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…
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Half 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…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Watermark Builders
In this kitchen remodel, Watermark Builders blended form and functionality, designing the space for a seamless combination of daily use and entertainment. The builder extended the L-shaped cabinetry to nearly triple the original storage space, while relocating the sink to center it beneath a larger window. Framed by elegant farmhouse pendant lights, the new layout enhances natural light and symmetry. Countertop-to-ceiling cabinets anchor the space visually while improving accessibility for the homeowners. A backsplash of glazed ceramic tile adds a hint of sparkle, contrasting beautifully with matte finishes throughout. Soft white…
Read MoreGuest bathroom renovations increase ahead of summer traveling
Every year, contractors see an increase in guest bathroom remodeling requests. The increase is not solely driven by design but by the pressure of clients having more people in their homes during family visits or vacations. For many homeowners, summer entertainment shifts how they experience their homes. Spaces that previously felt well-designed suddenly receive more attention once guests begin using them regularly. According to recent on summer home design and entertaining trends, homeowners are increasingly investing in comfort-focused upgrades that improve how guests experience the home during gatherings and seasonal…
Read MoreHome renovations prioritize longevity
Interior design is shifting away from current, popular trends and towards one main goal: longevity. Clients are seeking designs that will not have to be changed in the next ten years, prioritizing a look that feels like their forever home. Lily Walters, founder and principal designer of Elter Studios, said that she is noticing an increasing deviation from online trends; clients want their homes designed with how they actually live in mind and for longevity. “If your morning routine involves you doing yoga in a specific corner, I am designing…
Read More6 ways kitchen design trends will evolve
Kitchen design trends are always changing; designs that clients want in their kitchen renovations change from one year to the next. Experts predict that six changes will be more prominent in the next decade regarding kitchen renovations. Appliance garages are expected to take over kitchen design trends in the next decade. “[Appliances] have been increasingly moving toward being less visually dominant in kitchens and they will continue to do so,” said Gabriela Narvaez, general contractor and founder of Guild Properties. “The goal is for them to be fully convenient and not…
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