In 2026, the most useful bathroom design trends are moving away from showroom-inspired looks and toward spaces that feel calm and organized. Rather than chasing short-term design trends, homeowners are prioritizing improvements embedded in personalization and practicality for their daily routines. That means choosing finishes that hold up, layouts that improve traffic flow and details that still look intentional years after installation. In primary suites, larger, more functional showers continue to lead bathroom remodeling decisions. Curbless showers create a cleaner visual line and can make a bathroom feel larger. They…
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Remodeling spending outpaces the rest of residential construction
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that private residential spending decreased by 0.03% in June. Remodeling and home improvement was the only sector to increase in June, but only by 0.01%. In May, the remodeling sector contributed to the overall bump in construction spending. It was then revised to a 0.4% decline. Compared to a year ago, private spending for remodeling is down 7.2%. Despite the decrease, overall sentiment for remodeling remains positive with continued demand. “In contrast, improvement spending has been on an upward trend since 2023, supported…
Read MoreExisting home sales rise in metro markets
According to the National Association of REALTORS’ latest quarterly report, home prices rose in 80% of metro markets during the second quarter of 2026. The report also showed the national median single-family existing-home price rose 1.5% year-over-year to $434,900, up from 0.5% annual growth in the first quarter. “Home sales increased despite mortgage rates rising. This testifies to the potential housing demand building up from steady job and income gains,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Sales rose in three of the four major regions, with the South leading…
Read MoreConstruction job openings increase 36% from 2025
According to data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), jobs in the construction industry are growing at a faster pace. ABC’s analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reported that job openings in construction increased by 14,000 last month and by 81,000 year over year. While an increase in jobs is a positive headline for the industry, ABC Chief Economist noted that the data is more nuanced. “Interpreting these data is often challenging,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “One could take…
Read MoreFederal Reserve holds rates steady for fifth consecutive month
The Federal Reserve in its July policy meeting decided to hold interest rates at 3.5% to 3.75%. This comes amid elevated inflation rates, which were attributed to supply shocks. This is also the Fed’s fifth consecutive hold; the last rate cut was in December 2025. “The Committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent, in support of the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate,” the Board said in a statement. “The Committee is continuing its policy of maintaining ample reserves in the banking…
Read MoreWith Exhibitor Space Sold Out, Registration is Open for the 2026 Building Industry Show, the “Not Your Typical Tradeshow” Experience
It’s official: The highly-anticipated exhibitor show floor at the upcoming Building Industry Show (BIS) has sold out all available booth space. While exhibitor space is full, registration is open for those homebuilding industry pros who want to be in the room for exclusive access to homebuilders, trade associates, service providers and other leading companies spanning Southern California’s homebuilding industry. BIS 2026, hosted by the Building Industry Association of Southern California (BIASC), returns to Indian Wells in September for its high-energy takeover of the region’s home building scene, bringing together the nation’s…
Read MoreHome alterations on existing homes boost consumer spending
According to data from the National Association of Home Builders’ Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES), buyers of existing single-family detached homes generate increased spending during the first year after purchase, approximately $8,677. Buyers of existing homes spend more on property alterations and repairs during the first three years after moving into the home, but more so during the first year. During the first year after purchase, the largest increase in spending occurs in property alterations and repairs, with predicted annual purchases of $13,882. Typical existing home buyers spend more on appliances…
Read MoreASLA urges for construction workforce stability
A new analysis from the American Society of Landscape Architects highlights the need for construction workforce stability. Recent studies throughout the industry predict that by 2030, the industry will face a gap of millions of skilled trades positions, driven by demographics, slow training pipelines and growing demand for housing, infrastructure, as well as climate-resilient projects, unless we begin the conversation about construction workforce stability. “As design professionals, we need to begin to make workforce stability a normal part of the conversation; not as politics, but as a health, safety and…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Big Horn Remodeling
For Big Horn Remodeling, this primary bathroom and closet renovation project reflects the builder’s commitment to client satisfaction. The project involved removing and replacing a dated tub, enlarging the shower by approximately 30%, relocating the drain and installing additional features that modernized the space. After purchasing the home, the homeowner wanted a brighter bathroom with an expansive layout, but the project came with its own unique challenges after the home was neglected throughout the years of rental use. The bathroom needed more than a finish refresh; the tub took up…
Read MoreWhat new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods mean for contractors
President Trump announced additional tariffs of 50% on a variety of Canadian goods. This move will likely broadly affect the residential construction industry’s bottom line, already facing higher construction material costs throughout 2026. Canadian goods affected in this deal are lumber, including plywood and engineered wood products, cermets, plastic, rubber, furniture, among other items. The administration announced that this move is to hold Canada accountable for its continued discrimination against and unreasonable and unequal treatment of U.S. commerce. It will go into effect beginning August 19, 2026. “While contractors remain…
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