For the first time since 2018, vinyl siding has reclaimed its spot as the most commonly used exterior wall material for new homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2024 Survey of Construction. Vinyl or vinyl-covered aluminum siding was used on 26% of homes started that year, edging out stucco at 25% and fiber cement at 23%. While vinyl’s market share has hovered around a quarter for the past decade, it once dominated at 40% in 2001 before declining in the mid-2010s. Meanwhile, stucco’s popularity surged from 17% in 2010…
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A peek inside a restored craftsman home in Victorian Village
When Karla Rothan welcomes guests into her beautifully restored Victorian Village home, they step into a piece of living history. Built in 1875, the residence still carries traces of its past life as a doctor’s office—an enclosed porch that once served as a waiting room and cabinetry likely used for medical supplies remain intact. Rothan discovered through her research that many doctors in the early 1900s lived and worked in this Columbus neighborhood, often keeping their medical practices on the first floor. The home’s preservation of original details, including stained…
Read MoreHow inflation affects remodels
Inflation is driving up costs in daily items, this includes material for remodels. While overall wholesale and consumer inflation has steadied, building materials face The price of metals used in elevated finishes is not immune. Copper prices continue to rise, this affects copper roofs, custom finishes and wiring. This tracks to other materials, “Custom bronze stair railings and balcony trims, for example, are up 15% to 20% since last year,” said Kyle Peacock of Peacock Tariff Consulting. “Brass fixtures, from faucets and lighting to cabinet hardware, have risen 12% to…
Read MoreHoliday-Ready Kitchen Remodel Ideas
The holidays in Chicago turn the kitchen into the heart of the home—a space for family gatherings, storytelling and shared meals. Yet, preparing large feasts often highlights a kitchen’s limitations: cramped layouts, lack of counter space or outdated appliances. Remodeling in the fall allows homeowners to fix these pain points before the busy holiday season. Upgrades like double ovens, expanded counters and organized pantries can transform the cooking experience from stressful to seamless, ensuring you have the space, tools and flow to host effortlessly. IRPINO Construction highlights five key updates…
Read MoreBest-Paying States for Women in Construction
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. construction industry saw a surge in activity driven by strong housing demand and infrastructure investment. Between 2020 and 2022, private construction spending soared as new housing starts reached their highest levels in over 15 years before cooling off due to rising mortgage rates. As private activity slowed, public-sector construction spending grew, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. However, the industry now faces uncertainty from high interest rates, import tariffs and a softening labor market. Labor shortages remain a critical issue, with an estimated 439,000…
Read MoreConstruction Materials Market to Cross USD 3.90 Trillion by 2034
The global building and construction materials market, valued at USD 2.19 trillion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 3.90 trillion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.95%. Growth is being propelled by accelerating urbanization and infrastructure expansion worldwide. The market encompasses traditional materials such as concrete, steel and cement alongside emerging sustainable alternatives like engineered wood, recycled composites and low-emission cement. Government initiatives promoting energy efficiency and environmental responsibility are reshaping industry standards, while digital technologies, including AI, BIM and modular construction, are improving project efficiency…
Read MoreHow one kitchen remodel survived a hazards stack-up
For homeowners Mary and Dave, the goal of their kitchen remodel was to create a more functional, welcoming space that worked for their family of five while still honoring the character of their 1920s home. Dana King designer Meg Blaies approached the project by reimagining inefficient closets and a disjointed bar into ample storage, improving workflow with appliance placement and adding custom elements, such as a built-in-style hutch. Historic details were preserved wherever possible, with thoughtful updates such as subway tile in a herringbone pattern, cove molding and wavy glass…
Read MoreCreating spaces that grow with you
Most remodels focus on creating the perfect space for today—a dream kitchen, a finished basement or a relaxing bathroom retreat. But the most impactful renovations are those designed to last, evolving alongside your needs and lifestyle for years to come. By planning beyond current wants, homeowners can avoid costly updates later and ensure their spaces remain both functional and timeless as life changes. Flexible layouts, like basements that can shift from playrooms to gyms or in-law suites, and multipurpose rooms that adapt over time, help homes stay relevant through every…
Read MoreNew tariffs on building material and cabinet imports
The U.S. Commerce Department released a notice that they are implementing a 10% tariff on all timber and lumber imports and an additional 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and furniture. They announced that imports of these materials and products pose a national security risk. The tariffs go into effect on Oct. 14. The tariffs on furniture products are expected to rise to 30% on Jan. 1, 2026. The kitchen cabinet levies are scheduled to double to 50% on the same date. Lumber America does not produce enough soft lumber to…
Read MorePrices for home remodeling outpaced inflation in the second quarter
Home repair and remodeling costs are climbing faster than inflation, according to Verisk’s latest Repair and Remodeling Index, which showed a 3.4% annual increase in the April–June quarter compared to a 2.7% rise in consumer prices overall. The index, which tracks more than 10,000 products, also rose 0.6% from the prior quarter. Much of the increase is being driven by higher labor costs, with the most labor-intensive projects, such as tile replacement and bathroom remodels, seeing the steepest quarterly gains. While tariffs on imported goods were expected to push costs…
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