New data from April 2026 reported existing-home sales increased by 0.2%. While a slight increase, this rebound from March’s nine-month low exhibits signs of a balancing market. The average sales price of existing homes increased 0.9% from the previous year at $417,700. Regionally, the Midwest and South saw the most increase at +2.2% and +0.5% respectively. The Northeast remained unchanged while the West fell 2.6%. The percent of first-time homebuyers are also up, at 33%. “Despite mixed macroeconomic signals—including a record-high stock market and historically low consumer confidence—home sales were…
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Remodel of the Week: Block Renovation
Block Renovation reimagined the interior of a 1960s Ranch House. Based in Brooklyn, N.Y., the renovation studio preserved the home’s single-story flow, generous lot size and straightforward floor plan built for everyday living. Instead, the studio replaced outdated and worn designs with fresh materials to breathe new life into the project. One of the most prominent upgrades in the projects was removing the wall separating the kitchen from the dining room to open up both spaces, allowing for more natural light. The studio also replaced fluorescent ceiling fixtures with recessed,…
Read MoreRenovators are strategic upgrades
Home renovators are looking for upgrades to enhance their quality of life now and boost their home’s resale value in the future. While most homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than relocate, renovators are still selecting home upgrades that increase property value. Minor kitchen remodels recoup up to 83% of their cost, making them one of the most popular investments for current owners. Homeowners are becoming strategic when undergoing a renovation project. According to the Journal of Light Construction’s Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value Report, minor kitchen remodels recoup up…
Read MoreConstruction jobs see growth since February
According to the newly released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), jobs in the construction industry had 224,000 openings in March. This is a significant increase to the reported slow February numbers of 2001,000. JOLTS includes all positions that are open on the last business day of the month. Overall in March the total number of job openings was relatively unchanged at 6.9 million. Compared to the same time last year, jobs in the construction industry is down 54,000 jobs. “Construction industry hiring rebounded from February’s…
Read MoreSmall patio designs that enhance a project
Maximizing a compact space, such as a small patio, can be just as rewarding as it is challenging. In honor of National Remodeling Month, these designs for covered patios and detached spaces can elevate a backyard patio during a renovation project. Keeping it simple with a brick patio can easily transform various outdoor entertaining setups, from a simple sit-down dinner or garden party to an afternoon full of relaxation. Turning a compact space into a poolside bar adds an entirely new level to a luxury lifestyle in a backyard. A…
Read MoreTop 5 renovation trends in 2026
Homeowners are investing in renovations now more than ever, with remodeling projects rising steadily across the nation as homeowners prioritize comfort, functionality and long-term value. As the middle of the year approaches, overall renovation trends in 2026 have pointed towards smarter and more sustainable upgrades that are tailored to everyday lifestyles. Smart home integration has been a popular integration in remodels. Homeowners are prioritizing centralized control over lighting, security, climate and appliances through unified platforms. As environmental awareness grows, so does the demand for eco-conscious building materials in remodels. With…
Read MoreChicago backyard upgrades elevate livability
In Chicago, homeowners are thinking about how their backyard is used day-to-day, making the goal of a renovation project to restructure the space without compromising daily functionality. Chicago-based advisor Joe Freeman shared clients’ driving decisions when considering a backyard remodel and the top upgrades emerging in backyard design. The data showed that 62% of Chicago residents prioritize relaxation in their backyard design, while 38% want more time with friends and family and 31% are thinking about home value. Landscaping was the most popular upgrade, followed by outdoor seating, raised garden…
Read MoreNAHB introduces quarterly state-level remodeling resource
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced more in depth research in the remodeling industry, providing a state-level outlook on market share and spend. The State Projections of Remodeling (SPR), debuted with an analysis of the fourth quarter of 2025. In this release California makes up the largest market share of remodeling at 7.9% ($22.1 billion) for one state. Following California is Texas, Florida, New York and North Carolina. This comes one month after the release of NAHB’s Remodeling Market Index (RMI). NAHB recognizes the rise of aging housing…
Read MoreBathroom designs shift toward wellness-inspired layout
New bathroom trends are defined by warmth and character. Clients want refreshing and reimagined bathroom spaces that will support their way of living for years to come. Designer Melanie Boyden noted that bathroom layouts are leaning more towards smarter, serene features in wellness-inspired design. Blue-and-white Delft-style tiles scattered playfully across the backsplash of a project offer a playful, dainty flair to the space. This is another trend that is expected to become popular throughout the remainder of the year. Unlike the bold, large-scale cement tiles that made waves in years…
Read MoreHarvard University releases Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity
The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies released its quarterly report on the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). This is a prediction on the near-future of the remodeling industry. The most recent LIRA calculation forecasts a positive pace in year-over-year growth in home renovation and repair spending for the first quarter of 2027. While it remains in positive territory, at 0.5 percent, there are slight concerns over outpacing inflation. “Growth in remodeling permits and retail spending on building products has been flat recently, signaling stagnant interest in home improvement,”…
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