Research from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) found that three-bedrooms is the sweet spot for many builders across the U.S. It remained the most popular configuration for over 20 consecutive years, with an estimated 46.5% share of the market. Closely behind are starts of four-bedroom homes at 31.7% of the market. While the starts for four-bedroom homes declined year over year, it still far outpaces homes with two bedrooms and five or more. The share of two-bedroom homes built rose only .01% year over year. However, smaller homes…
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Remodel of the Week: Henderer Design + Build + Remodel
Located in Corvallis, Ore., this kitchen’s original layout wasted valuable space, with cabinetry and finishes that no longer met the demands of daily living. Henderer Design + Build + Remodel was challenged to reimagine the home’s kitchen for improved durability, efficiency and long-term performance. By reworking the layout around the island, the builder improved circulation, created clearly defined work zones and replaced failing construction with thoughtful, custom cabinetry. The redesigned island serves as the heart of the kitchen, offering generous prep space, seating and highly functional storage. The range wall…
Read MoreWood framing continues to dominate single-family construction
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ analysis of 2025 Census Bureau data, in 2025, wood framing accounted for 94% of all completed single-family homes. Approximately 947,000 wood-framed homes were completed last year, while the wood-framed market share remained unchanged at 94%. Concrete-framed homes represented 5% of completions, while steel-framed homes had a 25% increase from 2025, with 5,000 completions. Non-wood-based framing methods remain concentrated in the South due to residential resiliency requirements. Concrete-framed homes made up 9% of all single-family home completions in the South. Approximately 60% of…
Read MoreDIY declines, more homeowners opt for the pros
Do-it-yourself (DIY) was widely marketed as an easier alternative to hiring a professional; however, that segment of improvement spending is on a steady decline. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) reported that DIY spending made up about 26.9% of the market in 2003. That segment declined to about 15.9% in 2023. Looking at a more recent time frame, from 2021 to 2023, spending increased by 14% for professional projects, while DIY spending dropped 13%. Spending also declined for the most DIY ambitious age group: homeowners under 35. This JCHS…
Read MorePending home sales increase in August
According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report, pending home sales rose 0.3% month over month in August. Pending home sales rose month-over-month in the South and West but fell in the Northeast and Midwest. Year-over-year, pending home sales decreased 4.7%. “Buyers steadily entered into contracts in August even though mortgage rates increased,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “However, the housing market is still sluggish, with contract signings below last year. This is due to higher mortgage rates offsetting the increased buying power created…
Read MoreBuilding Homes & Protecting Lives
How builders and contractors can keep workers and themselves safe Construction remains one of the nation’s most hazardous industries, with workers facing risks such as falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions and being caught in or between hazards every day. As residential construction activity continues to increase during the summer months, with more than 1.3 million housing completions reported in May 2026, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the need for practical, effective safety programs has never been greater. Residential jobsites range from large builders to small contractors, many of whom may…
Read MoreNAHB supported Housing Tariff Exclusion Act introduced in House
A new bill introduced in the House by Rep. Nanette Barragán, the Housing Tariff Exclusion Act (H.R. 10416), would create a tariff exemption process for building materials. With building material costs rising, tariffs further strain builder margins and ultimately lead to higher prices for buyers. “This bill would help relieve tariff-driven cost pressures on building materials, provide businesses with greater certainty and support broader efforts to improve housing affordability,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. The Housing Tariff Exclusion Act would establish a Commerce Department process to request an exception and grant refunds…
Read MoreFed raises rates for the first time in 3 years
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Federal Reserve increased its benchmark interest rate target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00%. This bump is not a shock, as many economists predicted the Fed would increase rates to combat rising inflation. However, this is the first rate hike since July 26, 2023. The unanimous decision to raise rates is the first real movement in nearly a year, holding steady throughout 2026 after the last cut in December 2025. Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh described this decision in the post-decision press conference as a…
Read MoreEarthy tones and natural textures takeover fall remodels
Fall is the season of change and is often the time of year when homeowners look to renovate their interiors, wanting an upgraded, cozy home that feels both stylish and functional. This fall, earthy tones and natural textures are making a big splash in renovations. Colors such as warm browns, rich greens, soft terracottas and muted yellows feel calming. These hues not only bring a serene vibe but also blend seamlessly with both modern and rustic decor. As for tile in flooring, walls, bathrooms and backsplashes, the matte look is…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Oak Hill Construction
Oak Hill Construction renovated the exterior and interior of this New England home in Charlotte, Vt. The overall goal was to preserve its classic character. The home now feels brighter, both internally and externally, while enhancing functionality. The builder also succeeded in maintaining the home’s historical charm. Oak Hill Construction replaced the roof, repaired areas of rot and completely remodeled the wraparound porch, restoring one of the home’s most defining features. The builder upgraded a variety of details within the interior, including interior doors and tile work. Each of the…
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