Wood into Paper? Sure. But Paper into Wood? Yup
A new Swedish company said it has perfected a process to turn paper back into wood. Call it reversal of fortune if you will, but PaperShell, based in Tibro, Sweden has introduced new technology that converts paper into a durable, artificial wood, according to a report in Metropolis, the design magazine. It just showed its […]
Lowe’s and Home Depot Numbers Offer Encouragement
The two big DIY doppelgangers each reported better financial results for their recent quarters and that’s good news. The home improvement and remodeling business is not exactly out of the woods yet but signs continue to emerge that the long-anticipated bottoming-out has occurred and the upswing is starting. Both Depot and Lowe’s showed small gains […]
Lot Supply Up Again According to New Zonda Index
For the second consecutive quarter the New Home Lot Supply Index shows an increase in what’s available. The new Zonda Index reports a 5.4 percent increase for the fourth quarter of last year, which is good news for builders. “Land and lot supply is at the healthiest levels we’ve seen in years,” according to Ali […]
Office to Residential Conversions Tops in New York and Washington, DC
The national movement to convert office buildings to apartments continues to gain momentum, especially in certain cities. As the commercial office market continues to soften with the work-from-home movement remaining in place, a number of cities are leading the way to the number of unit conversions to residential uses. A new RentCafe analysis of Yardi […]
Figuring Out the Carbon Footprint of Mass Timber Structures Just Got Easier
For builders working with mass timber, a new tool helps to find out exactly how much carbon these structures are emitting. Developed for the new Portland, OR airport terminal that features an innovative use of mass timber, the University of Washington’s Applied Research Consortium’s new tool called UpStream solves a big question for builders. “We […]
New Houzz Study Offers Encouraging News
Even as the building trade continues to have its struggles a new report suggests better times are coming…and coming soon. “Home professionals are entering 2025 with renewed confidence and expectations for growth in both revenue and profitability after navigating two difficult years,” Marine Sargsyan, staff economist for the online design resource said in releasing the […]
Lowe’s New Contractor Loyalty Program Simplified
The big home improvement chain has reworked its MyLowe’s Pro Rewards program to make it easier for professionals. The Lowe’s loyalty program has put into place a number of initiatives designed to allow small and mid-sized pro contractors to earn and redeem rewards as it increases its focus on this sector of the home improvement […]
Key Furniture Analyst Looks to Disaster-Driven Recovery
Noted industry advisor Jerry Epperson says wildfires in California and big storms in the Southeast could result in better business. In his latest Mann Armistead Epperson Furnishings Digest Newsletter, Epperson, who has been working with the industry for more than five decades – the past 39 with the Richmond, VA-based investment banking firm – lamented […]
84 Lumber Teams Up with Home Builders Institute
The retail chain will fund scholarships at HBI’s training academies as well as sponsor an annual awards program. The lumber retailer’s new national partnership with the Home Builders Institute will include eight scholarships for the HBI’s BuildStrong Academies and will also sponsor the 2025 Shirley McVay Wiseman Award. “The HBI is thrilled to strengthen our […]
NKBA Forecast: Brighter Colors, Earth Tones, Mid-Century Modern Designs
The new 2025 Kitchen Trends Report points to a number of design directions in color and cabinetry. Kitchen design is one of the leading indicators of where home building is going and the new study from the National Kitchen & Bath Association is pointing to a number of trends going forward. Based on a nationwide […]