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 MoreNews
Existing-home sales slow in June
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Existing-Home Sales report was released on July 9, 2026. According to the report, existing-home sales slowed in June, decreasing by 2.4% month-over-month and increasing 2.8% year-over-year. “The back-and-forth in monthly home sales activity, driven by mild fluctuations in mortgage rates, shows how sensitive home buyers are to affordability conditions,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, job gains, more than half a million since the beginning of the year, will continue to provide support for the housing market.” In June, Month-over-month existing-home sales increased…
Read MoreInput prices fall, builders to expect stronger margins
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…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Artesa – Build & Design
Artesa – Build & Design had their work cut out for them in this kitchen remodel. Their client had previously dealt with a contractor leaving in the middle of an incomplete project, leaving her with both an unfinished kitchen and a hesitancy to hire another remodeler. The builder worked tirelessly to rebuild her trust in a remodeling firm and to deliver her dream kitchen. The builder installed an expansive kitchen island to add additional prep space and storage. Elegant and durable, the waterfall-edge countertops added a touch of sophistication and…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Ridgewood Home Construction
Located in Rockford, Mich., this home’s primary bathroom had a layout that was in desperate need of modernization. Ridgewood Home Construction transformed the space with warm textures, elevated fixtures and a clean, modern layout. The double vanity features natural wood tones, crisp stone countertops and matte black faucets to bring the space’s design into the 21st century. Floating shelves add organic warmth, while the refreshed shower, finished with large-format tile and bold black fixtures, continues the calming aesthetic. Thoughtfully placed hooks, integrated storage and streamlined cabinetry enhance functionality without sacrificing…
Read More21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) announced its support of the enactment of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The landmark housing package includes more than 45 provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing federal housing programs and giving state and local governments additional tools to support residential construction. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act demonstrates what Congress can accomplish when lawmakers work together to address the housing supply and affordability challenges facing communities across the country,” said Jonathan…
Read MoreRemodeling market remains positive in second quarter
In the second quarter of 2026, the National Association of Home Builders Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 61, down one point compared to the previous quarter. Even with this slight decline, remodeler sentiment remains the standout sector within the housing industry. With current mortgage rates above the median outstanding rate for existing homeowners, the incentive to remodel instead of purchasing a new home persists due to this lock-in effect. The RMI is based on a survey that asks remodelers to rate various aspects of the residential remodeling…
Read MoreWant to Make More Money in Bathroom Remodeling?
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that remodeling spending rose 0.9% in May and 8.1% since 2025. Over the next decade, NAHB forecasts the remodeling sector to expand by more than 30%. The clientele is there; is your current business optimized for this market? Whether you are a contractor, remodeler, builder, or home improvement professional, Bestbath is hosting a roundtable discussion on how bathroom remodels can bring more revenue into your business. In this webinar, we’ll explore how this avenue can be the profit center for your business,…
Read MoreThe 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 MoreConstruction retains hiring momentum in June
According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry added 11,000 jobs in June 2026. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 64,000 jobs, an increase of 0.8%. “Today’s jobs report was full of positive signs,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The nonresidential segment continued to add jobs in June and has grown several times faster than the economy-wide average over the past 12 months. At the same time, the supply of labor appears adequate…
Read More