Residential Contractor will announce our picks for the Editor’s Choice Products in the Fall issue of the magazine, coming soon. These products and companies are selected for exemplifying innovation, quality, performance and value for today’s residential remodelers, specialty contractors and custom home builders. Additionally, two speciality awards will be presented for Jobsite Innovation and Jobsite Safety. From the structure and building envelope to interior finishes, mechanical systems and design technology, our 2026 Editor’s Choice selections highlight products we believe deserve a place on every residential contractor’s radar. Selected by the editors of Residential Contractor,…
Read MoreCategory: Remodeling
The evolution of bathroom remodeling in 2026
Modern bathrooms have evolved past basic functional use in 2026. Homeowners are renovating their bathrooms to feel brighter and more relaxing, prioritizing comfort above all else. Instead of cold, polished interiors, many modern bathroom remodels are focused on creating spaces that feel warm and inviting. Throughout 2026, bathrooms have become one of the most important spaces in the home; most clients begin and end their day in these spaces. As a result, comfort, functionality and, overall, atmosphere have become much bigger priorities during renovation projects. Durability is also playing a…
Read MoreLooking ahead to 2027 luxury renovation trends
For several years, luxury was defined by minimalism, including white interiors, clean lines, open spaces and an intentionally restrained palette. While those elements are not disappearing, homeowners are increasingly looking for something more personal. As 2027 edges closer, builders and designers are seeing a welcome shift in luxury renovation design trends. In Florida’s luxury homes, natural materials have become the new luxury. One of the strongest visible shifts is toward materials with genuine depth and character. Natural stone, warm woods, textured plaster, limestone, marble and other tactile finishes bring something…
Read MoreCalifornia, Texas and Florida drive remodeling activity
According to first-quarter results from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) State Projections of Remodeling (SPR), three states account for the largest shares of remodeling activity across the nation: California, Texas and Florida. In the first quarter of 2026, California led remodeling activity, accounting for 8% of the market at $22.2 billion. Texas followed close behind at $20.2 billion, or 7.3%, followed by Florida at $15.4 billion, or 5.5%. For market growth, the SPR identified five states as having the largest increases in remodeling spending in the first quarter:…
Read MoreRenovations drive small-town construction activity
Construction activity accelerated in Andover, Mass., during the first six months of 2026, primarily driven by renovations, roofing, insulation and home improvements. The town’s permit records show homeowners continued investing heavily in existing properties. Roof replacements, insulation and air-sealing projects, general alterations, kitchen and bathroom renovations, as well as window and door replacements accounted for much of the permit activity during the first half of the year. Roofing permits rose significantly from last year, while permits for insulation and energy-efficiency improvements also increased, suggesting homeowners continue to invest in maintaining…
Read MoreBathroom renovations focus on practicality over aesthetic trends
In 2026, the most useful bathroom design trends are moving away from showroom-inspired looks and toward spaces that feel calm and organized. Rather than chasing short-term design trends, homeowners are prioritizing improvements embedded in personalization and practicality for their daily routines. That means choosing finishes that hold up, layouts that improve traffic flow and details that still look intentional years after installation. In primary suites, larger, more functional showers continue to lead bathroom remodeling decisions. Curbless showers create a cleaner visual line and can make a bathroom feel larger. They…
Read MoreLuxury-inspired bathrooms drive renovations
The primary driver of bathroom remodels is homeowners’ desire for luxury bathrooms. Interior designers and architects weighed in, sharing what bathroom features homeowners are prioritizing to achieve that luxurious bathroom design. Modern free-standing tubs can open up the space and reflect the look of a luxury resort bathroom. Interior designer Jessica Risko Smith said that pairing a free-standing tub with light wood flooring and crisp white walls can instantly modernize a bathroom. Architect Colleen Healey boldly suggests adding a skylight into the bathroom to bring in natural light. Warm woods,…
Read MoreRemodeling spending expected to slow down
According to new data from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, annual spending on home improvements and repairs is expected to slow down until mid-2027. The latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) suggests this will lead to a third straight quarter of decelerating year-over-year growth, with spending projected to be $519 billion through mid-2027. “Growth in remodeling permitting and retail spending on building products has flattened recently, suggesting that renovation activity is cooling,” said Rachel Bogardus Drew, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Center. “Reduced housing…
Read MoreRemodeling trends prioritize balance
Home renovation and design trends for 2026 are shaping the biggest home renovation projects by seamlessly blending modern and traditional styles, with a strong focus on practicality and aesthetics across key areas of the home. Many homeowners choose to upgrade their homes with energy-efficient features, bold colors and natural wood paneling, creating a balanced decor style that feels both timeless and current. Overall, the biggest design trend is not focused on a single aesthetic but on balance and ensuring the home meets the clients’ long-term needs. More homeowners are prioritizing…
Read MoreJCHS study points to massive repair demand
New analysis of the American Housing Survey (AHS) from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) indicates that homeowners struggle to maintain their aging homes. As the nation’s housing stock sits at an average of 42 years old, home maintenance is necessary to keep residences comfortable and functional. As 29% of low-income homeowners live in houses built before 1960, the maintenance repairs often required of older homes, such as roofing, siding, windows, insulation and HVAC, are more costly than cosmetic remodeling. “Regardless of building age, higher-income homeowners consistently outspend…
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