On June 10, 2026, more than 1,100 builders, remodelers and other housing industry professionals went to Capitol Hill to call for congressional action. Attendees urged Congress to improve affordability and help builders to increase the production of affordable, attainable homes. In more than 300 meetings with lawmakers, housing advocates focused on the following priorities aimed at improving affordability and increasing supply: landmark housing legislation, workforce development and immigration and permitting obstacles. “Members of the housing community from across the country are in Washington for the National Association of Home Builders…
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Outdoor kitchens are the upcoming summer trend
The ideal outdoor setup from previous years consisted of a patio and a grill overlooking a beautiful backyard. These days, however, homeowners are thinking bigger for their backyard renovations, seeking more from outdoor living. According to a new outdoor trends study, outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular. Clients want their outdoor kitchens designed with as much care that goes into their indoor counterparts. The top upgrades respondents plan to include are as follows: 62% plan to incorporate beverage fridges, 59% are planning for sinks and 38% want an outdoor T.V.…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Trinity Homes AZ
The owners of this Paradise Valley custom home in Arizona came to Trinity Homes AZ with a clear direction for this whole-home remodel. In the kitchen, custom rift oak cabinetry brings warmth into the space. Brick architectural elements, stain-grade windows and classic iron lighting introduce a classic, historical influence while keeping the overall design livable. At the heart of the home is the open kitchen and living area, where everything comes together. The custom rift oak cabinetry anchors the space with clean grain and a natural tone that sets the…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Nor Design & Construction
Nor Design & Construction personalized a bathroom remodel to feel like a sanctuary for their clients. The renovation began with designing separate his-and-hers vanities to give each client a space to retreat. This bathroom design incorporated striking textures through a fresh tile selection and a traditional layout, while keeping it timeless. The project consisted of new cherry cabinets, a square raised panel design, limestone countertops with a chiseled edge, glass and natural stone mosaic tile backsplash and a rainfall showerhead. A picture-frame window panel in the corner of the space brings…
Read MoreConstruction employment increases by 17,000 jobs
According to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data released on June 5, 2026, construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May. Construction employment totaled 8,337,000 in May, an increase of 17,000 since April. Over the year, the industry has added 68,000 jobs, an increase of 0.8%. Residential construction employment inched up by 900 positions in May and specialty trade contractors added 2,600 positions for the month. Additionally, overall construction pay rose by 5% over the past year. “The construction industry will continue to add…
Read MoreResidential construction labor market remains resilient
Despite rising inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty, the U.S. labor market remained resilient in May 2026. Residential construction employment now stands at 3.3 million in May, including 925,000 workers employed by builders and remodelers and nearly 2.4 million residential specialty trade contractors. Employment in the overall construction sector rose by 17,000 jobs in May, following a gain of 9,000 in April. Within the industry, residential construction added 900 jobs, while non-residential construction added 15,700 jobs. Wage growth moderated in May, with average hourly earnings rising 3.4% year-over-year. This pace is…
Read MoreThese kitchen design trends are on the rise
While every space in a home is prone to evolving design trends, the kitchen has seen the greatest shift in 2026. According to designers, a kitchen remodel is the biggest investment homeowners can make when it comes to upgrading their forever home or attempting to boost resale value. “One of the very best ways to take a kitchen from basic-looking to truly elevated and exceptional is to select natural stone in bolder patterns and richer colors,” said designer Kelly Neely. Large cooktop niches are becoming increasingly popular, according to Kira…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alair Decatur
Alair Decatur renovated a 1920s home in Oakhurst, Ga., preserving its historic charm while creating a modern, spacious layout. The whole-home remodel won the 2026 NARI Southeast Regional Remodeler of the Year Award for Best Residential Interior with a budget over $500,000. With an 18-month competition time, the original front of the home retains much of its original layout and massing. However, the dining, kitchen and family rooms in the home were opened up to bring more light inside. Upstairs, an addition above the home’s porch attic allowed the builder…
Read MoreHalf of U.S. homeowners are planning to renovate
According to a new study, more than half of U.S. homeowners found the time and financial means to renovate their homes in 2025. Approximately 50% of U.S. homeowners plan to renovate this year, with a growing share of younger homeowners creating a generational shift in renovation demographics. The percentage of millennials taking on renovation projects rose from 8% to 10% year over year. Gen Z now represents 0.5% of all renovating homeowners, compared to 0.2% in 2024. Baby boomers still account for more than half of all homeowners undertaking renovation…
Read MoreSummer inspires landscape and backyard renovations
Summer is just around the corner, which means that homeowners are starting to think about backyard and landscape renovations. Outdoor spaces are becoming even more communal and wellness-centered. Designers are starting to see an increase in low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping and outdoor spaces that offer visual interest throughout the entire year. Organic, natural materials are continuing to rise in popularity as a staple for both interior and exterior design. Expect to see more stone, reclaimed wood and gravel incorporated in landscape designs. Homeowners are looking to spend more time outdoors to…
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