GVD Renovations and Remodeling upgraded both bathrooms in a home in Greenwood, Calif., transforming the primary one into a spa-style bathroom with a freestanding soaking tub and neo-angle walk-in shower. The hall bath was converted from a dated tub into a bright walk-in shower. Both spaces now have a cohesive modern black-and-white color palette, with dark matte fixtures and vinyl plank flooring to evoke luxury. The builder relocated plumbing to place the new freestanding tub beneath the window overlooking the forest. The neo-angle walk-in shower was designed with marble walls,…
Read MoreNews
Construction material prices increase 2.2% in September
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index released new September data on Oct. 15, 2026. The new data revealed that construction material prices increased 2.2% in September compared to the previous month. “Construction input prices have risen more than 11% over the past 12 months, the largest year-over-year increase in nearly four years,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While higher fuel prices… have driven a substantial portion of the increase, prices for tariffed materials like iron, copper and other…
Read MoreThe median age of construction trade workers is 40
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analyzed the median age of construction trade workers and individual trades. Across all sectors, the median age is 40, about two years lower than the overall construction industry workforce median age of 42. Of specific tradesworkers, plasterers and stucco masons reported the highest median age at 46, while solar photovoltaic installers reported the lowest at 27. Roofers, pipelayers and helpers in construction trades also had younger median ages. “This wide variation in the median age shows that the workforce aging is not uniform across…
Read MoreDesigners say these 6 kitchen trends will be everywhere in 2027
We know how fast kitchen design trends move. With 2027 looming around the corner, designers are expecting six design trends to take over kitchen renovations. The first is already prominent in high-end homes: tile backsplashes. “We’re surrounding our cabinets with 4- to 8-inch square tiles as countertops and [backsplashes] are shifting away from just a solid stone,” said Jill Tran, co-owner and principal designer of Tran + Thomas Design Studio in Mission, Kan. “Those ‘grids’ are another element that we have to consider when creating our cabinetry designs.” Slim shaker…
Read MoreNew member added to NLBMDA Manufacturers and Services Council
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) announced that Canals has joined its Manufacturers and Services Council, a group of leading building material manufacturers and service providers supporting independent LBM dealers. Founded in 2022, Canals provides purpose-built AI technology for the construction supply chain, automating manual workflows in sales, accounting, purchasing and receiving for over 100 distributors. “Joining NLBMDA Manufacturers and Services Council gives Canals an important opportunity to work alongside dealers and industry leaders confronting some of the LBM sector’s most pressing challenges,” said Michael Delgado, CEO…
Read MorePending home sales soften in September
According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report, pending home sales in September decreased by 7.3% month-over-month and 11.3% year-over-year. All four major U.S. regions declined, with the West seeing the largest drop. The South followed close behind, followed by the Midwest and Northeast. “Market conditions weakened in September due to fast-rising mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Although job growth and income gains can support home purchases, housing affordability is more affected by changes in mortgage rates. Given that mortgage rates have…
Read MoreU.S. drops Canadian lumber duties
A major win for contractors and builders under pressure from elevated building material costs, the U.S. Department of Commerce dropped duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports. Announced on Oct. 14, the final determination lowers the combined duty rate from 35.16% to 24.75%. The cumulative duty and tariff burden decreases from 45.16% to 34.75%, as the separate 10% Section 232 tariff remains in effect. “While the reduction represents a positive development for the industry, Canadian softwood lumber continues to face substantial trade barriers,” wrote the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers…
Read MoreJob site safety issues to be aware of in cold weather
With fall comes cold weather and harsh work conditions, so it is important to prepare for hidden safety hazards on job sites. Risks of cold-related injuries and illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite and dehydration, which can all lead to lasting adverse health effects. Ice and snow can also present slip and fall risks. Cold weather also brings an elevated risk of construction jobsite fires due to a high number of on-site heaters to keep workers warm. Dehydration is a hidden risk on job sites, caused by sweat evaporating in dry air…
Read MoreFinding the silver lining in a high-rate housing market
According to a new report from Redfin, U.S. pending home sales dropped 4% month-over-month in September, hitting their lowest level since spring 2014. Pending home sales also fell across all major metros. This seems tied to mortgage rates rising over 7%; the last time this happened was in 2023, the last time mortagage rates hit that high. However, there is a major advantage for builders that can offer incentives to buyers, many of whom are searching and are serious, looking to move out of necessity. “It’s not surprising that when…
Read MoreBathroom remodeling trends shaping the modern home
As homeowners look for ways to create spaces that feel luxurious yet highly functional, bathroom remodeling design continues to evolve. Looking toward 2027, the momentum behind spa-inspired features, smart upgrades and personal design elements shows no signs of slowing down. While cool grays dominated much of the last decade, bathroom remodeling trends have been shifting toward softer, warmer tones. Even bold colors are expected to warm up 2027; deep greens, terracotta, burgundy and muted navy are gaining popularity in vanities and accent walls. Tile design seems to be entering a…
Read More