On May 1st, 2025, the Builders Association of North Central Florida celebrated the graduation of more than 50 apprentices representing HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, building maintenance, and plumbing According to the NAHB, ““Our apprentices worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and their success directly strengthens our local construction industry,” said Sara Emmanuel, executive officer of BANCF. “They’ve balanced work and education, and this graduation is a recognition of their dedication, growth, and the value they bring to their employers and our community every day.” Read More
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Residential Construction Job Growth Plateaus Short
In April 2025, the U.S. construction sector added 11,000 jobs, with residential construction contributing 3,400 positions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite this growth, homebuilder hiring has remained nearly flat over the past year due to factors such as high mortgage rates, rising home prices, and material costs impacting buyer demand. The unemployment rate for construction workers increased to 5.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis. Since 2010, residential construction employment has gained approximately 1.4 million jobs, though it has not yet returned to the peak levels seen during…
Read MoreHome Depot says tariffs may make some items unavailable
Home Depot announced it will maintain current pricing despite new U.S. tariffs, aiming to avoid passing increased costs onto consumers. However, some products may be discontinued if the added import costs make them unprofitable to stock. The company is mitigating tariff impacts by diversifying its supply chain, reducing reliance on Chinese imports, and sourcing more from North America. In the first quarter, Home Depot reported net sales of $39.86 billion, surpassing estimates, and maintained its 2025 sales growth forecast at 2.8%. Read More
Read MoreNARI’s 2023 Regional CotY Winner
Wild Creek Custom Renovations was honored as the 2023 NARI Region 5 South Central Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner in the Entire House Remodel category for projects ranging from $250,000 to $500,000. The award recognized their exceptional work in restoring a home severely damaged during the February 2021 Winter Storm Uri, which caused widespread plumbing failures. Collaborating with design partner Cameron Barker, Wild Creek transformed the gutted home into a modern, functional space, adhering to local building codes and securing all necessary permits from the City of Austin. Read…
Read MoreTop Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Trends
In 2025, kitchen and bathroom remodels are embracing minimalist aesthetics, creating uncluttered and functional spaces. Warm, earthy tones such as deep blues, terracotta, and soft greens are replacing stark whites, adding depth and personality to interiors. Sustainability also remains a priority, with homeowners opting for eco-friendly materials like recycled glass countertops, bamboo cabinetry, and energy-efficient fixtures. Additionally, smart technology integration is on the rise, featuring voice-activated faucets, app-controlled lighting, and touchless appliances that enhance convenience and efficiency. According to Brye and Doyle, “kitchen and bath remodeling continues to evolve, focusing…
Read MoreFraming Lumber Prices
Since May 9, 2025, the framing lumber composite price has fallen to $454 per 1,000 board feet. Softwood lumber prices have been affected due to rising tariffs, an increase in demand, and insufficient domestic production. The NAHB plans to negotiate a long-term deal with Canada to reduce tariffs, increase domestic production, and seek new markets for trading in order for lumber production to start blooming once again. According to NAHB, “Surveys conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs show that the average new single-family home uses more than 2,200 square feet…
Read MoreWhat Are the Highest Paying Jobs in Construction?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) publishes data on approximately 400 occupations in the construction industry. At the top of the list of the highest-paying occupations in construction are managers. In the construction trades, elevator installers and repairers earn over $100,000 annually, followed by first-line supervisors of construction trades, who make over $80,000. According to NAHB, “In 2024, the highest paid occupation in construction is lawyers with wages of $180,520 per year, and the top 25% making over $238,720. Traditionally, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) occupy…
Read MoreD.R. Domenichini Construction
The 2022 Regional CotY Award-winning remodel transformed a home to better suit the clients’ love for entertaining. By removing a load-bearing wall, the kitchen, dining, and living areas were opened up, enhancing the flow and connectivity of the spaces. Additional upgrades included a recessed exhaust hood in the kitchen to preserve the valley view, a reconfigured master bathroom for a spa-like experience, and the replacement of all windows and flooring. Read More
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: D.R. Domenichini Construction
D.R. Domenichini Construction, in partnership with Studio 38 Designs, received a 2022 Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry for a full home renovation in Morgan Hill, California. The project, which fell in the $250,000 to $500,000 category, reimagined a dated floor plan into an open-concept layout ideal for entertaining. Updates included the removal of a load-bearing wall, expanded sightlines, and layered lighting—blending bold color accents with warm wood textures to bring character and cohesion throughout the home. The homeowners, known for…
Read MoreQ1 2025 NKBA/ John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI)
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) offers the Certified Remodeler (CR) designation to professionals with proven experience and knowledge in the remodeling industry. This credential signifies that a remodeler has mastered both the technical and business sides of the trade, from building codes and project management to financial planning and ethical practices. To qualify, candidates must have at least five years of continuous experience and complete 16 hours of continuing education. The certification process includes a comprehensive examination that evaluates knowledge across multiple remodeling disciplines. NARI also offers…
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