With Housing Stalled, Homeowners Turn to Renovating
A new study found that two in five Americans renovated their home in the past year.
New NAHB Tool Charts Remodeling Activity by State
A new resource from the Home Builders Association provides localized remodeling activity information to help builders and contractors.
More Than Half of Homeowners Doing Renovation Projects
Even as the new build market continues to lag, a new study shows that fixing up existing homes remains a strong business. More than half of US homeowners — 54 percent — are undertaking renovation projects, according to Houzz Inc. in its new 2026 Houzz & Home Study. The median spend was $20,000, the online newsletter […]
Housing Market Not Likely to Rebound Anytime Soon
It’s not getting worse but an analyst report sees housing being soft for the immediate future. “We anticipate ongoing pressure ahead, as interest rates remain somewhat elevated—restrictive monetary policy due to higher-than-expected inflation—and continue to weigh on affordability and borrowing, resulting in deferred home investment.” That’s the bottom line forecast from Telsey Advisory Group, the […]
NKBA Forecasting Moderate Revenue Gains for 2026
In its new Kitchen and Bath Market Index for the first quarter of 2026, the organization sees some positive signs for the business. Kitchen and bath companies are forecasting moderate revenue gains for 2026, with more projecting low-to-mid-single-digit growth averaging 3.6 percent, the organization said. Retailers are the most positive, forecasting a 6 percent increase, […]
Do Trees Grow in New York City? Yes, Says a New Plan
A new “urban forest” plan for New York City was just unveiled by the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ). The new plan, created by architectural and design firm WXY, is designed to keep temperatures in the city from rising as global warming spreads but also to counteract historic inequities in lower-income neighborhoods. […]
Home Depot Makes Warehouse System Acquisition
The big home improvement retailer announced it was buying Simpl Automation to strengthen its distribution efficiency. The deal follows a test Depot did with Simpl in its Locust Grove, GA distribution center, which it said resulted in faster pick speeds and cycle times, with fewer product touches. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Home […]
Why Old U.S. Homes Are a Big Opportunity for the Building Trade
A new report says the typical home in the country is 44 years old and needs “tons of work.” As new home construction continues to stagnate and offer fewer opportunities for builders, contractors and others in the trade, the stock of aging homes in America could be a big source of projects as we advance. […]
Builders Group Asks for Tariff Relief
The National Association of Home Builders is lobbying the Trump administration for tariff exemptions on building materials. With the uncertainties surrounding the tariff situation in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling negating many duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the NAHB wants more permanent exemptions for building materials. Bill Owens, NAHB […]
Lowe’s Expands $250 Million Investment in Tradespeople Training
The goal for the program is to train 250,000 people to work in the building trade by the year 2035. Working through its foundation, the new Lowe’s initiative is building on earlier efforts by the giant retailer to train 50,000 people. The initial investment was for $50 million in 2023 and so far, it has […]