Soft lumber prices, driven by a surplus of standing timber and declining housing demand, are squeezing margins for timber companies in Arkansas and the Deep South. Despite a strong timber supply, low prices and reduced demand, especially since the 2008 recession, have made landowners hesitant to harvest. This situation could worsen as housing starts decrease, further impacting the timber market. According to Woodcentral, a huge increase in standing timber (which has doubled in 45 years) and declining housing demand is to blame for persistently soft lumber prices, which are now…
Read MoreMonth: August 2024
Home Depot: Consumers May Not Be Spending Big, but They’re Still Remodeling
Rising interest rates and inflation are pushing homeowners to focus on more manageable remodeling projects rather than large-scale renovations. This trend has led to increased spending on minor home improvements, benefiting retailers like Home Depot, despite a decline in bigger, high-cost renovations. Homeowners are still remodeling, but they’re opting for budget-friendly updates like repainting rooms or upgrading fixtures instead of undertaking major projects. According to PYMNTS, rising interest rates mean increased borrowing costs. For potential homebuyers, this translates to decreased purchasing power, effectively putting the brakes on their homeownership aspirations.…
Read MoreHBF Opens Applications for Women Into Home Building Initiative
The Home Builders Federation has launched the fifth cohort of its Women into Home Building program, offering over 30 placements to attract more women into site management careers. Since 2023, the program has engaged 238 women, with 20 securing jobs in the industry. The initiative aims to diversify and enhance leadership in home building. According to CIOB People, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has launched the fifth cohort of its Women into Home Building programme to attract more women into site management careers. The announcement follows the closure of Women…
Read MoreAlabama Housing Market Showing Positive Trends in 2024
Alabama’s real estate market is showing strong growth, with home sales in July 2024 up 0.9% year-over-year and 13.1% from June, and total sales volume rising to $1.51 billion. The median home price also increased, reflecting a robust housing market that has seen six consecutive months of sales growth. This trend suggests continued strength in Alabama’s economy, supported by the real estate sector’s significant economic impact. Yellow Hammer says, as the summer comes to an end, Alabama’s real estate market is showing promising growth – and that growth doesn’t seem…
Read MoreTimberland Pro Highlights Generations of Trade Workers in New Campaign
Timberland Pro has launched the “From Labor to Legacy” campaign, celebrating the contributions of trade workers and showcasing the durability and comfort of their work products, just in time for Labor Day. The campaign, featuring an Oregon-based family in the trades, highlights Timberland Pro’s commitment to crafting high-quality gear for skilled professionals. According to Footwear News, Timberland Pro is launching a new campaign celebrating the legacy of trade workers — and shoes that keep them safe. Just in time for Labor Day, the shoe brand’s arm dedicated to skilled trade…
Read MoreHow Businesses Are Using AI in the Construction Industry
The construction industry is undergoing significant changes with the adoption of AI and machine learning, impacting areas like design, modeling, and project monitoring. AI is enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and driving innovation by optimizing design processes, ensuring structural integrity, and improving on-site safety through advanced monitoring tools. According to TechTarget, for decades, the construction industry has operated using consistent processes. But, like many sectors, it’s now undergoing significant changes due to the adoption of new technologies — including AI and machine learning. Artificial intelligence is increasingly present in nearly all…
Read MoreDewalt vs. Milwaukee: Finding the Best Power Tools for Contractors, Tradespeople, and Serious DIYers
Bob Vila’s comparison of DeWalt and Milwaukee power tools highlights that DeWalt generally offers more affordable options, making it popular among DIYers, while Milwaukee leads in power with its advanced 72V tools, appealing to trade professionals. Both brands are highly reliable, so the choice often depends on budget, power needs, and existing battery investments. Bob Vila shared their insights saying, we have tested thousands of power tools over the years, and, not surprisingly, we have gained considerable hands-on experience with both DeWalt and Milwaukee products. We also regularly check in…
Read MoreHyundai Adds HX800a L and HX1000a L Mass Excavators to Its Crawler Excavator Line
Hyundai has expanded its HX crawler excavator line with two new models, the 82-ton HX800A L and 100-ton HX1000A L, designed for heavy-duty earthmoving, mining, and quarrying. These excavators offer powerful engines, customizable configurations, advanced safety features, and Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, ensuring maximum productivity and efficiency for large-scale projects. According to Hyundai, they have continued expansion of the HX crawler excavator product line with the availability of two new large frame mass excavators. The 82-ton HX800A L, and the 100-ton HX1000A L are designed to meet the needs of high-volume…
Read MoreStudy Shows Florida Among Highest in US for Property Revamping
A new study finds home remodeling is a hot topic in Florida right now. According to Fort Myers News-Press, new research has revealed the states most eager to fix up their homes, with Florida ranked fourth for biggest desire to revamp their properties. The study, conducted by real estate company New Jersey Real Estate Network, analyzed 50 different search terms related to remodels, such as ‘bathroom remodel’ and ‘kitchen remodel’ over the last 12 months. These searches were then scaled against local populations to determine which states are the keenest to…
Read MoreRemodeling Roadmap: Good Planning Means Good Results
2023 Remodeler of the Year Elliot Pike provides his design philosophy insights. According to Over the Mountain Journal, when Elliott Pike, owner of ELM Construction, was named 2023 Remodeler of the Year by the National Association of Homebuilders at its annual awards event in February, the honor was the culmination of hard work, dedication to quality and an overall commitment to excellence. In other words, Pike said in a half-serious, half-tongue-in-cheek tone of voice, “My goal is to be the Chick-fil-A of remodeling. You can go to Chick-fil-A on any…
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