LP Building Solutions (LP), a leading manufacturer of high-performance building products, announced today that LP® SmartSide® ExpertFinish® Naturals Collection™ siding and LP BurnGuard™ FRT OSB panels have been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as a finalist for the Best of IBS™ Awards. Held annually at the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the world’s largest light construction event, the Best of IBS Awards honor the most innovative and impactful products in the residential construction industry. Finalists are selected based on innovation, functionality, design and appeal to builders and consumers. LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Naturals…
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SoftPlan AI Enhanced Render Released
SoftPlan Systems, Inc. has released an update to SoftPlan 2026 that includes new AI rendering functionality. With a single click of the mouse, SoftPlan’s AI Enhanced Render tool uses AI processing to turn any simple 3D model into a stunning, realistic rendering. SoftPlan’s latest innovation, AI Enhanced Render, can create photorealistic visuals from basic 3D concepts in minutes. Once an exterior or interior view is selected for processing, SoftPlan’s AI analyzes the lighting and materials of the design model and then generates a beautiful, lifelike image that includes complex elements…
Read More5 home renovation trends that Interior Designers are ditching in 2026
As 2026 approaches, interior designers are urging homeowners to rethink certain once-popular renovation trends that are now falling out of favor. Experts Jennifer Cataldo, Tennille Burnup and Alyssa Anselmo say flat, builder-grade drywall is being replaced by textured, handcrafted wall finishes like limewash and Venetian plaster, which add warmth and dimension. Waterfall kitchen islands, long seen as a modern luxury statement, are also losing appeal in favor of more custom, inviting designs that mix materials, incorporate furniture-style bases and emphasize subtlety over flash. Light blonde oak is giving way to…
Read MoreWhat’s Hot in Construction and Interior Remodeling
In 2025, homebuilding and remodeling will be shaped by a strong focus on sustainability, smart technology, flexibility and personal comfort. Smart-home features are now expected rather than optional, with AI-driven lighting, climate control, energy management and integrated wiring becoming standard. At the same time, eco-friendly construction leads the market, with solar-ready roofs, energy-efficient windows, low-VOC finishes, high-performance insulation and water-saving systems increasingly built into both new homes and renovations. Natural and reclaimed materials, biophilic design elements and indoor-outdoor connections reflect homeowners’ desire for healthier, nature-connected living environments. Design trends are…
Read MoreTile trend that’s set to take over showers and bathrooms in 2026
Bathroom design in 2026 is shifting away from minimalist white tile toward richer, more expressive finishes, with hand-painted tiles emerging as a major trend. Homeowners and designers are gravitating toward options like traditional Delft tiles because they bring pattern, character and a sense of history that modern spaces often lack. Though decorative tiles date back thousands of years—from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe and 18th-century Delftware, their renewed popularity reflects a desire for craftsmanship, imperfection and storytelling in residential design. For builders and remodelers, the appeal is practical as well…
Read MorePrice Cuts on New Construction as Homebuilder Sentiment Remains Low
Homebuilders are increasingly turning to price cuts and incentives as economic uncertainty continues to weigh on buyer demand. In November, 41% of builders reduced prices, the highest share in five years, while nearly two-thirds used additional incentives such as mortgage-rate buy-downs. Builder confidence remains weak, held back by high inflation, volatile mortgage rates and lingering effects of the prolonged government shutdown, which disrupted key economic data releases. Industry leaders note that even with mortgage rates easing slightly, many buyers remain hesitant due to job-market concerns and broader financial uncertainty. As…
Read MoreFaucet market growing at 5.93% amid smart touchless adoption
The global faucet market is projected to grow from USD 23.27 billion in 2025 to USD 31.03 billion by 2030, reflecting a steady CAGR of 5.93%, driven by urban housing upgrades, hospitality expansion and rising sustainability standards. Advances in touchless and disc-valve technology, along with the use of stainless steel and water-efficient designs, are reshaping performance and pricing trends. Governments tightening water-use regulations and promoting eco-labels are pushing manufacturers toward innovation and sustainability. Meanwhile, the surge in online retail and direct-to-consumer sales is transforming buying behavior, enhancing transparency and increasing…
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market Outlook Report 2025-2030
The global construction and building materials market is experiencing rapid transformation driven by urbanization, sustainability goals and advancements in digital technology. Valued at $2.04 trillion in 2024 and projected to reach $2.89 trillion by 2030, the market’s growth reflects rising demand for innovative, low-emission materials and efficient building techniques. As cities expand and environmental regulations tighten, builders and manufacturers are prioritizing materials that balance performance with sustainability. This evolution underscores the need for industry leaders to adapt to new economic, technological and regulatory conditions shaping construction worldwide. Innovation and technology…
Read MoreStucco No Longer Most-Used Exterior Wall Material
For the first time since 2018, vinyl siding has reclaimed its spot as the most commonly used exterior wall material for new homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Survey of Construction. Vinyl or vinyl-covered aluminum siding was used on 26% of homes started that year, edging out stucco at 25% and fiber cement at 23%. While vinyl’s market share has hovered around a quarter for the past decade, it once dominated at 40% in 2001 before declining in the mid-2010s. Meanwhile, stucco’s popularity surged from 17% in 2010…
Read MoreHow one kitchen remodel survived a hazards stack-up
For homeowners Mary and Dave, the goal of their kitchen remodel was to create a more functional, welcoming space that worked for their family of five while still honoring the character of their 1920s home. Dana King designer Meg Blaies approached the project by reimagining inefficient closets and a disjointed bar into ample storage, improving workflow with appliance placement and adding custom elements, such as a built-in-style hutch. Historic details were preserved wherever possible, with thoughtful updates such as subway tile in a herringbone pattern, cove molding and wavy glass…
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