A 1960s ranch house located in San Mateo, California, was thought to be a complete tear-down renovation by its owners. “The house lacked flooring, raising concerns about its “livability.’ Wallpaper covered every possible surface, and the bathrooms were original—complete with blue oval tubs and linoleum. Asbestos lurked in the tiles, and the electrical system was outdated knob and tube,” explained Feldman Architecture Owner and Managing Partner Steven Stept who acted as the project principal who oversaw the remodel. In addition to the dated and unfinished attributes, the home also lacked…
Read MoreDay: January 8, 2025
Prices and Trends in the U.S. Framing Lumber Market
The framing lumber composite price increased 0.5% for the week ending on January 3. This is after climbing 1.2% the week prior. Lumber prices are now 8.7% higher compared to what they were one year ago. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) continually tracks the latest lumber prices and futures prices, and provides an overview of the behaviors within the United States framing lumber market. The information is sourced every week using the Random Lengths framing lumber composite price which is comprised using prices from the highest volume-producing regions…
Read MoreEnergy-Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credits and Rebates for 2025
Today’s homebuyers are on the hunt for “green” construction. These are homes built with environmental considerations in mind. When buying a previously owned home, some buyers also seek eco-friendly materials and options. Zillow reports that homes equipped with some environmentally friendly features frequently will sell faster, in fact, and for more money than properties without similar items. If your client want’s to list their home on the market in 2025, or remodel it for their own enjoyment, following these five suggestions in a home renovation project will likely boost the…
Read MoreExpert Home Renovation Insights: Exploring Sustainable and Functional Design Solutions
Santa Barbara-based renovation expert Perry Lieber is setting new benchmarks in custom home design as homeowners increasingly prioritize sustainable, functional, and personalized living spaces. Lieber has years of experience transforming properties and spaces, combining modern technologies with timeless craftsmanship to create spaces tailored to each client’s unique vision and lifestyle. There is a growing interest in eco-friendly and adaptable spaces that has driven a shift in home renovation priorities. Perry Lieber, embracing this trend, incorporates sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and innovative design solutions into his projects. “Many homeowners are looking…
Read MoreHome Design and Remodeling Trends Topping the List to Watch for 2025
From rounded walls and furnishings to traditional styles mixed in with bolder textures and colors, many different styles are influencing today’s home trends. Home remodeling site Houzz recently released its 2025 home design predictions. According to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), English kitchen styles top that list. NAR states, These cozy kitchens feature cabinets in rich woods as well as historical paint colors, such as moody blues and deep greens. “You’ll also find natural countertop materials, like soapstone and butcher’s block, as well as large range alcoves, wood ceiling…
Read MoreLooking to Renovate, Rising Home Values and Low Mortgage Rates Keep Homeowners in Place
Upgrading their homes instead of moving, high mortgage rates and home prices have kept many Americans in place. Many experts report that is to continue in 2025. According to some estimates, homeowners have trillions of dollars of tappable equity in their homes which they could use to access Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) to help fund renovations. And some housing market watchers are seeing an aging U.S. home supply as ripe for updates. “For most people, it doesn’t make sense financially to move,” said Ben Carlson, director of Institutional…
Read MoreResidential Remodeling Market Set for 2025 Growth
Reversing a pullback seen late last year, spending for improvements and repairs on owner-occupied homes is expected to expand by the middle of 2025. This is according to the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA). Annual expenditures for home renovation and maintenance are projected to grow by 1.2% through third quarter of 2025. Signaling good news for residential improvement and repairs next year, new home construction rates and sales of existing homes are both growing. Additionally, stronger gains in home values (and home…
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