and 31% are thinking about home value. Landscaping was the most popular upgrade, followed by outdoor seating, raised garden…
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NAHB introduces quarterly state-level remodeling resource
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced more in depth research in the remodeling industry, providing a state-level outlook on market share and spend. The State Projections of Remodeling (SPR), debuted with an analysis of the fourth quarter of 2025. In this release California makes up the largest market share of remodeling at 7.9% ($22.1 billion) for one state. Following California is Texas, Florida, New York and North Carolina. This comes one month after the release of NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI). NAHB recognizes the rise of aging housing…
Read MoreBathroom designs shift toward wellness-inspired layout
New bathroom trends are defined by warmth and character. Clients want refreshing and reimagined bathroom spaces that will support their way of living for years to come. Designer Melanie Boyden noted that bathroom layouts are leaning more towards smarter, serene features in wellness-inspired design. Blue-and-white Delft-style tiles scattered playfully across the backsplash of a project offer a playful, dainty flair to the space. This is another trend that is expected to become popular throughout the remainder of the year. Unlike the bold, large-scale cement tiles that made waves in years…
Read MoreHarvard University releases Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released its quarterly report on the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). This is a prediction on the near-future of the remodeling industry. The most recent LIRA calculation forecasts a positive pace in year-over-year growth in home renovation and repair spending for the first quarter of 2027. While it remains in positive territory, at 0.5 percent, there are slight concerns over outpacing inflation. “Growth in remodeling permits and retail spending on building products has been flat recently, signaling stagnant interest in home improvement,”…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Aaron Gordon Construction, Inc.
Aaron Gordon Construction, Inc. transformed a 1,200-square-foot row house in San Francisco, Calif., into a three-story, contemporary home. The company began a full rebuild, which began with excavating 10 feet below grade to create a new sub-grade garage and expanded footprint. The interior was fully reimagined to recalibrate light, structure and flow. Steel bi-fold doors, a rooftop hot tub off the primary suite and a rope floor in the kids’ room mark moments where heavy construction meets craft and play. Read More Photo Credit: Aaron Gordon Construction, Inc.
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Sweeney Design
Sweeney Design took an outdated kitchen and gave it an elegant, blue makeover in this whole-house remodel in Madison, Wis. The kitchen was the primary focus of the project, since its awkward layout limited the homeowner’s ability to host gatherings. The builder reimagined the space with both functionality and aesthetics in mind. The builder added a spacious new island, making meal preparation and entertaining easier. Cabinetry, painted in a dark, blackened blue, was paired with granite countertops for an elevated look. The tile backsplash was accented with an arabesque-style pattern…
Read MoreNAHB data highlights remodeling growth
To kick off National Home Remodeling Month, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) highlighted recent data that demonstrated the remodeling sector’s growth. NAHB’s analysis of the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data shows that remodeling is capturing an increasing share of the residential construction market, both in the number of firms and employment. Over the past 25 years, the number of remodeling companies has nearly doubled. In 2000, there were fewer than 69,000 firms. In the first quarter of 2025, there were more than 128,000. Remodelers now represent…
Read MoreHonoring Women in Homebuilding Leadership in the July Issue
Our call for nominations for Women in Homebuilding Leadership was so successful, it was almost too hard to choose! So we are not choosing just yet. Our fourth year of recognizing these outstanding ladies will now be in the July issue of the magazine. This is one of the most highly-anticipated issues of the year, stay tuned for more information and enjoy a sneak peek of the cover. If you missed out on our first call, you can still email nominations to sofia@builder.media. Space is tight! So please include the…
Read MoreSmall enhancements to elevate bathroom remodels
Small bathroom enhancements can turn a cramped area into a stylish and functional space during a renovation. Utilizing smart storage solutions, as well as paint, tile, wallpaper and lighting can enhance a bathroom’s design. Consider giving a compact powder room in an older home a sense of grandeur with patterned wallpaper. Adding a mirror on the far wall of a smaller, more narrow bathroom can double the perception of space and bounce light around. Bring color into the project by adding a colorful sink. Softer, earth-toned colors can warm up…
Read MoreHomeowners want these features in their backyard renovation
The backyard is where homeowners have the option to spend time relaxing, entertaining, exercising, gardening and bonding with loved ones. According to a new study by Alan’s Factory Outlet, 77% of homeowners are planning a backyard upgrade in 2026 and they have their eyes on certain features for their renovated yards. The study found that landscaping and aesthetics were the top backyard priority, cited by 62% of homeowners surveyed. New sods, privacy shrubs, rocks, lights, flower boxes and edging can enhance a project. Meanwhile, 48% of homeowners have outdoor seating…
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