According to recent analysis from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) of the Census Bureau’s Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, construction of single-family build-to-rent (SFBTR) homes declined throughout 2026. Compared to single-family housing construction, SFBTR faces stronger headwinds from the cost of financing, increased multifamily supply and regulatory action. Q2 2026 (15,000) posted an estimated 3,000 fewer starts than Q2 2025 (18,000). NAHB’s analysis pointed out that over the past four quarters, SFBTR construction starts fell by about 16%. “While the market share of SFBFR homes is small,…
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Here’s what 20 years of data reveals about remodeling industry
New research from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies analyzed 20 years’ worth of data within the remodeling industry. According to the analysis, U.S. remodeling activity increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, homeowners spent over $600 billion annually making improvements, replacing broken systems, repairing damage or conducting routine maintenance on their properties, up from $400 billion in 2019. As for industry growth, the number of residential remodeling contractor establishments grew by a quarter between 2017 and 2022, reaching over 128,000 businesses. The geographic distribution of remodeling establishments…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Blue Sound Construction
Blue Sound Construction had great bones to work with in this renovation, but the project needed a contemporary makeover. The original structure was designed by architect Ralph Anderson and the builder wanted to preserve as much of his spirit as possible in the renovation. A new floating staircase with solid wood treads was rerouted into a doug fir stringer; a true testament to craftsmanship. Throughout the stairs and living area walls, custom-made wood slats elongate the home, while replacing the original tambour panels added texture. Hot-rolled steel fireplaces add a…
Read MoreCalifornia’s new bill would make ADUs cheaper to build
California legislature just passed the bill SB 1117, which restructures how fees are paid for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The current law exempts ADUs under 750 square feet from local impact fees. However, projects over 750 square feet are required to pay the full impact fee per square foot. The bill proposes a marginal fee structure instead. AIA California supports this measure, citing that it would increase demand for design services and improve project feasibility. SB 1117 currently awaits Governor Newsom’s signature. “Homeowners and builders across California have made accessory dwelling…
Read MoreDaily living elevations drive Texas’ kitchen renovation activity
Texas is one of the three states driving up renovation activity, according to a recent analysis from the National Association of Home Builders. In Dallas, kitchen renovations are primarily driven by homeowners’ desire to enhance their daily routines, rather than strictly related to aesthetics. Homeowners want kitchens that support cooking, entertaining, storage and work-from-home routines while still looking cohesive with the rest of their residence. One of the top trends driving kitchen renovation activity is more hidden, smarter storage. Storage is one of the strongest reasons homeowners remodel a kitchen.…
Read MoreHomeowners plan for major investments within next 5 years
New research found that 66% of homeowners are planning for major investments within the next five years. Major investments entail many goals, from a big renovation or system upgrade to preparing a home for an eventual sale. Major renovation projects are a reflection of homeowners choosing to remodel and improve their forever home, rather than relocate. “Economic pressures, including inflation, high interest rates and income uncertainty, are likely driving this stay-put, let’s-just-improve-our-home mentality,” said Tammy Crosby, CEO of The House Designers in Monroe, Conn. Read Full Article
Read MoreHow builder size impacts material costs
A majority of builders agree that building a home is 15% more expensive now than it was this time last year. According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) July 2026 NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builders feel the pain of these increases, but especially the smaller builders. The HMI results aligned with reality, with 28.4% of builders reporting that common material prices increased by 5% to 9.99%. Analysis of July’s PPI indicated that the price of goods increased 6.7% year over year. “Not all builders experienced the…
Read MorePending home sales soften as summer winds down
According to a new Redfin analysis, home buying is softening as summer winds down. Pending home sales fell 1.3% week over week, while new U.S. home listings rose 1.2%. Home-buying demand remains strong in California’s Bay Area and South Florida. However, an opportunity remains as summer winds down: New home listings and slower demand could draw out more potential home buyers. Touring activity remains up 10% from the start of the year, as of Aug. 15, 2026. “Some homeowners have been waiting for mortgage rates to fall and demand to…
Read MorePending home sale tour activity up 12%
According to a Redfin analysis, as of Aug. 8, 2026, touring activity for pending home sales is up 12% from the start of the year. U.S. pending home sales edged up 0.4% week over week during the four weeks leading up to August 9 on a seasonally adjusted basis, offering a boost to this summer’s slow housing market. Pending sales remain lower, but the latest weekly uptick may reflect normal week-to-week changes, showing signs of a steadying market. On a year-over-year basis, pending sales are down 1.6%. While rising mortgage rates…
Read MoreSmart shower trends
As summer comes to a close, clients are looking to refresh their bathrooms, especially showers, with features focusing on wellness, luxury and convenience. At Innovative Building Services in Maryland, Rich Haislip, Founder and President, says that homeowners are looking to expand their showers’ footprint. Aligned with the uptick in wellness and self-care features in home design and remodels, Haislip notes that this decision also pairs well with inclusivity. “The best of these come with steam units and bench seating for an even more relaxing experience,” said Haislip. “Zero-threshold entries ensure…
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