According to a recent release from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), input prices in residential construction declined 1.1% month over month in June. While overall input prices are up 7.6% compared to a year ago, energy prices fell 12.1% for crude petroleum and 8.1% for unprocessed energy materials. Natural gas prices did increase 16.6% in the month but could cool off in the next few months as oil prices fall globally. The slight decrease in June allows for cautious optimism for the building community in Q3, with a return…
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The construction employment gap: metros vs. rural towns
Suburban and rural communities rely on residential construction employment. According to an analysis by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) construction employment data, there is a major gap in reliance on the construction industry between major metros and rural communities. This is more prominent in the West, with home building accounting for a major share of the local economy than it does nationally in 92.6% of counties in Oregon, 91.3% in Washington and 89.5% in Utah. This comes after residential construction employment…
Read MoreABC Green Home developer, Nick Slevin returns to NBC Water Zone Podcast
Nick Slevin, the developer of the ABC Green Home project, returned to NBC’s Water Zone podcast with Robb Starr. Slevin breaks down the evolution of the ABC Green Home Project, from its inception as a challenge to industry standard “greenwashing” to building homes that comfortably beat California’s strict Title 24 codes by 40%. Slevin details how third-party certifications are shifting real estate appraisal values, how major production builders are successfully transitioning to sustainable footprints and shares low-cost, high-impact retrofits that any homeowner can implement to cut immediate utility costs. Tune…
Read MoreRenovation demand carries residential construction spending
According to recent data released from the U.S. Census Bureau, residential construction spending is up 0.3% from April and increased 1.8% year-over-year. This is largely attributed to an increase in remodeling spending, which rose 0.9% in May and 8.1% year-over-year. Remodeling was the only sector to report a monthly increase, with both new residential construction and multifamily construction reporting a 0.1% dip. “Improvement spending has been on an upward trend since the beginning of 2025, supported in part by the aging housing stock and sustained demand for renovation,” said Catherine Koh, an economist at the National…
Read MoreNAHB introduces first master remodeling professionals
The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) introduced its initial cohort of Certified Master Remodeling Professional (CMRP) and Certified Master Building Professional (CMBP). NAHB introduced the CMBP and CMRP credentials in April 2026 to provide a national stamp of credibility for qualified professionals. This accreditation requires 50 hours of qualifying education in the past five years and a minimum of five years working in a leadership role at a residential building or remodeling firm. 62 professionals currently hold the credential. “Any builder who’s been in business a few years should think…
Read MoreNARI appoints new CEO
On June 30, 2026, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) announced that Lisa Sallstrom, MS, CAE, PMP, CRP, is the association’s new CEO. Sallstrom takes the lead at NARI at an important time for the organization, amid a growing demand for remodeling services and a skilled workforce. “I am thrilled to join NARI at such an important moment for the remodeling industry,” said Sallstrom. “By building on the organization’s strong foundation and embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation, and workforce development, we can create even greater value for…
Read MoreWhat contractors need to know about the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a major bipartisan housing reform package, inches closer to passing with many reforms. The most important part of the bill for remodelers is in Sec. 202- The Whole-Home Repairs Act. This would create a pilot program through 2031 at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to administer grants and forgivable loans for a whole-home repairs program. This program aims to repair the nation’s aging housing stock. Currently, the median age of owner-occupied homes is 42 years old. While specific funding amounts…
Read MoreExisting home prices outpace new-builds
According to new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), an unusual trend continues to emerge in the housing market: new homes are less expensive than existing ones. While only a small gap, Q1 2026 reported the median price for a new single-family home was $403,200, compared to an existing home at $404,600. The relationship switched in the post-pandemic market with slow construction for new-builds and pandemic purchasers holding on to their low mortgage rates. Although, there are extreme regional pricing gaps across the U.S. In the South,…
Read MoreOutdoor living is a major motivator for renovations
A new survey of current homeowners indicates that outdoor living is a priority in their home renovations. In the study, 83% of homeowners noted that they want these spaces to function as extensions of the home with a lounge or sitting area. Accompanied by this area projects with outdoor kitchens, integrated outdoor lighting and other large projects. Interest in DIY methods are shrinking for these projects and remodelers are taking that increase in business. According to the survey, there is nearly a ten percent increase in hiring activity, from 65%…
Read MoreNew report finds job openings in construction increased
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), in April, openings for positions in construction increased for the second consecutive month. This aligns with overall economic growth, which saw 7.62 million open positions. In the construction section, employment openings jumped from 234,000 in March to 259,000 in April. Other research from the Associated General Contractors of America reported that year-over-year employment increased in 32 states from April 2025 to April 2026. “The construction job openings rate increased to 3% in April, up from the…
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