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,…
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Architectural details are more popular in exterior remodels
When clients look to remodel, it’s often for two reasons: cosmetic or performance, or more often a mix of both. B&B Siding and Roofing, a contractor serving New Jersey and Staten Island, noticed that today’s modern buyers are prioritizing curb appeal and detail in exterior treatment. Fiber cement siding is a growing choice among clients, noted B&B. This aligns with the National Association of Home Builders’ study on exterior material trends. While vinyl remains the overall pick, fiber cement recorded steady growth from 3.20% to 22.61% over the past 25 years.…
Read MoreThree West Coast kitchen design trends
RL Remodeling’s clients span the California coast from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego to Santa Barbara. Dana Laksman, General Manager at RL Remodeling, notes that while no two clients are alike, there are features she finds are requested in multiple projects a week. The most notable shift is away from the stark white-washed kitchens. Laksman notes she often deters clients from this design choice, which leaves little to hide. Instead, she notes that warm-toned and two-toned kitchens are in style, sourcing materials such as natural white oak or walnut.…
Read MoreIndustry prepares for new tariffs on Canadian goods
Announced in mid-July, a new 50% tariff on Canadian goods, including lumber, will go into effect on Aug. 19, 2026. That is, unless the two countries strike a different deal in a week. As first reported by North Country Public Radio (NCPR) in Canton, New York, a community close to the Canadian Border is preparing for the effects. James Putman, owner of JP Building Supply, which provides local homebuilders and contractors with building materials and lumber, noted that even though his business was doing well, he imports about a third…
Read MoreMedian lot value cools off
A new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported that the national median lot value declined in 2025. As the first barrier to building spec homes, the estimated 4% decrease is a positive trend for builders. While this data varies based on region, the Northeast and West reported record highs and a trend towards smaller lots. Builder concerns over lot shortages decreased since 2021, when it hit an all-time low. “According to the May 2025 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey, 64% of builders rated the…
Read MoreRemodeling spending outpaces the rest of residential construction
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that private residential spending decreased by 0.03% in June. Remodeling and home improvement was the only sector to increase in June, but only by 0.01%. In May, the remodeling sector contributed to the overall bump in construction spending. It was then revised to a 0.4% decline. Compared to a year ago, private spending for remodeling is down 7.2%. Despite the decrease, overall sentiment for remodeling remains positive with continued demand. “In contrast, improvement spending has been on an upward trend since 2023, supported…
Read MoreConstruction job openings increase 36% from 2025
According to data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), jobs in the construction industry are growing at a faster pace. ABC’s analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reported that job openings in construction increased by 14,000 last month and by 81,000 year over year. While an increase in jobs is a positive headline for the industry, ABC Chief Economist noted that the data is more nuanced. “Interpreting these data is often challenging,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “One could take…
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…
Read MoreContractor confidence rises as backlog falls
A new reading from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.8 months in June. Also, ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings posted increases in sales and staffing levels for the month. Construction Backlog Indicator is down 0.3 months from May but up 0.1 months from June 2025. While readings for profit margins declined, all three components remain above 50, leading industry expectations for continued growth. “The effect of rising input prices may be weighing on contractor profitability,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Contractor…
Read MoreVinyl siding leads exterior wall materials
Research from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that vinyl siding is the most used exterior wall material for single-family homes. The material is used on over a quarter of all homes, overtaking stucco for only the second time since 2018. The study also shows a strong trend of growth for fiber cement siding, steadily increasing from 3.20% to 22.61% over the past 25 years. The use of brick siding declines, falling from 24.5% in 2012 to 16.76% in 2025. The popularity is divided geographically, on par for…
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