NAHB Remodeling award winner W.P.L. Bager House in Concord, Massachusetts, merged modern amenities with its antique charm. Concord Carpenter LLC, the full-service builder and remodeling company behind the redesign, worked with the homeowners who faced significant challenges due to the house’s deteriorating condition and an overwhelming amount of necessary repairs. The design team expanded their original plans from minor updates to a comprehensive $1.3 million renovation that included projects such as unifying floor heights, installation of new plank flooring, and significant kitchen and bathroom remodels, all while persevering the home’s…
Read MoreMonth: October 2024
30 Bathroom Shower Features and Finishes Pros Love
In Houzz’s latest article on bathroom showers and features, bathroom design experts emphasize the transformation of showers from functional spaces into luxurious retreats. The article also highlights a variety of finishes, fixtures, colors, and materials that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also prioritize durability and functionality for everyday use. Read More
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About High-Performance Insulated Glass Packages
According to the National Association of The Remodeling Industry, recent advancements in building products have significantly improved the energy efficiency of windows and doors, particularly through high-performance insulated glass packages like ClimaTech PriME. These new products meet ENERGY STAR’s Most Energy Efficient criteria across all climate zones, making them a selling point for contractors looking to provide clients with energy-efficient upgrades. Read More
Read MoreUnlocking Pro Insights: Decoding Category Dynamics in the Home Improvement Sector
Recent analysis from Datavations highlights some critical insights into the home improvement sector, particularly regarding professional customers, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. The study identified key trends using their propriety “PROpensity Indexi” revealing that building material; categories such as scaffolding, drywall and bath fixtures are predominantly driven by pro buyers. Seasonal shifts may further complicate purchasing patterns, with DIY customers dominating during peak seasons and professionals taking the lead during off-peak times. Read More
Read MorePros Expect an End-of-Year Rebound Following Slowed Activity
The Q4 2024 Houzz Renovation Barometer reports growing optimism among home remodeling professionals, despite a slowdown in Q3 business activity. According to Houzz, construction and design-build firms expect stronger project inquiries and commitments in Q4, with the Expected Business Activity Indicator increasing by 10 points. Lower interest rates and anticipated economic growth drive this positive outlook, though concerns about economical and political uncertainty linger. Backlogs have also slightly shortened for construction firms, averaging 10.5 weeks, while design-build firms report longer wait times than a year ago. Read More
Read MoreAmerica’s Renovation Boom Is Leveling Off—but Still Going Strong
The remodeling boom that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic is tapering off, but activity remains strong, as reported by realtor.com. According to the latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) report from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, spending is projected to increase slightly by 1.2% to $477 billion by Q3 2025. While the study notes that the explosive growth of 10-15% seen during the pandemic has slowed, spending levels remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic years, driven by homeowners catching up on deferred projects and making use of low-interest rates. …
Read MoreRenovateAI Launches AI-Powered Tool for Streamlining Home Remodeling and Design Visualization
Looking for some assistance in planning out home remodeling and design? Renovate AI is a new option powered by AI that allows users to instantly visualize interior and exterior designs. The program can explore various layouts, materials and furniture arrangements. Read More
Read MoreThe Home Builders Institute Construction Labor Market Report
The Home Builders Institute recently released its latest construction labor market report. Studies found that residential construction employment now stands at 3.4 million. As of August, the 6-month moving average of job gains for residential construction was 5,667 a month. Despite this, the unemployment rate for construction workers has been historically low compared to the past 20 years. While April 2020 saw an increase in jobs, because of the housing demand impact of COVID-19, the trend was still going downward due to a shortage of construction labor. Read More
Read More10 Cities Where Homeowners Are Taking Out Loans of Over $100K for Home Renovations
A recent SmartAsset study revealed a surge in six-figure home renovation loans across several U.S. cities, with homeowners leveraging significant equity to enhance property value. According to GoBankingRates, in markets like San Jose and San Francisco, homeowners are browning up to $205,000 for upgrades. Other metro areas such as New York City, Los Angeles and Washington D.C. are reporting loan amounts from $105,000 to $125,000. Read More
Read MoreTrends in Design and Renovation: A Comparative Study Among Homeowners and Architects
A national survey conducted by brick company, Glen-Gery, involving 1,500 homeowners and 500 architects highlights the most popular design trends of the year — earth tones, warm minimalism, quiet luxury and traditional design with a modern twist. As reported by Glen-Gery, both architects and homeowners showed a strong preference for sustainable design, underscoring the importance of environmentally friendly practices in new construction and renovation. Read More
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