On June 16, 2026, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 9.1 months in May 2026. This is according to ABC’s member survey conducted from May 20 to June 3. The reading is up 0.3 months from April and 0.7 months from May 2025. “Backlog rose to a nearly three-year high in May,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This increase largely reflects the massive data center investments taking place across the nation, as the 14% of ABC members under contract to work…
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Residential building material prices increase
Wholesale prices of materials used in residential construction increased in May 2026, a direct result of rising energy costs. Residential building material prices rose at their highest yearly rate since January 2023, as prices were up 4.4% from 2025 and up 0.7% over May. The price index for inputs to new residential construction rose 1.3% in May and was up 6.9% from last year. The price of goods used in new residential construction, including energy, was up 2.1% over the month and up 8.3% from last year, while the price…
Read MoreHomeowners are choosing to renovate instead of moving
Many homeowners are choosing to renovate instead of move due to elevated home prices, higher mortgage rates and moving costs. According to a recent Redfin survey, 43% of homeowners chose to renovate in the past year, while two-thirds of renovators did so as an alternative to buying. “Many Americans are choosing to stay put and make the home they already have work for them,” said Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economics research. “That could mean improving outdated spaces, adding space for a growing family or reconfiguring the existing space so…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alderwood Landscaping
Alderwood Landscaping completely modernized their clients’ outdoor living space in the Sammamish Backyard Renovation project. The backyard originally had an old, worn concrete surface around its existing pool, accompanied by tired plantings lining the exterior, which offered a dreary aesthetic. The team worked closely with the owners to create a design that expanded their outdoor living space, removing partially elevated decks that compartmentalized the space and left little room to entertain. The updated design created more usable space and improved circulation around the pool. The team added new paving around…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: UHS Remodeling
UHS Remodeling turned a dated master bathroom in a McKinney, Texas home into a spa retreat, while also matching the guest bathroom. An oversized corner garden tub took up most of the floor in the bathroom’s original design, accompanied by a cramped shower and dark, dated finishes. The original tub was replaced with a sculptural freestanding soaking tub plus a separate, large walk-in glass shower, making the room functional for both a long soak and a fast morning. The remodelers also added a dual vanity with built-in storage. In the…
Read MoreOutdoor kitchens inspire luxury living
Outdoor kitchens are among the top design trends in luxury renovations. Homeowners want these spaces designed with the same attention to detail as any interior room in a home. When undergoing a backyard upgrade, clients want dining, lounging and water elements incorporated within an outdoor kitchen, rather than dropped onto the patio as an accessory. The most popular design in outdoor kitchens has moved away from the standalone island and toward a kitchen drawn into a larger plan. Instead of one bar set apart from the living areas, the cooking zone,…
Read MoreTop kitchen and bathroom design trends
At the midpoint in 2026, homeowners have been approaching renovations differently from previous years. Design decisions are no longer focused solely on aesthetics, but rather on functionality, sustainability, technology and long-term value. Smarter living spaces, personalized layouts, natural materials and wellness-focused designs are among the most popular design trends in renovation projects this year. The kitchen continues to serve as the center of household activity, with homeowners wanting spaces that support cooking, entertaining, working and family interaction simultaneously. Smart kitchens are becoming the standard, while natural materials and concealed storage…
Read MoreSummer 2026 Renovation Trends
Every summer brings a new wave of design trends, but 2026 is already looking different. Homeowners are moving away from quick-fix updates and focusing on improvements that make their homes more comfortable, functional and enjoyable for years to come. Remodelers and designers are seeing an increase in clients seeking a blend between indoor and outdoor living, wanting spaces that equally support functionality and entertainment. Outdoor spaces remain one of the most requested home improvements. Instead of simple patios and decks, families are creating outdoor spaces that function like an extension…
Read MoreHome renovations driven by wellness-inspired design
The interior design trends that have driven 2026 so far have undergone a profound transformation, reflecting a transition from chasing trending aesthetics to selecting designs that support holistic living. Homes are no longer just places to rest at the end of a long day; they have evolved into dynamic, self-sustaining ecosystems. That evolution is reflected in the new prominent theme in 2026’s home renovations: wellness. Designers are embracing restorative interior design principles for wellness, ensuring that today’s homes actively contribute to clients’ physical and emotional health. A major component of…
Read MoreCustom decks see increase in backyard upgrades
With summer right around the corner, more homeowners across Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland are increasingly thinking of backyard renovations. The top emerging design for 2026 backyard renovations is custom decks, specifically ones that are multi-level. Clients are increasingly asking for decks that move beyond a single flat platform, using two or three levels to create distinct zones for dining, lounging and grilling. Multi-level designs work especially well on Central Pennsylvania’s rolling lots, where natural grade changes can be turned into intentional design features rather than obstacles. Stepped transitions, built-in…
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