The National Green Building Standard (NGBS) Green Remodeling Certification, administered by Home Innovation Research Labs, offers a structured pathway for homeowners and builders to integrate sustainable practices into residential renovation projects. This certification emphasizes improvements in energy and water efficiency, aiming to reduce environmental impact while enhancing home comfort and durability. The program accommodates a range of project scopes, from minor updates to comprehensive renovations, across various residential structures, including single-family homes, townhouses, and multifamily buildings. Certification levels—Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald—are awarded based on the extent of green practices…
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In Win for NAHB, Canadian Lumber Exempt from Trump’s Global Reciprocal Tariffs
In a significant development for the U.S. housing industry, President Trump announced on April 2, 2025, the imposition of a 10% baseline tariff on all of America’s trading partners, with the notable exceptions of Canada and Mexico. This decision is particularly impactful as Canada supplies approximately 85% of U.S. softwood lumber imports, constituting nearly a quarter of the nation’s available supply. The exemption of Canadian lumber from these new tariffs is expected to mitigate potential cost increases in home construction and support housing affordability. While this exemption provides immediate relief,…
Read More2025 Remodeling Impact Report Highlights Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery
The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, released by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), reveals that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing—each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. These findings underscore the value homeowners place on both personal enjoyment and…
Read MoreRemodeling Market Sentiment Down in the First Quarter
Despite a five-point decline in the first quarter of 2025, the NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) remains in positive territory at 63, indicating that more remodelers view market conditions as good than poor. Rising homeowner equity and limited opportunities to move into other homes continue to support the home improvement market and keep remodeler sentiment positive. Notably, small remodeling projects under $20,000 maintained a strong index score of 76, reflecting steady demand in this segment. “Rising homeowner equity and limited opportunities to move into other homes is still supporting…
Read MoreWhere do builders and remodelers buy building products?
According to recent NAHB surveys, specialty retailers, lumber yards, and wholesale distributors are the primary sources for building products, collectively accounting for about 70% of purchases by both builders and remodelers. Lumber yards are particularly favored for structural materials like plywood, sawn lumber, and engineered wood products. Notably, remodelers are three times more likely than builders to shop at home improvement centers, especially for hand and power tools, which are commonly purchased by both groups at these outlets. NAHB explains one major difference between builders and remodelers was the share…
Read MoreShifting Trade Policies Reshape Building Material Market
Evolving trade policies and tariffs are reshaping the landscape for building materials, prompting innovation and new sourcing strategies in the construction industry. While costs for items like lumber and steel have risen, the focus is shifting toward strengthening domestic production and improving supply chain resilience. These changes may lead to more stable pricing and increased opportunities for local manufacturers in the long run. According to the NAHB, moving forward, we will continue working with all relevant stakeholders to roll back tariffs on building materials, boost sawmill production and increase the…
Read MoreRenovation rebound: Home remodeling is on the rise
Home renovation spending in the U.S. is projected to hit $509 billion in 2025, surpassing the previous record of $487 billion in 2023, as homeowners increasingly opt to renovate rather than move amid high mortgage rates and limited housing inventory. Many are leveraging significant home equity gains—averaging $150,000 over the past five years—to fund improvements, with nearly half of mortgaged homes now considered “equity-rich.” Popular projects include kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, and HVAC installations, which not only enhance daily living but also offer substantial returns on investment. According to The…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week: “Heirloom Harmony: A Serene Sanctuary in Bucks County”
Irwin Build’s award-winning transformation of a 6,000-square-foot home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, earned top honors in the 2025 National Remodeler of the Year Awards for the Entire House $750,000 to $1,000,000 category. The renovation celebrates timeless elegance by blending heirloom pieces with a warm, natural palette of taupes, creams, and soft earth tones—creating a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Expansive windows bathe the interior in natural light, highlighting curated artwork and offering tranquil views of the surrounding landscape. Every detail of the home was thoughtfully designed to balance…
Read MoreTop Remodeling Projects for Homeowner Satisfaction and Cost Recovery
The 2025 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry highlights that homeowners derive the most satisfaction from projects like adding a primary bedroom suite, upgrading the kitchen, and installing new roofing, each earning a perfect Joy Score of 10. In terms of cost recovery, replacing a steel front door offers the highest return at 100%, followed by closet renovations at 83% and new fiberglass front doors at 80%. While personal satisfaction drives many remodeling decisions, Realtors® often recommend projects such…
Read MoreRemodel of the Week; Palm Beach Florida Family Home Transformed
According to Mansion Global, tearing everything down is one way to get a transformative renovation, but some projects can get the same effect by elevating what’s already there through craftsmanship and thoughtful design choices. Such was the hope when Lindsey Koch, a former executive at New Era Caps, embarked on renovating her North Palm Beach, Florida, vacation home: She didn’t just want a luxury home—she wanted artistry. “You don’t always get this opportunity with houses of this level because so often, they’re torn down or rebuilt,” said Stephanie Mahaney of…
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