Do-it-yourself (DIY) was widely marketed as an easier alternative to hiring a professional; however, that segment of improvement spending is on a steady decline. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) reported that DIY spending made up about 26.9% of the market in 2003. That segment declined to about 15.9% in 2023. Looking at a more recent time frame, from 2021 to 2023, spending increased by 14% for professional projects, while DIY spending dropped 13%. Spending also declined for the most DIY ambitious age group: homeowners under 35. This JCHS…
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Homeowners plan for major investments within next 5 years
New research found that 66% of homeowners are planning for major investments within the next five years. Major investments entail many goals, from a big renovation or system upgrade to preparing a home for an eventual sale. Major renovation projects are a reflection of homeowners choosing to remodel and improve their forever home, rather than relocate. “Economic pressures, including inflation, high interest rates and income uncertainty, are likely driving this stay-put, let’s-just-improve-our-home mentality,” said Tammy Crosby, CEO of The House Designers in Monroe, Conn. Read Full Article
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 MoreRemodel of the Week: Highland Ridge Remodeling
Highland Ridge Remodeling turned an underused dining room into a comfortable, luxurious primary suite and renovated the main bathroom to improve comfort and functionality. Located in Milwaukie, Ore., the project features thoughtful renovations designed for longevity. Like many homes that have been well-loved over time, the clients’ layout began to feel less practical for the way they wanted to live moving forward. Their primary bedroom was upstairs and getting more difficult to access. Rather than relocate, the clients and builder turned their attention to the dining room, which was rarely…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Blackdog Builders
Blackdog Builders gave a second life to this kitchen in this 1970s home. Located in Hollis, New Hampshire, the original layout felt undersized, lacked natural light and failed to make the most of the peaceful, tree-lined views beyond the windows. The goal was not to overhaul the house, but to create a space that felt intentional, functional and in harmony with the setting, while working within the constraints of the existing structure. Rather than building outward to disrupt the home’s clean lines, the solution came from rethinking what already existed;…
Read MoreCoastal design is taking over summer renovations
South Florida homeowners are renovating their spaces to feel like luxury resorts that they can enjoy every day. They want spaces that encourage slowing down, spending more time outdoors and creating a seamless connection between the coastal environment and their homes. Coastal design, which captures all of those elements, is the latest summer trend reshaping clients’ interior spaces. Coastal design is an aesthetic inspired by the beach and seaside lifestyle that maximizes natural light, utilizes open spaces, blends together indoor-outdoor living and relies on an ocean-inspired color palette like soft…
Read MoreEmerging kitchen design trends
Kitchen design trends are constantly evolving. The following designs are expected to take over kitchen renovations, replacing previous looks and features that are now considered dated, according to interior designers. Industrial-style kitchens featuring endless swaths of stainless steel no longer hold the power they once did. Instead, kitchen design trends are shifting towards spaces that feel lived-in rather than spotless. “Country kitchens are less about chasing perfection and more about creating spaces that feel genuinely lived-in,” said Tanya Smith-Shiflett, interior designer at Unique Kitchens & Baths. Recessed lights will be…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: CGandS Design-Build
CGandS Design-Build knew this Austin, Texas, whole-home remodel would be a challenge since the project had already been renovated twice. The project did not start with a master plan, but rather with creating solutions to individual issues in the home. As the remodeler underwent construction, the entire renovation’s cohesive design fell into place. The original home had terracotta tile floors in most rooms, heavy mahogany trim and cabinetry and yellow painted walls. The original, dark design failed to take advantage of the outdoor skyline view. To bring more natural light…
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 MoreThe rise of multi-functional home design
The way homeowners live is constantly evolving, bringing forth the latest renovation trend: multi-functional home design. Homeowners are looking for adaptability and often renovating with that mindset. Multi-functional home design is defined by intelligent zoning, clever storage and adaptable furniture that allows a single footprint to serve multiple aspects in daily life. With remote and hybrid work cementing itself as the new normal, the makeshift kitchen-table desk is no longer sufficient. A dedicated home office remodel is one of the most requested projects in the Quad Cities across Iowa and…
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