Category: Uncategorized

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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Evolving trade policies and tariffs are reshaping the landscape for building materials, prompting innovation and new sourcing strategies in the construction industry. While costs for items like lumber and steel have risen, the focus is shifting toward strengthening domestic production and improving supply chain resilience. These changes may lead to more stable pricing and increased opportunities for local manufacturers in the long run. According to the NAHB, moving forward, we will continue working with all relevant stakeholders to roll back tariffs on building materials, boost sawmill production and increase the…

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​Home renovation spending in the U.S. is projected to hit $509 billion in 2025, surpassing the previous record of $487 billion in 2023, as homeowners increasingly opt to renovate rather than move amid high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory. Many are leveraging significant home equity gains—averaging $150,000 over the past five years—to fund improvements, with nearly half of mortgaged homes now considered “equity-rich.” Popular projects include kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, and HVAC installations, which not only enhance daily living but also offer substantial returns on investment. According to The…

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Photo courtesy of McDonald Remodeling. When Ben Ransom and his family moved into their 1890 Victorian in Summit Hill eight years ago, he knew the home would need extensive remodeling and repair. Though having previously remodeled the bathroom, and replaced windows and exterior siding, the kitchen remained untouched and unloved, ready for a transformation. “The kitchen was always one element needing focus,” Ransom said. “We had some cabinets that were falling apart. It looked like it had been updated maybe in the ’80s, and then someone just put a new…

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According to Mansion Global, tearing everything down is one way to get a transformative renovation, but some projects can get the same effect by elevating what’s already there through craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices. Such was the hope when Lindsey Koch, a former executive at New Era Caps, embarked on renovating her North Palm Beach, Florida, vacation home: She didn’t just want a luxury home—she wanted artistry. “You don’t always get this opportunity with houses of this level because so often, they’re torn down or rebuilt,” said Stephanie Mahaney of…

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Blending the historic home’s 1918 charm with features designed to meet the needs of contemporary living, this newly renovated kitchen by Val Collective includes premium marble countertops, a cozy butler’s pantry, multiple islands, and sleek gold fixtures. Home to an active family of four, Val Collective took advantage of the open floor plan to create a bespoke communal space that elegantly accommodates both dining and storage. Read more

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