Who Hires Pros and How Much Are They Spending to Complete Those DIFM Projects in 2024?

Homeowners rely heavily on professional services for ongoing maintenance and repair tasks with many opting for DIFM (Do It For Me) projects due to a lack of tools, skills, or time. Demographically, four key homeowner segments regularly hire professionals: affluent young homeowners, affluent middle-aged homeowners, middle-income seniors and low-income seniors. According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, these groups invest significantly in DIFM projects, particularly for tasks like roof repairs and plumbing. Remodelers can capitalize on this by offering service plans and warranties to push through homeowners’ concerns about cost…

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Remodel of the Week: 2024 National / Regional CotY Award Winner, Entire House Over $1,000,000

Creating a contemporary space with room for guests while preserving the original architecture of their childhood lakeside home was key for these homeowners. A main level expansion made room for a primary suite and music room and removing a wall between the kitchen and dining room allowed for a vaulted ceiling. Read more

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Pros Expect an End-of-Year Rebound Following Slowed Activity

“Home remodeling and design professionals are optimistic as the year draws to a close, with more firms anticipating an increase in business activity than a decrease in the final quarter of 2024. This follows an overall decline in business activity in the third quarter of the year. Meanwhile, wait times in the industry are similar to last year’s and hovering around historic averages..” Read more

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Navigating Regulations and Permits: Top Five Tips for Remodelers

NARI reports that remodelers who want to streamline their processes and create better experiences for homeowners should follow these five tips: understand local requirements; obtain necessary permits; acquire licensing and insurance; consider lead safety regulations; and stay informed about regulations.  Read more

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Remodel of the Week: Concord Carpenter Remodels 377 Main Street Concord, MA

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…

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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

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Pros 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

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America’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. …

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