The National Housing Endowment (NHE), NAHB’s philanthropic arm, created its Homebuilding Education Leadership Program (HELP) to increase the number of qualified graduates entering the homebuilding industry. Since 2009, HELP has invested more than $6.2 million in grants to 60 colleges and universities. This year, a record nine recipients were awarded funds to increase the visibility of careers in residential construction. Such recipients include Cal Poly University – San Luis Obispo, which will develop and enhance courses on safety culture in construction, integrated residential construction and trade entrepreneurship, as well as…
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New data provides overview of March construction prices
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released on April 14, 2026, construction input prices increased 2.2% in March compared to the previous month. However, prices decreased in two of the three energy subcategories last month. Natural gas and unprocessed energy materials prices were down 51.7% and 7.7%, respectively. “Construction materials prices surged in March and are now up 4.8% year over year, the largest annual increase since January 2023,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “This monthly increase…
Read MoreYoung adults’ interest in construction trades doubles
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released new survey research on the interest of construction trades for young adults. The study focuses on ages 18 to 25 and their perception and interest of working in construction trades. In 2016, NAHB conducted a similar survey. Since then, the interest has doubled from 3 to 6%. Importantly the study also found that more young adults are unsure of what field to build a career in. The figure has dropped from 74% in 2016 to 65% now. “The two most important benefits…
Read MoreHomeowners are remodeling instead of relocating
According to a recent survey from Redfin, more homeowners are choosing to renovate their homes rather than relocate. Around 43% of Americans renovated their home in the last year and another 33% plan to renovate in the next year. Approximately 65% of homeowners who recently renovated chose to upgrade their current home instead of moving. Of the homeowners who are planning to renovate in the next year, 71% say that they are remodeling instead of buying a new house. “Many Americans are choosing to stay put and make the home…
Read MoreContractors expect spring influx of project bookings
Contractors often expect the spring season is where most homeowners reach out regarding home repair and renovation projects. This is often because of the more consistent and pleasant weather and scheduling. The most common projects in the spring according to contractors are deck and fence installation, roof repair, landscaping design and kitchen and bath remodels. “People tend to book these when it’s easier for their own schedules, and during the summer a lot of people might have Fridays off or maybe they have a job that has a summer break,…
Read MoreLast call for women in homebuilding leadership nominations
This May, Builder and Developer will mark our fourth year of recognizing women in home building leadership. These are the executives, designers, operators and innovators shaping the future of residential construction; leading companies, directing strategy and building communities. Recognizing leadership excellence is part of our commitment to the future of homebuilding. View last year’s May B&D issue here. Know a woman who should be featured in our upcoming May issue? Please email nominations to sofia@builder.media Deadline for nominations is Friday April 17th. Leadership in home building deserves sustained recognition, year after…
Read MoreRemodeling market sentiment holds steady
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2026, indicating remodelers are remaining positive in the market. While the survey reported at a 62, a two point decrease from the Q4 report, NAHB holds that the sentiment of remodelers is still in steady place. Looking at the bigger picture, the reporting of 62 in Q1 is still stronger than Q2 (59) and Q3 (60) in 2025, despite new economic headwinds. “Ongoing positive remodeler sentiment is consistent with the NAHB…
Read MoreCanadian lumber duties expected to decline
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) published its plans to lower antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber. This comes as a scheduled review process of existing tariffs. The DOC presented a decrease of antidumping duties by nearly 10%, from 20.56% to 10.66%. While the countervailing duties are only expected to decrease by less than half a percent from 14.63% to 14.17%, the combined rate would decrease from 35.16% to 24.83%. DOC will likely issue final results of the plans in 120 days, around when lower duties would take…
Read MoreInterview with Bill Owens, remodeler & NAHB Chairman
Bill Owens, a remodeler of over 40 years, shares his plans as Chairman of the Board for the National Association of HomeBuilders (NAHB), the largest homebuilder association in the U.S. Builder and Developer: Could you tell us about your journey in the home building and construction industry and how it led to this prestigious position? Bill Owens: My career in the industry actually began when I was still a student, more than 40 years ago. I started doing small remodeling projects for profit when I was in college at Miami University…
Read MoreTop Exterior Home Upgrades
Whether designing an exterior renovation to add to a client’s long-term livability or boost a project’s curb appeal for resale, the following are expert-recommended exterior home upgrades. The garage door takes up a significant portion of the facade of a project, so naturally, its design should reflect aesthetic and functionality. A garage door replacement will have the biggest impact on curb appeal and resale value. A porch renovation is another efficient way to boost curb appeal. “Updating (an) old rotting wood front porch is a great way to add both…
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