Home accessibility modifications are driving a renovation boom as homeowners bring multiple generations of family under one roof. Instead of a simple kitchen refresh, clients are prioritizing grab bars, wider doorways and walk-in showers that serve toddlers and elders alike. The most requested upgrades tend to focus on the rooms where families spend the most time and where safety risks run highest, including curb-less walk-in showers, wider doorways, lever-style doorknobs instead of round knobs and lighting improvements. Multigenerational household renovation has become common as more families choose to combine resources…
Read MoreNews
Remodel of the Week: Bailey Design + Build
In this Louisville, Kentucky, home remodel, Bailey Design + Build transformed the home’s outdoor space into a personal retreat, adhering to the homeowners’ vision while breaking boundaries in a backyard renovation. The project’s main objectives were to increase privacy from neighborhoods, add more shade, add premium appliances that enhanced the clients’ desired outdoor living lifestyle and create a warm atmosphere by integrating inviting textures. The remodeler integrated a bar and dining area beneath a custom standing seam metal roof, blending practical coverage with a polished look. Privacy screens were softened…
Read MoreRemodeling trends prioritize balance
Home renovation and design trends for 2026 are shaping the biggest home renovation projects by seamlessly blending modern and traditional styles, with a strong focus on practicality and aesthetics across key areas of the home. Many homeowners choose to upgrade their homes with energy-efficient features, bold colors and natural wood paneling, creating a balanced decor style that feels both timeless and current. Overall, the biggest design trend is not focused on a single aesthetic but on balance and ensuring the home meets the clients’ long-term needs. More homeowners are prioritizing…
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 MorePending home sales soften in June
According to the National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales report, pending home sales in June decreased by 5.4% month-over-month and 0.3% year-over-year. However, at the local level, several markets posted notable year-over-year gains in pending home sales. Among the 50 largest metro areas, 10 markets posted large annual increases in pending home sales. The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said that elevated mortgage rates and home prices are driving factors…
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…
Read MoreTexas leads the nation in construction jobs
According to new federal data analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Texas is leading the nation in construction job growth both annually and monthly. Between June 2025 and June 2026, the state added 24,800 construction jobs, marking a 2.7% increase. The expansion reflects broader regional strength in residential building. Recent Housing Starts data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that the South, which includes Texas, accounted for the majority of new privately-owned home construction nationwide. In June, 741,000 privately-owned housing starts were recorded in the South out…
Read MoreSpa-inspired bathrooms continue to dominate
The most popular and consistent design trend in bathroom renovations is spa-inspired bathrooms. Unlike short-lived design trends, a spa-style bathroom focuses on timeless features that remain appealing for years. Clean layouts, durable materials, efficient lighting and carefully selected fixtures work together to create a space that is both functional and luxurious. As more homeowners invest in long-term home improvements, bathrooms designed around wellness continue to stand out as one of the most rewarding remodeling projects. Every spa-inspired bathroom shares a few essential design principles. While each remodel reflects the homeowner’s personal…
Read MoreConstruction drives job market growth in Louisiana
Louisiana added 16,700 jobs over the past year, ranking fourth in the South, with much of the growth coming from construction. This is a record high for the state, with payrolls topping two million employees for the first time. “The state had a record number of economic announcements last year and all of those look like they’re flowing from announcement into actual hiring of construction workers,” said Adam Knapp with Leaders for a Better Louisiana. “It’s across the state.” “Our growth and profits have increased dramatically over the past couple…
Read More