This visual is from the December 16, 1996, edition of Nation’s Building News, NAHB’s official newspaper at the time. The post Home Improvement in the 1990’s first appeared on Best In American Living.

The 1996 Home of the Year consists of a 5500-square foot residence and an 800-square foot, two-bedroom, two-bath guest residence.  The house sits on a 2.5 acre west-sloping parcel at the base of a massive, exposed boulder mountain in a master-planned golf community.  Local rules required that 30% of the site be dedicated to undisturbed, natural open space.  The architect oriented the house to take advantage of the mountain views to the east and the city views to the west.…

Over the first eight months of 2023, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 615,453. On a year-over-year (YoY) basis, this is 15.6% below the August 2022 level of 728,866. Year-to-date ending in August, single-family permits declined in all four regions. The range of permit decline spanned 10.7% in the Northeast to 21.7% in the West…. Read More ›

Defining an exciting architectural future for Tustin, Calif., this 3,059-square-foot residence at Cira at the Landing brings a new energy to the community. Contemporary interiors complement the modern exterior, and natural light fills the home through high ceilings. An exciting stair to the third floor brings drama to a typically traditional circulation space. To complement the Southern California lifestyle, the third-floor bonus room and covered deck are an entertainer’s dream, while providing relief from the sun and a comfortable space…

According to the latest Producer Price Index report, the price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) was in September (not seasonally adjusted) after climbing 0.4% in August.  Prices have increased 0.8%, year-to-date, the smallest YTD gain through September since 2019. The Producer Price Index for all final demand goods rose 0.9% in September after increasing 2.0%… Read More ›

Capital Pacific Holdings, Class of 2008 Hadi Makarechian is the founder, chairman of the Board, chief executive officer and president of Capital Pacific Holdings, Inc., a diversified real estate company headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif., with operations California, Arizona, Colorado and Texas.   Makarechian has been involved in the real estate industry as a master planner, builder, developer and long-term investor for more than 30 years and is recognized as an industry leader and innovator. He has been credited with revolutionizing…

The design of this sumptuous billiards room and retreat on Daniel Island, South Carolina was inspired by the homeowner’s desire to maximize views of a river and marsh from the second floor of his home.  Because the owner is the founder and creative force behind a successful boat manufacturing company, he wanted to incorporate motifs and materials characteristic of fine marine craftsmanship. The room’s defining feature is the ceiling, which rises from 9 to 12 feet at its highest point. …

The NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the third quarter of 2023 posted a reading of 65, edging down 3 points from the previous quarter. While there is still demand for remodeling, some customers are pulling back on potential projects due to higher prices and increased interest rates.  Even though remodeling spending has experienced some slow down over the… Read More ›

Consumer prices in September remained stable, with housing and gasoline cost continuing to be key drivers. Despite the slight annual slowdown, shelter costs remain elevated, accounting for over 70% of the total increase in all items excluding food and energy. The Fed’s ability to address rising housing costs is limited as shelter cost increases are driven by a lack of… Read More ›

Per the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) survey through the week ending October 6th, total mortgage activity increased 0.6% from the previous week and the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) rate rose 14 basis points to 7.67%. The FRM rate has increased 40 basis points over the past month to its highest level since 2000. The Market Composite Index, a measure… Read More ›