Despite weakness for single-family construction in 2023, townhouse construction recorded the best quarter for starts in more than 17 years. According to NAHB analysis of the most recent Census data of Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, during the fourth quarter of 2023, single-family attached starts totaled 47,000, which is 27% higher than the fourth quarter of 2022. This represents… Read More ›

The latest Producer Price Index, reported by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicated that inputs to residential construction, goods less foods and energy (residential building materials, not seasonally adjusted) increased 1.28% between December 2023 and January 2024. This was the largest monthly change for the index since March of 2022, when it increased by 2.07%. The year-over-year change of the… Read More ›

A sharp decline in multifamily starts pushed overall housing starts down in January even as single-family production showed signs of a gradual improvement later this year as interest rates continue to moderate. Overall housing starts decreased 14.8% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.33 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and… Read More ›

J. Carson Looney, FAIA, Class of 2008 As a principal at Looney Ricks Kiss Architects, Inc., J. Carson Looney has been providing both residential and commercial architectural design expertise for many years. During its history, Looney and his firm have received well over 200 awards of recognition for design work at the local, state, regional and national levels. These awards include 59 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) presented by NAHB and Professional Builder magazine. Community planning, urban design/revitalization and…

Expectations that mortgage rates will continue to moderate in the coming months, the prospect of future rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later this year, and a protracted lack of existing inventory helped provide a boost to builder sentiment for the third straight month. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes climbed four points to 48 in… Read More ›

Streamlined and bold, this 1,538-square-foot prizewinner in Chandler, AZ reflects the trend toward updating tried-and-true styles for today’s home buyers.  Here, traditional ornamentation is downplayed, and imaginative use of glass is the star.  Inside the house, the public areas receive generous space without shortchanging the bedrooms.  A vaulted ceiling and arched windows crown the living/dining room and showcase an inviting window seat in a floor-to-ceiling inset WHY THIS HOME IS A WINNER The exterior design offers a contemporary departure from…

2024 IBS Attendees hoping to advance their knowledge of design will have ample opportunities to do so.  From novice to advanced, the education opportunities available with an Expo+Education Pass gives every level of expertise the upper hand. The speakers are knowledgeable and will provide niche-specific solutions.  Design offerings include: SUPER SESSION: The Blueprint: The Battle Royale & 60 in 60 Inspire Your Designs for 2024 10 Common Floor Plan Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them 20 Elevation Styles to…

Over 2023, the total number of single-family permits issued year-to-date (YTD) nationwide reached 909,227. On a year-over-year (YoY) basis, this is 6.5% below the December 2022 level of 972,180. Year-to-date ending in December, single-family permits declined in all four regions. The range of permit decline spanned 5.0% in the South to 9.7% in the West. The Northeast declined by 7.1%… Read More ›

Capitalizing on the architectural heritage of the Southwest, this 1,893-square-foot stucco ranch in Scottsdale, AZ weaves its own blend of old and new.  A secluded side entry beckons you indoors, where and updated version of the traditional beamed ceiling helps carry out the Southwest theme.  The dining room occupies its own niche, while sharing space with the living room.  The effect is to make two rooms act as one.  Arched doorways add drama, and toned-down carpeting and wood flooring warm…

All homes start with good design. And it touches every facet of home building — whether you’re in single family, custom building, multifamily, remodeling, or sales and marketing. That’s why, for the past 40 years, NAHB has recognized, honored and promoted the importance of good design through its Best in American Living Awards (BALA) program. Created in 1984, BALA was sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders, Professional Builder magazine, and Better Homes and Gardens, and aimed to recognized…