Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing was mixed in the second quarter of 2022, according to results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  The MMS produces two separate indices. The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) decreased 6 points to 42 compared to the previous quarter, dragged down largely by… Read More ›

The clients were not happy with the separation between their kitchen and family room. This new design eliminated one side window and enlarged the west wall of the kitchen to allow a featured wall with a full granite backsplash, a large-scale gas stove and a custom-made wood hood above it. The north wall was home to a commercial-sized refrigerator and freezer, built-in coffee maker and microwave, and lots of pantry and storage space. A large island features a farm sink,…

NAHB’s analysis of Census Data from the Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design survey indicates custom home building registered relatively flat conditions for the second quarter of 2022. There were 53,000 total custom building starts during the second quarter of the year. This marks a 2% decline compared to the first quarter of 2021. Over the last four quarters, custom… Read More ›

According to NAHB analysis of the most recent Census data of Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, during the second quarter of 2022 single-family attached starts totaled 38,000, which is 9.5% lower than the second quarter of 2021. Nonetheless, over the last four quarters, townhouse construction starts totaled 148,000 units, 7% higher than the prior four quarter total (138,000). However,… Read More ›

It’s no coincidence that people are generally happier in springtime. Compared to the colder, darker days of winter, spring is the opportunity for a fresh start. And for many Americans, it’s when they plan on buying a new home. As the momentum of home buying season continues to grow, the home building industry celebrates New Homes Month in April. At this time of year, millions of people are starting their search for the new home that’s perfect for their lifestyle.…

As the home building industry celebrates New Homes Month in April, recent research shows that walk-in master bedroom closets, low-emissivity (low-e) windows and laundry rooms are the mostly likely features in new homes this year, based on a survey of single-family home builders. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) asked builders about energy-efficient features that will most likely be in new homes in the coming year. At the top of the list was energy-efficient lighting, programmable thermostats and ENERGY…

Congratulations, you’ve decided to buy a home this year. Homeownership has many rewards including building up equity and having a place to call your own. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a trade-up buyer, the sooner you start preparing, the better. By following these simple tips, you’ll feel confident and ready to get out there and find the perfect home for you this year. Determine Your Home Search Criteria In a hot housing market, you may not get all the…

If you’re planning a home remodel, hire a professional remodeler with excellent credentials. The Indiana Builders Association believes the best remodeling results are achieved when qualified remodelers do the work. “Remodeling professionals have training, experience, skills, and solid references. They are invested in making their communities better. Fly-by-night and out of state contractors who come in town after a storm to take advantage of our friends, family and neighbors gives the whole industry a tarnished reputation,” said Paul Schwinghammer, IBA…

Why Should I Get a Summer Job? How Do I Find One? A summer job is an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in an industry you may want to enter. It offers you the chance to “taste test” a prospective career and build valuable contacts. Why Get a Summer Job? Gain critical skills like time management, communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Build your resume with professional experience that will help you land future jobs and internships. Learn how a workplace operates…

A sharp decline in single-family home construction is another indicator that the housing slowdown is showing no signs of abating, as rising construction costs, elevated mortgage rates and supply chain disruptions continue to act as a drag on the market. Overall housing starts fell 9.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.45 million units in July, according to a… Read More ›