News

JBREC Has Released its Quarterly Remodeler Survey

The US Remodeler Survey, a collaborative effort between John Burns Research and Consulting and SOLA Group Inc. (the parent company of Qualified Remodeler Magazine), offers critical insights into the health of the professional remodeling segment within the residential repair and remodeling industry. This quarterly survey provides remodelers with comprehensive data on current market conditions, enabling them to evaluate industry performance based on feedback from hundreds of professional remodelers. With its focus on qualitative and quantitative data, the survey equips industry professionals to identify emerging opportunities and make informed decisions. Included…

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300-Year-Old Harvard House Undergoes Renovations

The historic Wadsworth House, the second-oldest building on Harvard’s campus, is currently undergoing significant renovations aimed at enhancing accessibility while preserving its historical integrity. Originally constructed in 1726 as a residence for Harvard presidents, the building now serves various administrative functions, including housing the Marshal’s Office. The renovations, led by architecture firm Perry & Radford and Consigli Construction, began shortly after Commencement and are expected to be completed by August 2026, in time for the building’s tercentenary celebration. Key improvements will include a wheelchair lift between the first and second…

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Election-Year Effect on Home Improvement Costs Forecast

As the U.S. presidential election approaches, Michael Neal, president of AAA Distributor, predicts significant changes in the home improvement landscape. With economic uncertainty driving consumer behavior, homeowners are leaning towards smaller renovation projects while awaiting more favorable market conditions. Neal notes that although inflation and interest rates have contributed to a challenging environment, the underlying demand for home renovations remains robust. He anticipates that post-election, as interest rates decline, there will be a resurgence in larger projects, potentially revitalizing the remodeling sector by mid-2025. Neal highlights that recent trends indicate…

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Late-70s Gold Nugget Home in Colorado Redesigned With Contemporary Twist

A late 1970s traditional ranch home in Bow Mar has undergone a stunning transformation into a contemporary family haven, thanks to the vision of KGA’s Paul Mahony and the craftsmanship of Harko Construction. Originally featuring sunken rooms, a closed kitchen, and outdated aesthetics, the home now boasts an inviting open floor plan that maximizes space and connectivity. By relocating the original fireplace and introducing oversized sliding glass doors, the design team created seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living, allowing natural light to flood the space and providing expansive views…

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2024 NAHB Gold Award Winner: Charleston Model Home by Schumacher Homes

The Charleston Model Home is a prime example of the New American Tradition that beautifully balances elegance and functionality. This split-bedroom ranch features four spacious bedrooms and two and a half baths, with a layout that enhances its perceived size, making it feel larger than its actual square footage. The exterior of the Charleston immediately impresses with its distinctive multiple rooflines, offering exceptional curb appeal that sets it apart in any neighborhood. Inside, the Charleston excels with several standout features designed for modern living. The home boasts a generous 12′…

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Top 9 Renovations to Increase Home Value in 2024

Several renovation projects are proving to offer high returns on investment for homeowners. According to recent insights, boosting curb appeal remains a top priority, with updates such as replacing garage doors, refreshing siding, and enhancing landscaping yielding substantial ROI. Additionally, creating a more functional floor plan by expanding or modifying living spaces is highly recommended. Features like large bathrooms, open kitchen layouts, and walk-in closets are increasingly in demand. Upgrades to luxurious bathrooms and kitchens, which are central to a home’s appeal, also promise significant value increases. Other high-impact renovations…

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Remodeling Spending Stabilizes: What Contractors Need to Know for 2024 and Beyond

According to the latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) report from Harvard University’s Remodeling Futures Program, homeowner spending on renovations and repairs is expected to stabilize and slightly increase through mid-2025. Despite a recent downturn, annual spending is projected to decrease by only 0.5% from $468 billion in Q2 2024 to $466 billion in Q2 2025. Economic uncertainty and a weaker housing market have dampened renovation activity, but the pace of spending is expected to recover to a more sustainable level following the pandemic-induced surge. For residential contractors, this…

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Maximize Spring ROI: Top 5 Remodeling Projects for 2024

Spring offers an ideal opportunity for homeowners to enhance their living spaces with high-ROI remodeling projects. According to Westlake Royal Building Products, the top five projects to consider this season include kitchen and bathroom updates, stone veneer installation, new windows, siding replacement, and decking upgrades. Minor renovations in kitchens and bathrooms, such as updating hardware or adding decorative trim, can yield impressive returns—96.1% for kitchens and 73.7% for bathrooms. For a more substantial impact, stone veneer, with its ability to add texture and character, offers a remarkable 153.2% ROI and…

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What Remodeling Contractors Need to Know for 2024-2030

The U.S. residential remodeling market, valued at approximately $527.36 billion in 2023, is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% through 2030. This growth is driven by rising homeowner demand for aesthetically appealing and technologically advanced interiors and exteriors. Increased disposable income and the popularity of home automation and smart appliances are also contributing to this trend. Contractors should note the growing emphasis on integrating smart systems and advanced materials, as well as the heightened demand for specialized services, such as concrete and masonry or…

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Trends, Key Insights and Opportunities for Residential Contractors

In the first quarter of 2024, homeowners spent $463 billion on renovations, although this figure represents a decline from peak spending levels and is expected to decrease further in 2025. Despite a projected reduction in overall renovation spending, residential contractors can still find opportunities in high-demand areas such as kitchen and bathroom remodels, which remain top priorities for homeowners. Notably, over 51% of homeowners spent $25,000 or more on renovations in 2023, reflecting a steady increase in renovation budgets. The average median spend on kitchens rose to $24,000, while bathroom…

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