The construction industry faces a growing labor shortage that’s expected to intensify over the next two years. An estimated 439,000 additional workers will be needed in 2025—and nearly 500,000 in 2026—as construction spending rises. This shortfall threatens to slow project timelines, raise costs, and compromise safety and quality. The industry’s long-term health depends on attracting new talent, especially younger workers and career changers and investing in their training and mentorship. Building proficiency in the trades takes time, making early and sustained investment in workforce development essential. The shortage is most…
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Tariffs on kitchen cabinets and lumber begin
Talk on tariffs affecting materials across the construction industry has taken over the past few months. This discussion is now a reality. On Oct. 14, the additional 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber imports took into effect. This increases the current tariffs on Canadian lumber to a total of 45%. While duties on wood products from the UK will not exceed 10% and imports from European Union and Japan will not exceed 15%. Currently, up to 85% of all U.S. lumber imports hail from Canada. New rates will apply to…
Read MoreStucco No Longer Most-Used Exterior Wall Material
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…
Read MoreRemodeling market sentiment improves
The sentiment across the remodeling market is looking up. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter. The survey results indicate a consistent uptick in morale from Q2. The Current Conditions Index (CCI) saw a two point increase from Q2 (66) to Q3 (68). This defies the index’s steady decrease since Q4 2024. The CCI is calculated by multiple factors including the current market for large remodeling projects, moderately-sized projects and small projects. The Future Indicators Index (FII), which accounts for…
Read MoreA 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 MoreA Labor of Love: Home Renovation in Frisco Historic District
North Dallas Renovations embarked on a transformative journey in the heart of Frisco’s Historic Rail District, turning a long-held dream into reality. Blending Frisco’s historic charm with modern sophistication, the team took on the challenge of renovating a home that honored the past while embracing contemporary living. Despite the hurdles of working within a historic district, collaboration, creativity and dedication drove the project to success. Every decision—from material selection to layout design—balanced elegance, practicality and budget, proving that dream homes are achievable through teamwork and passion. The completed renovation stands…
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…
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