According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry added 11,000 jobs in June 2026. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 64,000 jobs, an increase of 0.8%. “Today’s jobs report was full of positive signs,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The nonresidential segment continued to add jobs in June and has grown several times faster than the economy-wide average over the past 12 months. At the same time, the supply of labor appears adequate…
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Existing-home sales expected to total 4.10 million
According to Realtor.com’s 2026 Housing Forecast Midyear Update, existing-home sales are expected to total 4.10 million as year-over-year growth improves in the second half of the year. Existing-home sales steadied in April before climbing in May. Year-to-date, existing-home sales are currently just 0.2% ahead of their prior year pace. The report expects growth to pick up in the second half of 2026, though by less than originally forecasted. As a result, existing-home sales are expected to grow 1.0% to an annual total of 4.10 million. The May existing-home sales data…
Read MoreNAHB introduces first master remodeling professionals
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) introduced its initial cohort of Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) and Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP). NAHB introduced the CMBP and CMRP credentials in April 2026 to provide a national stamp of credibility for qualified professionals. This accreditation requires 50 hours of qualifying education in the past five years and a minimum of five years working in a leadership role at a residential building or remodeling firm. 62 professionals currently hold the credential. “Any builder who’s been in business a few years should think…
Read MoreNARI appoints new CEO
On June 30, 2026, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) announced that Lisa Sallstrom, MS, CAE, PMP, CRP, is the association’s new CEO. Sallstrom takes the lead at NARI at an important time for the organization, amid a growing demand for remodeling services and a skilled workforce. “I am thrilled to join NARI at such an important moment for the remodeling industry,” said Sallstrom. “By building on the organization’s strong foundation and embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation, and workforce development, we can create even greater value for…
Read MoreJobs-to-permits ratio highlights housing gap
A new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders analyzed the jobs-to-permits ratio. The analysis used net new jobs created in 2024 and measured against housing permits issued in 2023 to gauge the typical time required for permitted units to move through the construction pipeline and reach the market. Using this framework, the analysis revealed that the U.S. economy added approximately 1.8 million net new jobs in 2024 relative to 2023, while total housing permits issued in 2023 reached 1.51 million units. This results in an overall jobs-to-permits ratio…
Read More21st Century ROAD to Housing Act reaches executive branch
After the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives on June 23, 2026, the bill reached the executive branch’s desk. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) applauded the passage and now urges the legislation to be signed. This once-in-a-generation housing package includes more than 50 sections addressing housing supply, financing, disaster recovery and other priorities. NAHB provided input to Congress on many parts of the bill, but five provisions are especially important to members: land-use and zoning, aging housing stock, multifamily financing,…
Read MoreConstruction activity softens
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’s spring Construction Survey, construction activity has softened in the first months of 2026. Higher material costs and ongoing economic uncertainty are the driving factors, with more than half of respondents, approximately 54%, reporting decreased activity in the industry overall. However, signs point to optimism for the remainder of 2026 within residential construction. Despite tough conditions for some, roughly four in 10 businesses reported hiring more construction workers and increasing hours for existing employees in advance of the busy season. In general, labor…
Read MoreABC’s construction backlog surges in May
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…
Read MoreResidential 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…
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