While adhering to regulations and obtaining permits can be a time-consuming process, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences for remodelers and their projects. In a recent article by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the organization details essentials tips for managing regulations and permits. According to NARI, discussing its first consideration, Building codes may vary significantly by location. It is crucial to check with local authorities to determine whether a permit is needed for your specific project, especially if it involves structural changes or altering the home’s living…
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Tips for Remodelers Working with Contract Designers
Remodelers know that working with designers is beneficial and attractive to clients. Still, for many remodeling businesses, it makes more sense to contract with outside designers rather than hire an in-house design team. According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the first tip is to decide what type of designer you’ll be needing to work with: Generally, there are two types of designers with whom remodelers work. First, is an architectural designer, who considers the structure and framework of the remodel. They might draft and create blueprints.…
Read MoreStrong Q4 Performance Fuels Optimism Among Remodeling Businesses
Houzz Inc. recently released its Q1 2025 Houzz U.S. Renovation Barometer. The Q1 2025 report finds that businesses across the building industry are optimistic about activity in the first quarter of this year. Expectations among construction professionals are at their highest since Q3 2022. This rising optimism follows improved Q4 business activity compared with Q3. Recent business activity indicators for both industry sectors have increased and are above the 50-point benchmark, indicating that more firms reported improvements than declines in business performance. “Strong Q4 performance and recent federal interest rate…
Read MorePrices 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 MoreBobcat to Debut Several New Machines, Product Innovations at Equip Expo 2024
Bobcat Company, a global equipment, innovation and worksite solutions brand, will showcase several all-new and recently introduced grounds maintenance and turf renovation machines at Equip Expo. New Utility Tractors on Display Introduced in June 2024, Bobcat’s utility tractor lineup (UT6066, UT6566, UT6573) offers a competitive advantage for hauling, digging, raking, scraping and more. Bobcat will display its UT6573 at this year’s show. Bobcat utility tractors feature 12×12 powershuttle transmissions that deliver smooth shifting without stepping on a clutch pedal. Powered by turbocharged, Tier 4 diesel engines, these tractors offer robust…
Read MoreFour Things to Know Before Building a New Home
Homes are incredibly complicated structures with a wide variety of moving parts that require different industry professionals, such as architects, engineers and builders, to put the pieces into place. Four things to know before embarking on new construction are: buying new doesn’t have to mean spending more; always have a home inspection; pay attention to insurance premiums; and expect the unexpected. U.S. New & World Report delves into the specifies of each note in its recent article, beginning with the first of them mentioned above. According to the article, Although…
Read MoreDriving Efficiency in Challenging Times with Structural Building Components
By Jess Lohse Builders and developers continue to face unprecedented challenges as increased interest rates pressure housing affordability. Current rate levels jeopardize many multifamily housing projects and have many builders working to “do more with less” on single family projects. Times like these cause builders to revert to basics and analyze procurement and construction techniques. It may be tempting to apply pressure to subcontractors and suppliers to increase their scope of work while minimizing their price; better value can be found in soliciting their thoughts for efficiency and improvements to…
Read MoreHow to Hire More Women into Construction Roles
With a seemingly never-ending run of labor shortages, contractors may need to turn to a pool left largely untapped, and that is a pool of talented women. Making up 47% of the United States labor force, only 11% of women comprise the construction industry, highlighting a need for hire. Though it may seem simple enough, to hire more women, that is not the case. A compilation of poor recruitment efforts coupled with unfair stereotypes of what women can and can’t do when it comes to the jobsite continues to block…
Read MoreHiring An Architect? Questions To Ask First
For the client and the architect to have a better experience, understanding the process of hiring and working with an architect for new home construction or remodeling projects is key, as the process of hiring an architect for a custom home design, or for remodeling rooms and spaces in an existing home, can be rather intimidating. Though all professional services are relative, with vision and training, a space can be transformed into a place that evokes happiness for years to come. According to Acme Brick, “clients don’t need to have everything…
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