Building science expert Allison Bailes III, PhD—founder of Energy Vanguard and author of A House Needs to Breathe…Or Does It?—has long been known for educating professionals and homeowners about how buildings truly function. Recently, Bailes applied his own research to a personal project: retrofitting his 1961 home in Atlanta, Georgia. The renovation allowed him to test innovative building products, such as InSoFast insulation panels, inverter-driven Mitsubishi heat pumps, air quality monitors, and bio-based spray foam insulation. Each choice reflected his core principle that any product must align with sound building…
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Sustainable and wood-based market to expand
The global facade materials market, exterior building materials, is increasing in demand fir sustainable and wood-based solutions. This is driving incredible growth expected throughout 2035. According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the market is valued at USD 272.0 billion in 2025. This is predicted to grow to USD 565.8 billion by 2035 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. Currently, wood dominates the market with 36.9% revenue share in 2025. It is applauded for its consistency throughout the market, natural appeal, renewability and engineered enhancements. While metal, glass,…
Read MoreHardwood companies seek relief from Trump tariffs
As the Trump administration pledges financial relief for soybean farmers following the government shutdown, Kentucky’s hardwood lumber industry is also seeking aid after years of struggle tied to international trade tensions. At GreenTree Forest Products in Wallingford, a small family-run sawmill that employs 90 people, business has slowed dramatically. Falling lumber prices, reduced demand from homebuilding and bourbon industries and volatile trade policies have all cut into profits. Since 2018, when China imposed 25% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. hardwoods, exports have plummeted, devastating mills that relied heavily on overseas buyers.…
Read MoreChris Beard presents his insights into the remodeling industry
Chris Beard the Vice President of Building Products Research at John Burns Research and Consulting presents his outlook on the remodeling industry. At an event at at GlassBuild America in Orlando, his advice is a steading tone across the industry. In his opening remarks he acknowledges that this year presented challenges and was, ‘bumpy.’ Despite this and factors of consumer confidence and housing affordability, he expects household formation to increase. He cites those in the 70+ age group who are looking to age in place. This is complemented by those…
Read MoreTop Renovations to Increase Home Value in 2026
With mortgage rates expected to drop below 6% in 2026, more buyers will reenter the market — making it an ideal time for homeowners to invest in value-boosting renovations. Key improvements that promise the strongest return include enhancing curb appeal, upgrading bathrooms and kitchens and creating more functional layouts. Exterior updates like new garage doors, entryways and siding can yield ROI exceeding 200%, while open floor plans and finished basements appeal to modern buyers seeking livable, flexible spaces. Luxurious, spa-like bathrooms and well-designed kitchens with islands or walk-in pantries continue…
Read MoreHomeowners to dip into HELOCS to fund remodels
As whispers across the industry point to a remodeling surge, a new study finds homeowners are more likely to utilize HELOCs to fund these projects. HELOCs or Home Equity Lines Of Credit, are showing more promise as interest rates for homes are slowly dropping. “A single Fed cut won’t thaw the sales market overnight, but it could still act as a powerful catalyst by channeling money into home improvements instead.” said Allaire Conte at Realtor. “That money, in turn, could be a lifeline for the housing market of tomorrow.” A…
Read MoreHow Renovation is Reshaping Residential Construction
The U.S. housing market is seeing a long-term shift toward remodeling as aging homes and high new-home prices make renovation the more practical option for many Americans. According to NAHB’s analysis of employment and establishment data, remodeling is no longer a short-term trend but a structural transformation in residential construction. The number of remodeling firms nearly doubled from under 69,000 in 2000 to over 128,000 in early 2025, now representing 56% of all residential building construction businesses. This growth reflects steady consumer demand for affordable improvements and builders’ strategic pivot…
Read MoreThe Best-Paying Cities for Construction Workers
The U.S. construction industry in 2025 faces growing uncertainty amid shifting trade policies, high interest rates and stricter immigration enforcement. New tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased material costs, delaying projects and tightening budgets, while labor shortages continue to challenge contractors nationwide. Inflation has further eroded wage gains, and elevated borrowing costs are cooling new development, especially in housing. Despite these pressures, construction workers remain relatively well-paid, earning a median annual wage of $58,360—about 18% above the national median. Wages have climbed 15.4% in the past two years, more…
Read MoreThe best market for residential construction
While construction employment has mainly recovered from pandemic setbacks, wage and permitting trends give insight on which market is the strongest for remodeling and construction business owners and workers. While across the board construction workers report a median annual wage of $58,360. This is about 18% higher than the $49,500 median for all U.S. workers.While looking at the Construction Coverage analysis of BLS & BEA data, Illinois leads with median annual wage of $79,328. This trend stays true across the Midwestern states, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Ohio rank in…
Read MoreInside Laura Lubin’s Artful Tennessee Home Renovation
Interior designer Laura Lubin’s renovation of her former Tennessee home, now owned by a new family, transformed an already beautiful residence into a seamless blend of sophistication, warmth and modern comfort. The new homeowners, who fell in love with the home’s architecture and decor, enlisted Lubin to expand and reimagine the space, turning a screened patio into a versatile keeping room that connects naturally to the rest of the house. Lubin approached the project as a study in balance—merging refined, Italian-villa–inspired design with casual Southern charm. The result is a…
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