Nor Design & Construction personalized a bathroom remodel to feel like a sanctuary for their clients. The renovation began with designing separate his-and-hers vanities to give each client a space to retreat. This bathroom design incorporated striking textures through a fresh tile selection and a traditional layout, while keeping it timeless. The project consisted of new cherry cabinets, a square raised panel design, limestone countertops with a chiseled edge, glass and natural stone mosaic tile backsplash and a rainfall showerhead. A picture-frame window panel in the corner of the space brings…
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Construction employment increases by 17,000 jobs
According to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data released on June 5, 2026, construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May. Construction employment totaled 8,337,000 in May, an increase of 17,000 since April. Over the year, the industry has added 68,000 jobs, an increase of 0.8%. Residential construction employment inched up by 900 positions in May and specialty trade contractors added 2,600 positions for the month. Additionally, overall construction pay rose by 5% over the past year. “The construction industry will continue to add…
Read MoreResidential construction labor market remains resilient
Despite rising inflation and ongoing economic uncertainty, the U.S. labor market remained resilient in May 2026. Residential construction employment now stands at 3.3 million in May, including 925,000 workers employed by builders and remodelers and nearly 2.4 million residential specialty trade contractors. Employment in the overall construction sector rose by 17,000 jobs in May, following a gain of 9,000 in April. Within the industry, residential construction added 900 jobs, while non-residential construction added 15,700 jobs. Wage growth moderated in May, with average hourly earnings rising 3.4% year-over-year. This pace is…
Read MoreThese kitchen design trends are on the rise
While every space in a home is prone to evolving design trends, the kitchen has seen the greatest shift in 2026. According to designers, a kitchen remodel is the biggest investment homeowners can make when it comes to upgrading their forever home or attempting to boost resale value. “One of the very best ways to take a kitchen from basic-looking to truly elevated and exceptional is to select natural stone in bolder patterns and richer colors,” said designer Kelly Neely. Large cooktop niches are becoming increasingly popular, according to Kira…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Alair Decatur
Alair Decatur renovated a 1920s home in Oakhurst, Ga., preserving its historic charm while creating a modern, spacious layout. The whole-home remodel won the 2026 NARI Southeast Regional Remodeler of the Year Award for Best Residential Interior with a budget over $500,000. With an 18-month competition time, the original front of the home retains much of its original layout and massing. However, the dining, kitchen and family rooms in the home were opened up to bring more light inside. Upstairs, an addition above the home’s porch attic allowed the builder…
Read MoreHalf of U.S. homeowners are planning to renovate
According to a new study, more than half of U.S. homeowners found the time and financial means to renovate their homes in 2025. Approximately 50% of U.S. homeowners plan to renovate this year, with a growing share of younger homeowners creating a generational shift in renovation demographics. The percentage of millennials taking on renovation projects rose from 8% to 10% year over year. Gen Z now represents 0.5% of all renovating homeowners, compared to 0.2% in 2024. Baby boomers still account for more than half of all homeowners undertaking renovation…
Read MoreExisting home prices outpace new-builds
According to new analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), an unusual trend continues to emerge in the housing market: new homes are less expensive than existing ones. While only a small gap, Q1 2026 reported the median price for a new single-family home was $403,200, compared to an existing home at $404,600. The relationship switched in the post-pandemic market with slow construction for new-builds and pandemic purchasers holding on to their low mortgage rates. Although, there are extreme regional pricing gaps across the U.S. In the South,…
Read MoreSummer inspires landscape and backyard renovations
Summer is just around the corner, which means that homeowners are starting to think about backyard and landscape renovations. Outdoor spaces are becoming even more communal and wellness-centered. Designers are starting to see an increase in low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscaping and outdoor spaces that offer visual interest throughout the entire year. Organic, natural materials are continuing to rise in popularity as a staple for both interior and exterior design. Expect to see more stone, reclaimed wood and gravel incorporated in landscape designs. Homeowners are looking to spend more time outdoors to…
Read MoreOutdoor living is a major motivator for renovations
A new survey of current homeowners indicates that outdoor living is a priority in their home renovations. In the study, 83% of homeowners noted that they want these spaces to function as extensions of the home with a lounge or sitting area. Accompanied by this area projects with outdoor kitchens, integrated outdoor lighting and other large projects. Interest in DIY methods are shrinking for these projects and remodelers are taking that increase in business. According to the survey, there is nearly a ten percent increase in hiring activity, from 65%…
Read MoreNew report finds job openings in construction increased
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), in April, openings for positions in construction increased for the second consecutive month. This aligns with overall economic growth, which saw 7.62 million open positions. In the construction section, employment openings jumped from 234,000 in March to 259,000 in April. Other research from the Associated General Contractors of America reported that year-over-year employment increased in 32 states from April 2025 to April 2026. “The construction job openings rate increased to 3% in April, up from the…
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