Builder confidence upticks to highest reading since April. This is supported by 50-point breakeven mark for future sales expectations. Despite market and macroeconomic hesitations the building and remodeling industries remain resilient. As The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and their NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) relays this positive trend. “The HMI gain in October is a positive signal for 2026 as our forecast is for single-family housing starts to gain ground next year,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell from just above 6.5%…
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How inflation affects remodels
Inflation is driving up costs in daily items, this includes material for remodels. While overall wholesale and consumer inflation has steadied, building materials face The price of metals used in elevated finishes is not immune. Copper prices continue to rise, this affects copper roofs, custom finishes and wiring. This tracks to other materials, “Custom bronze stair railings and balcony trims, for example, are up 15% to 20% since last year,” said Kyle Peacock of Peacock Tariff Consulting. “Brass fixtures, from faucets and lighting to cabinet hardware, have risen 12% to…
Read MoreSafe and Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) is offering an exclusive discount on a special program. The Safe & Smart Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) Certification Program by J.J. Keller & Associates is specially available to NLBMDA members. The ELDT Certification Program allows trainers the flexibility and knowledge to optimize driver training to prevent accidents and reduce liability. The Certification Program includes preparation for online courses, classroom instruction, range and road experience to be provided to trainees. Evaluation at the end of the program gives advice to trainers on…
Read MoreHomeowners may look to HELOC
While many people are expecting Federal Reserve cuts, home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are expected to follow the reserve more closely and increase renovations and improvements. Home Depot and Lowe’s analysts estimate there is roughly $50 billion in pent-up demand for home improvement work. These are projects that homeowners have put aside while borrowing costs stayed high across loans and materials. Lower HELOC rates could provide homeowners with the funds to funnel directly into their new kitchens, bathrooms or addictions. This comes at a time where the new housing market is…
Read MoreHow Remodelers Can Utilize Digital Marketing
Traditional marketing for remodelers is not as effective as it was pre-internet and social media, utilizing digital marketing is the key to reaching clients. Remodelers with a steady client base may think their marketing is efficient, however tapping into digital marketing can increase their visibility and profits. There are many ways to improve your digital marketing like having an updated and easy to navigate website, advertising through social media and email marketing.The use of targeting ads can also define and reach different groups within your audience like a whole custom…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Home Renovation in Charleston’s Historic District
New Beginnings Construction in South Carolina presents their full home renovation in Charleston’s historic Rainbow Row district. The magic of remodeling began with extensive demolition that was needed for outdated, damaged and inefficient fixtures and appliances. Structural and systematic upgrades were placed including plumbing, electrical, HVAC and insulation. The builders then carefully married the historic elements like the original pine and oak hardwood floors with modern elements of custom trim. Renovations went beyond the main house. The pool house received a makeover to feel like an extension of the primary…
Read MoreWhat is Next as The Popularity of Open Layout Kitchens is Fading
Open layout kitchens have reached their peak and consumers are looking for the next style to build around. Some are looking to combine the style with another while others are going back to traditional styles. From broken plan kitchens to back kitchens, the times are changing in favor of saving space and incorporating a sense of connectedness with the rest of the home. Read More
Read MoreSouthern California Housing Market: Prices and Forecast 2025
In May 2025, the Southern California housing market saw a decline in home sales, with a 7.6% year-over-year drop, largely driven by high mortgage rates and broader economic uncertainty. While home prices remained relatively stable, rising slightly in some counties and falling in others, the region remains significantly more expensive than the national average. Inventory levels are rising, signaling a shift toward a more balanced market, though it still slightly favors sellers. Read More
Read MoreRemodeling Market Poised for Growth in 2025
The U.S. remodeling market is poised for growth in 2025, driven by an aging housing stock, high levels of home equity, and favorable demographics, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Nearly half of owner-occupied homes were built before 1980, with a median age of 41 years, prompting homeowners to invest in renovations rather than relocate. NAHB forecasts a 5% increase in residential remodeling activity for 2025, followed by a 3% gain in 2026. The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index indicates sustained positive sentiment among remodelers since mid-2020,…
Read MoreIn Win for NAHB, Canadian Lumber Exempt from Trump’s Global Reciprocal Tariffs
In a significant development for the U.S. housing industry, President Trump announced on April 2, 2025, the imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on all of America’s trading partners, with the notable exceptions of Canada and Mexico. This decision is particularly impactful as Canada supplies approximately 85% of U.S. softwood lumber imports, constituting nearly a quarter of the nation’s available supply. The exemption of Canadian lumber from these new tariffs is expected to mitigate potential cost increases in home construction and support housing affordability. While this exemption provides immediate relief,…
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