Findings from a recent national poll* that reveal 30% of American adults typically work from home at least two days a week could offer clues to the long-term financial health and value of commercial office space in the United States. How this share evolves over time, whether it drops due to employers tightening work-from-home policies or it grows due to… Read More ›

This community is inspired by the values that matter to families, ranging from a couple in search of their first home, a growing family in need of more space or empty-nesters in the market for a right-sized for-rent home in a peaceful community. The homes are striking in detail with rich architectural features and tailored amenities. Modern farmhouse chic is conveyed through the regionally popular cementitious lap siding and minimal standardized window, while clean, muted colors were chosen to lend…

According to the latest Employment Situation of Veterans report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the share of employed veterans working in the construction industry increased to 6.5%–the second consecutive annual increase. The share has climbed 0.6 percentage point since 2020 and is just one-tenth lower than the most recent peak reached in 2019. “Management, business, and financial… Read More ›

The home owners of this dated 1970s home wanted a fully open concept, colorful and inviting space that had moments of midcentury funk. Before The kitchen was closed off, traditional and uninspired, so walls were torn down to create an open, airy space that included the entry, kitchen, great room and dining room. This created a unique architectural problem because of the necessary support of a structural post in the middle of the room. The solution was a high-contrast, bold…

Single-family production showed signs of a gradual upturn in March as stabilizing mortgage rates and limited existing inventory helped to offset stubbornly high construction costs, building labor shortages and tightening credit conditions. This is reflected in the slight uptick in builder sentiment in April. Overall housing starts in March decreased 0.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.42 million units,… Read More ›

Builders remained cautiously optimistic in April as limited resale inventory helped to increase demand in the new home market even as the industry continues to grapple with building material issues. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in April rose one point to 45, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index… Read More ›

Over the first two months of 2023, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 112,131. On a year-over-year (YoY) basis, this is 34.3% below the February 2022 level of 170,716. Year-to-date ending in February, single-family permits declined in all four regions. The Northeast posted a decline of 23.6%, while the West region reported the steepest decline… Read More ›

Virginia Elegance is an exquisitely detailed transitional home with a traditional style and contemporary feel. The architect created the custom spiral staircase to be a “wow” feature as part of the home’s front elevation, so it was important for it to be visible from the street. Therefore, the staircase was centered within the home’s oversized front windows. Featured in the foyer, the staircase is introduced with a traditional Calcutta and black marble floor design detail. The home owner plays the…

According to the latest Producer Price Index report, the prices of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) climbed 0.3% in March 2023 (not seasonally adjusted). Since declining the last four months of 2022, the index has increased three consecutive months by a total of 1.6% but has been relatively stable over the past year. The prices of goods… Read More ›

The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the first quarter of 2023 posted a reading of 70, edging up 1 point from the fourth quarter of 2022. While remodelers are generally more optimistic than their single-family builder counterparts, some are noting negative effects within the market including continued material shortages and higher interest rates. Current overall RMI reading of… Read More ›