With mortgage rates expected to drop below 6% in 2026, more buyers will reenter the market — making it an ideal time for homeowners to invest in value-boosting renovations. Key improvements that promise the strongest return include enhancing curb appeal, upgrading bathrooms and kitchens and creating more functional layouts. Exterior updates like new garage doors, entryways and siding can yield ROI exceeding 200%, while open floor plans and finished basements appeal to modern buyers seeking livable, flexible spaces. Luxurious, spa-like bathrooms and well-designed kitchens with islands or walk-in pantries continue…
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How Renovation is Reshaping Residential Construction
The U.S. housing market is seeing a long-term shift toward remodeling as aging homes and high new-home prices make renovation the more practical option for many Americans. According to NAHB’s analysis of employment and establishment data, remodeling is no longer a short-term trend but a structural transformation in residential construction. The number of remodeling firms nearly doubled from under 69,000 in 2000 to over 128,000 in early 2025, now representing 56% of all residential building construction businesses. This growth reflects steady consumer demand for affordable improvements and builders’ strategic pivot…
Read MoreInside Laura Lubin’s Artful Tennessee Home Renovation
Interior designer Laura Lubin’s renovation of her former Tennessee home, now owned by a new family, transformed an already beautiful residence into a seamless blend of sophistication, warmth and modern comfort. The new homeowners, who fell in love with the home’s architecture and decor, enlisted Lubin to expand and reimagine the space, turning a screened patio into a versatile keeping room that connects naturally to the rest of the house. Lubin approached the project as a study in balance—merging refined, Italian-villa–inspired design with casual Southern charm. The result is a…
Read MoreThe 2026 Color Palette Home Builders Should Embrace
Designers predict that gray-green will define interior color trends in 2026, blending sophistication with warmth. This shade offers the perfect balance between cool and cozy tones, reflecting a connection to nature while maintaining modern versatility. From olive green cabinets that add refinement to kitchens, to soft mint tones that evoke calm in bathrooms, gray-green serves as a timeless neutral that complements nearly any aesthetic. Its grounding quality brings serenity and balance, making it ideal for spaces where homeowners want elegance and comfort to coexist. When styling gray-green, designers suggest experimenting…
Read MoreThis bathroom design is in high demand
Remodelers find that open-concept wet bathroom design is in high demand for its balance of accessibility, functionality and style. So much so that a reported one in six renovated bathrooms adopt this style. This is reported that 41% of new remodels value with aging household members. The defining features that gravitate many clients are low-curb or curbless showers, non-slip flooring,grab bars and built-in seating. The room layout of these bathrooms are an integral part of the design. Remodelers often prioritize large format tiles through 12 x 24-inch rectangles. Additionally it…
Read MoreU.S. Countertop Market set to reach USD 32.44 Billion by 2030
The U.S. countertop market is entering a new era defined by sustainability, innovation and performance. Valued at $28.65 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $32.44 billion by 2030, the market’s steady growth is driven by remodeling trends, design innovation and advances in manufacturing efficiency. Consumers are increasingly choosing materials like sintered stone and high-performance porcelain, which combine visual appeal with durability, hygiene and eco-conscious features. As manufacturers like Neolith, Caesarstone and Cosentino lead in education and product innovation, sustainable and low-maintenance surfaces are reshaping both residential and commercial spaces.…
Read MoreFed cuts rates again, though mortgage rates are already down
The Federal Reserve announced another 25-basis-point cut to the federal funds rate on October 29, marking its second consecutive quarter-point reduction this fall. Though the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, these decisions influence borrowing costs across the economy. Anticipating the move, mortgage lenders had already begun lowering rates throughout October, with 30-year averages nearing 6%, the lowest level in more than three years. Despite this decline, housing demand remains muted, as mortgage applications have continued to fall. The Fed’s latest rate cut reflects its attempt to balance a slowing…
Read MoreHow remodelers can boost their marketing
As the industry grows, each remodeler needs to stand out in their marketing. Comrad Digital Marketing gives their insights on how remodelers can grow their online presence to attract new customers. Many clients will Google or ChatGPT, “best remodeler near me,” and go with the first result. Being visible in the online atmosphere is key to being trusted in the eyes of clients. Quality digital marketing starts with a quality website. It includes the basics like who you are and what you do. Do you specialize in kitchen remodeling? Or have…
Read More5 Home Renovation trends you’re expected to see in 2026
Design experts are already forecasting the biggest home renovation trends for 2026, and they suggest that homeowners will be moving away from open-concept layouts in favor of more defined and functional spaces. Architect Peter Miles predicts that as people continue spending more time at home, traditional floor plans with designated areas, such as private home offices, will become more desirable. In addition, wellness-focused renovations are expected to grow, with homeowners adding amenities like home gyms, saunas and meditation rooms to support healthier lifestyles. Improved air quality and natural light will…
Read MoreThe Ongoing Strength in Luxury Remodel Segment
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, much of the key federal economic data used by businesses to make informed decisions, such as housing statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, has been temporarily unavailable. As a result, analysts are relying on private reports, such as the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s data, to assess current market trends. This report focuses on North American luxury homes, defined by price relative to income in specific regions. For instance, luxury homes range from about $784,000 in Philadelphia to over $2.2 million in Boulder, Colorado.…
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