According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Pending Home Sales Report, pending home sales decreased by 2.3% month-over-month in July 2026. Year-over-year, pending home sales decreased by 2.2%. The Midwest, however, experienced growth in pending home sales, with a 1.7% increase year-over-year. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said that there is still hope for the coming years. “Job gains should bring more buyers into the market, especially if mortgage rates stabilize or decline, though that impact takes time to show up,” said Yun. “Right now, pending contracts are 30%…
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Building material prices see growth in July
According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Producer Price Index, residential building material prices rose 0.4% in July 2026 and were up 5.0% from last year. The price index for inputs to new residential construction fell 0.1% in July, but was up 6.5% from the year before. The price of goods used in new residential construction, including energy, was up 0.1% over the month and up 6.7% from last year, while the price of services was down 0.3% over the month and up 6.2% from last year. Among…
Read MoreResidential Contractor Editor’s Choice 2026 Products to be Announced
Residential Contractor will announce our picks for the Editor’s Choice Products in the Fall issue of the magazine, coming soon. These products and companies are selected for exemplifying innovation, quality, performance and value for today’s residential remodelers, specialty contractors and custom home builders. Additionally, two speciality awards will be presented for Jobsite Innovation and Jobsite Safety. From the structure and building envelope to interior finishes, mechanical systems and design technology, our 2026 Editor’s Choice selections highlight products we believe deserve a place on every residential contractor’s radar. Selected by the editors of Residential Contractor,…
Read MoreArchitectural details are more popular in exterior remodels
When clients look to remodel, it’s often for two reasons: cosmetic or performance, or more often a mix of both. B&B Siding and Roofing, a contractor serving New Jersey and Staten Island, noticed that today’s modern buyers are prioritizing curb appeal and detail in exterior treatment. Fiber cement siding is a growing choice among clients, noted B&B. This aligns with the National Association of Home Builders’ study on exterior material trends. While vinyl remains the overall pick, fiber cement recorded steady growth from 3.20% to 22.61% over the past 25 years.…
Read MoreThe evolution of bathroom remodeling in 2026
Modern bathrooms have evolved past basic functional use in 2026. Homeowners are renovating their bathrooms to feel brighter and more relaxing, prioritizing comfort above all else. Instead of cold, polished interiors, many modern bathroom remodels are focused on creating spaces that feel warm and inviting. Throughout 2026, bathrooms have become one of the most important spaces in the home; most clients begin and end their day in these spaces. As a result, comfort, functionality and, overall, atmosphere have become much bigger priorities during renovation projects. Durability is also playing a…
Read MoreThree West Coast kitchen design trends
RL Remodeling’s clients span the California coast from Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego to Santa Barbara. Dana Laksman, General Manager at RL Remodeling, notes that while no two clients are alike, there are features she finds are requested in multiple projects a week. The most notable shift is away from the stark white-washed kitchens. Laksman notes she often deters clients from this design choice, which leaves little to hide. Instead, she notes that warm-toned and two-toned kitchens are in style, sourcing materials such as natural white oak or walnut.…
Read MoreLooking ahead to 2027 luxury renovation trends
For several years, luxury was defined by minimalism, including white interiors, clean lines, open spaces and an intentionally restrained palette. While those elements are not disappearing, homeowners are increasingly looking for something more personal. As 2027 edges closer, builders and designers are seeing a welcome shift in luxury renovation design trends. In Florida’s luxury homes, natural materials have become the new luxury. One of the strongest visible shifts is toward materials with genuine depth and character. Natural stone, warm woods, textured plaster, limestone, marble and other tactile finishes bring something…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: Bowers Design Build
In this historical renovation, Bowers Design Build honored the home’s rich history while creating a warm, functional retreat that blends old-world character with modern comfort. The clients purchased the 1836 home with the desire to preserve its historical charm while modernizing it for their familial needs. While the original kitchen lacked both flow and function, the builder opened up the space by reworking the layout, creating a kitchen that now serves as the heart of the home. Custom inset cabinetry, warm wood tones, and honed countertops bring a timeless feel…
Read MoreIndustry prepares for new tariffs on Canadian goods
Announced in mid-July, a new 50% tariff on Canadian goods, including lumber, will go into effect on Aug. 19, 2026. That is, unless the two countries strike a different deal in a week. As first reported by North Country Public Radio (NCPR) in Canton, New York, a community close to the Canadian Border is preparing for the effects. James Putman, owner of JP Building Supply, which provides local homebuilders and contractors with building materials and lumber, noted that even though his business was doing well, he imports about a third…
Read MoreABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator decreases in July
On Aug. 11, 2026, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.0 months in July 2026. The data originates from an ABC member survey conducted from July 20 to Aug. 4. The reading is down 0.8 months from both a month ago and a year ago. “Backlog fell sharply in July and is down to the lowest level since January,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The data center boom masks the depth of this weakness, as there is a lack of momentum in…
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