New-home construction for single-family homes saw an improvement in July, despite builders’ concerns about affordability headwinds. Single-family housing starts rose 1.3% to 876,000 units last month, the Commerce Department reported. The largest regional increases in single-family homebuilding last month occurred in the South.But a decline last month in multifamily production for condos and apartments led to an overall decrease in total housing
Rising costs for construction materials and labor are making home improvement projects more expensive, yet too many homeowners are setting unrealistic budgets, according to the 2019 Kitchen and Bath Market Index report, which reflects second-quarter figures. The report, conducted jointly by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and John Burns Real Estate Consulting, is based on responses from 457 NKBA members.Estimated Cost of Common Interi
Minimalism, traditional, and Victorian interior home styles appear to be losing some appeal in favor of the public’s rising appreciation for the industrial aesthetic. Industrial decor is now the most popular interior design style in the country, according to a new report from Joybird, a furniture company. The industrial look has a factory feel with a modern touch, often featuring open layouts, metal appliances and features, and exposed bri
New-home sales rebounded in June, but builders warn that affordability concerns persist.Sales of newly built single-family homes rose 7% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 646,000 units, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. New-home sales for 2019 are 2.2% higher than the same period a year ago.But while the numbers were positive in the latest new-home
In a bathroom remodel, homeowners have a lot of choices, from tubs, sinks, tile, and more. But it’s the small details that could have some big impact. Realtor.com® recently featured an article on the smaller details that can help elevate a bathroom’s look, including:A luxe showerhead“These days, many people opt for massaging showerheads and models that can remember your temperature preferences,” Rob McDowell, a master plumber with All St
More homeowners are leaning towards maintenance-free faux turfs for their yards, according to landscapers.Architect Christopher Brandon of Brandon Architects in Costa Mesa, Calif., told The Wall Street Journal that about 75% of the projects he does for modern-style homes now ask for artificial grass. Since faux turf does not require water and the green stays vibrant all year long, there is virtually zero maintenance. Bran
Paint can make a big difference and give fresh life to the interior and exterior of a home. Having a new hue can improve a room’s appeal, but making the wrong choice can ruin it.Design experts recently shared some of the most common painting mistakes with Apartment Therapy, including:1. Selecting baby hues.“I cringe when I see baby blue walls,” Alessandra Wood, an interior design expert and vice president of style at Modsy, t
Homebuilders say they are stretching their focus beyond higher-priced homes for move-up buyers. A greater inventory of affordable homes that cater to newbie buyers is coming. However, challenges remain—such as higher costs of building materials, labor and lot shortages—but builders say they know the market is eager for more new homes for first-time buyers, and they’re positioning themselves to answer the call.Few builders “can compete and
Buyers put a lot of their focus on the kitchen. After all, it can be one of the most expensive rooms to remodel and its features and conditions can make or break a sale.Designers recently shared a list of the items with realtor.com® that could be subtly sabotaging a kitchen’s attractiveness, including:Fluorescent lighting“Nothing screams ‘cheap kitchen’ more than outdated fluorescent tube lighting with a yellowing plastic cover,”
Technology is entering more bathroom design, and it’s one of the top design trends of the year, according to the 2019 Bathroom Design Trends Study from the National Kitchen & Bath Association. The survey results are based on responses from 583 NKBA members, consisting of designers, remodelers, architects, and product manufacturers.Some of the technology solutions seeing the most growth in popularity are temperature control and thermostat sm
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