Our Blog

The best spokespersons for recruiting new talent to the residential construction industry are professionals in the field. And there is an urgent need to attract skilled labor. According to a recent report from the Home Builders Institute (HBI) the running… Continue reading →

In the latest video in the BizTools “Business Basics” series, contributing expert Vince Butler, CAPS, GMB, GMR, explains the importance of “Profit vs. Wealth.”

During his presentation, Butler, a nationally recognized speaker on a wide range of construction management… Continue reading →

With the strong backing of NAHB, Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with several other senators, introduced legislation to help ease the severe shortage of distribution transformers that is delaying home building projects and raising housing costs.… Continue reading →

NAHB’s signature lobbying event in 2024 will take place on Wednesday, June 12, in conjunction with the four-day Spring Leadership Meeting in Washington, D.C.

The power of the home-building industry lies with its grassroots advocacy efforts. Participating in this year’s… Continue reading →

With funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and about 20% of the rest of the government set to expire at midnight on Friday, the House and Senate today approved a short-term spending bill that will keep… Continue reading →

David H. Stevens, who served as president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) from 2011 until 2018, passed away unexpectedly this week.

Stevens’ career in real estate and mortgage finance started at World Savings and Loan and included… Continue reading →

Finding, engaging with and responding to business prospects can be a trying and time-consuming ordeal. However, the process can be made much simpler through effective market research, dialogue and promotion.

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, industry veteran S. Robert August, MIRM… Continue reading →

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index (RMI) for the fourth quarter, posting a reading of 67, increasing two points compared to the previous quarter.

The NAHB/Westlake Royal RMI survey asks remodelers to… Continue reading →

In a sign that lower mortgage rates continue to boost the housing market, single-family production surpassed the million mark for the second straight month in December.

Overall housing starts fell 4.3% in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of… Continue reading →

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments today in two cases of significant importance to NAHB members because the ultimate outcome of each case could sharply curtail the way a court reviews a federal agency’s interpretation of a statute.

Plaintiffs in… Continue reading →

The chairmen of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee have released a joint framework for tax legislation called the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 that would expand the federal child tax… Continue reading →

Mortgage rates well under 7% over the past month have led to a sharp increase in builder confidence to begin the new year.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes climbed seven points to 44 in January,… Continue reading →

Violations of safety rules on jobsites are now more expensive as the Labor Department announced its annual cost-of-living adjustments to OSHA civil penalties for 2024. The new penalty amounts went into effect Monday, Jan. 15.

OSHA’s maximum penalties for violations… Continue reading →

According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report, growth in the average price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) fell from 15% in 2022 to 1.3% in 2023 (not seasonally adjusted). On a monthly… Continue reading →

NAHB announced the finalists for its 11th annual Best of IBS Awards for the 2024 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Las Vegas. More than 230 product entries in nine categories were judged by 36 industry and media representatives. Finalists… Continue reading →

NAHB has a wide range of communication channels for members, HBA staff, and anyone interested in the residential construction industry to stay on top of the latest housing news and the Federation’s efforts to tackle top priorities.

Blogs

The NAHB… Continue reading →

NAHB announced the finalists for the 2023 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards. These awards highlight creative development concepts, innovative financing strategies, great design, and superior management and marketing in the apartment and condo development market.

The annual competition is… Continue reading →

As the need for skilled workers grows, it’s crucial for the construction industry to diversify its labor force. According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, white construction workers accounted for 87.3% of the workforce in 2022.

That’s part… Continue reading →

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on Wednesday published a final rule changing its policy for determining independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standard Act. Importantly, this test will not impact tests by the IRS or other federal agencies.… Continue reading →

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case brought by a California home owner regarding a $23,000 traffic impact fee required to put a manufactured home on a small parcel of land. The case directly addresses jurisdictions trying… Continue reading →

On the latest episode of the NAHB podcast Housing Developments, hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez welcome Tom Ward, NAHB vice president of legal advocacy, to discuss a huge case argued yesterday at the U.S. Supreme Court on… Continue reading →

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average hourly earnings for residential building workers was $30.71 per hour in November 2023, increasing 4% from $29.52 per hour a year ago. This was 14.1% higher than the manufacturing industry’s average hourly… Continue reading →

The Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) is the building industry’s premier residential design awards program. Celebrating its 40^th year of highlighting the value and importance of good home design, BALA spotlights the most creative and talented building… Continue reading →

Because of tightened monetary policy, the count of total job openings for the economy continues to move slower. This is consistent with a cooling economy that is a positive sign for future inflation readings.

In November, the number of… Continue reading →

The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), the largest light construction tradeshow in the industry, offers a look into products, trends and topics of interest for the year ahead through both its exhibits as well as its educational opportunities. The 2024… Continue reading →

To help members articulate key housing priorities, NAHB’s Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. An exclusive benefit for NAHB members and local and state association leaders, the Monthly Update provides top-line information on housing economics and… Continue reading →

NAHB and a coalition of energy, grid and builder associations have worked with Senate leaders to include an additional $1.2 billion in a spending bill to boost the production of sorely needed distribution transformers.

This is a critical issue for… Continue reading →

NAHB recently submitted formal comments on a potential new workplace standard being considered by OSHA to protect workers from heat-related illness and injury. NAHB feels the regulation is unnecessary, but should it proceed, OSHA needs to ensure companies have flexibility… Continue reading →

NAHB announced the Silver Winners, or finalists, for The Nationals, presenting the National Sales and Marketing Awards, Best of 55+ Housing Awards, Global Innovation Awards and NAHB Honors. Gold Winners will be announced at The Nationals Awards Ceremony,… Continue reading →

The National Housing Endowment (NHE) has set a bold goal for 2024 — to introduce 100,000 students to career opportunities in the residential skilled trades.

State and local home builders associations are encouraged to apply for the Career Connections… Continue reading →

Embrace the fresh start of a new year by learning from industry professionals in NAHB’s January slate of online education classes, featuring a brand-new course in creating and managing qualified sales leads. 

The following is a complete list of… Continue reading →

Executive officers (EOs) who run the Federation’s home builders associations (HBAs) are the backbone of the Federation, from handling day-to-day operations to helping their members’ businesses thrive.

Every year, NAHB recognizes the hard work and dedication of the EOs with… Continue reading →

As of Jan. 1, 2024, many businesses will be required to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to identify those who directly or indirectly own or control the company. This requirement stems from the enactment… Continue reading →

The NAHB special IBS pre-show planner — developed in collaboration with Pro Builder magazine and SGC Horizon, the official media partner of NAHB — is now available. Use this planner in advance of the 2024 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS)… Continue reading →

The International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is the premier, once-a-year event that connects, educates and improves the residential construction industry. The 2024 IBS — taking place Feb. 27-29, 2024, in Las Vegas — features more than 1,600 exhibitors presenting their… Continue reading →

While NAHB has established a well-deserved reputation on Capitol Hill as an elite power player that wields influence to get pro-housing bills introduced and passed, the association’s Intergovernmental Affairs team is also delivering concrete results by fighting every day on… Continue reading →

Along with all of the engaging events that await just around the corner at the 2024 International Builders’ Show (IBS), the coinciding NAHB leadership meetings are a critical component that directly impact the Federation.

During the leadership meetings, which are… Continue reading →

The Biden administration’s far-reaching “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule is one of the key regulatory issues that NAHB addressed in 2023 — and will continue to fight for on behalf of members in 2024.

The rule — issued… Continue reading →

In a move potentially benefiting single-family and multifamily builders alike, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it is considering delaying the effective date of a final rule seeking to reduce overall U.S. greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions.

The rule… Continue reading →

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz recently provided the following economic overview in his bi-weekly newsletter Eye on the Economy.

Interest rates have pulled back in recent weeks, as markets correctly anticipated a dovish Federal Reserve announcement in December. In fact,… Continue reading →

Elevated mortgage rates acted as a drag on new home sales in November, but with the peak rate cycle apparently in the rear-view mirror, sales are expected to rise as we move into the new year.

Sales of newly built,… Continue reading →

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) will each be allowed to invest up to $1 billion annually in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) market as equity investors, beginning in… Continue reading →

To get into the holiday spirit and strengthen the camaraderie of the Federation’s Young Professionals, 10 industry leaders came together to create a handy recipe book titled “Treats of the Season”.

The book includes directions and ingredients for several… Continue reading →

The use of 3D printers in residential construction is growing at a rapid pace. While 3D printing has a very long way to go before it replaces traditional home construction methods, builders should know how to protect their business from… Continue reading →

The recent strong economic growth rate of 4.9% in the third quarter, driven largely by consumer spending, is not sustainable, according to NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. It will be difficult for consumers to maintain the same level of spending… Continue reading →

NAHB’s Senior Officers will host a series of Virtual Townhall Meetings on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at the times listed below.

The meetings are an important opportunity for members and HBA leadership to provide feedback to NAHB leadership on emerging… Continue reading →

According to the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) report, the price level of inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) increased 0.2% in November after declining 0.4% in October (revised, not seasonally adjusted). The index has increased 0.8%… Continue reading →

Single-family construction surged in November as lower mortgage rates helped to assuage affordability concerns and unleash pent-up demand for housing.

Overall housing starts increased 14.8% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.56 million units, according to a… Continue reading →

According to the latest NAHB annual census, the median age of Builder members is 57, rising five years since the inception of the census in 2008. The aging population of trade workers is a major contributor to the labor… Continue reading →

Falling mortgage rates helped end a four-month decline in builder confidence, and recent economic data signal improving housing conditions heading into 2024.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes rose three points to 37 in December, according… Continue reading →

In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez are joined by Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz to discuss the Federal Reserve’s decision this week to leave interest rates unchanged.

Dietz explains how… Continue reading →

Every home design consultation begins with trying to understand the wants and needs of the home owner, hopefully with some inspiration photos from the client. But what happens when those inspo images aren’t real?

With the advancements in AI and… Continue reading →

NAHB works relentlessly to advocate for its members on numerous issues affecting residential construction such as supply-chain challenges, building regulations, energy codes and many more.

To help keep members up to date, NAHB’s advocacy leaders and subject matter experts have… Continue reading →

The Federal Reserve’s monetary policy committee held the federal funds rate constant at a top target rate of 5.5% at the conclusion of its December meeting. Marking a third consecutive meeting holding the federal funds rate constant, it now appears… Continue reading →

For 13 years, Pro Remodeler’s annual Forty Under 40 award has recognized the best and brightest young remodeling and home improvement pros. The award celebrates leadership, professional growth and achievement, creative problem-solving, and a passion for excellence.

Know a trailblazing… Continue reading →

According to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, almost half of occupied housing units (63.8 million) have at least one pet. And a recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey shows that consumers spent more than… Continue reading →

On a strong bipartisan vote of 44 to 1, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce has approved NAHB-supported legislation that would reaffirm congressional support for Job Corps and help address the nation’s skilled labor shortage.

H.R. 6655, the… Continue reading →

The House approved NAHB-supported legislation that would help jurisdictions preserve local control over the building code adoption process while also encouraging communities to take positive steps to withstand and recover from extreme events.

The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act (H.R. 5473)… Continue reading →

This month, NAHB provided a grant of $50,000 to the Hawaii Building Industry Foundation’s Maui Recovery + Rebuild Fund in support of their efforts and projects in assisting impacted residents and members on Maui in recovery and rebuilding homes following… Continue reading →

A change in color can be an immediate mood booster in any space, and a new year is a great time for a refresh. With so many options available, though, it may seem daunting to choose. Here are the top… Continue reading →

Bipartisan legislators in both the House and Senate introduced the Workforce Housing Tax Credit Act, which would establish a new tax credit to produce affordable rental housing for households earning 100% or less of the area median income (AMI). Sponsored… Continue reading →

In the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and SVP Paul Lopez discuss an important bipartisan bill up for a vote in Congress that would give home builders and local governments flexibility in rebuilding after natural… Continue reading →

Residential construction industry leaders in Montana participated in several discussions with Gov. Greg Gianforte, who recently signed multiple bills into law to boost the housing supply and expand consumer choice in the state.

“As everywhere else in the country, Montana… Continue reading →

NAHB is not only focused on expanding the next generation of the industry’s workforce, but it also aims to prepare and support the Federation’s emerging state and local leaders for success.

NAHB recently collaborated with several HBAs in various regions… Continue reading →

For years, contractors have promoted a design-build approach to residential development. This model encourages developers to gather all stakeholders around the table — the architect, designer, development professionals and construction team — as early as possible to foster collaboration and… Continue reading →

Don’t miss your chance to gain valuable insight as you prepare your business for the year ahead.

NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz will provide an overview of key macro issues expected to impact the economy and the housing industry in… Continue reading →

The Illinois Supreme Court last week issued an opinion that was extremely favorable to the construction industry in Acuity v. M/I Homes of Chicago, LLC, a case involving commercial general liability (CGL) coverage for construction defects resulting in water… Continue reading →

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved NAHB-supported legislation that will help ease the shortage of distribution transformers.

H.R. 4167, the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act, would ensure certainty for transformer manufacturers as they seek to repair… Continue reading →

The U.S. House of Representatives will soon vote on H.R. 5473, the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act. This bipartisan legislation extends a sunsetting provision in the 2018 Disaster Recovery Reform Act that gives local governments, home builders and home owners… Continue reading →

For the third consecutive quarter, single-family growth rates were negative for all geographic sectors of the nation, as exurban areas posted the largest increase in market share for both single-family and multifamily construction, according to the latest findings from the… Continue reading →

To help members articulate key housing priorities, NAHB’s Monthly Update provides the latest messaging framework for the Federation. An exclusive benefit for NAHB members and local and state association leaders, the Monthly Update provides top-line information on housing economics and… Continue reading →

National home prices continued to increase in September. Despite rising mortgage rates, limited inventory and solid, but weakened, demand provided support for home prices. National home prices are now 69% higher than their last peak during the housing boom in… Continue reading →

Significant changes within the multifamily housing sector will soon take place. The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) was finalized earlier this year by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the new requirements go into effect Jan. 1,… Continue reading →

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has proposed a rule that would require public housing agencies (PHA) with tenants in public housing and owners of properties participating in HUD multifamily project-based rental assistance (PBRA) programs to provide… Continue reading →

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a series of six webinars over the next several weeks on the Energy Star program for single-family and multifamily new construction. This series may be helpful to any builder interested in the… Continue reading →

The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) announced today that it will not rescind the existing combined countervailing and antidumping duties totaling roughly 9% on certain Canadian softwood lumber products coming into the United States.

In a press release announcing a… Continue reading →

NAHB is reminding all business owners to work with their tax professionals to ensure you are prepared for the new mandatory e-file requirements taking effect next year.  Starting in 2024, taxpayers submitting 10 or more returns, which includes Form… Continue reading →

The flagship exhibit of the upcoming International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, The New American Home® 2024 is in the final phase of construction. The build team has been working in overdrive as it prepares the home to make its… Continue reading →

With much of the United States experiencing the first arctic blast of the season, it’s a good time to review proper cold weather jobsite safety.

The most obvious area of concern is protecting workers from the bodily dangers posed by… Continue reading →

NAHB’s 2023 Builder and Associate Member Census was sent out this week to help us better understand the composition and characteristics of the members who belong to our Federation.

We need your participation to help us provide even better service… Continue reading →

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on Nov. 28 announced its loan limits for 2024. The nationwide rise in median home prices indicates most buyers across the country will see increases.

The FHA floor will increase from $472,030 to $498,257 for… Continue reading →

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced that the maximum baseline conforming loan limits for mortgages acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2024 will rise to $766,550, an increase of $40,350 from 2023.

The conforming loan limits… Continue reading →

A motorized and lighted pergola, keyless smart doors for homes, and software that can design and price a home before construction begins. Those are some of the futuristic technologies that were honored in the Global Innovation Awards (GIA) program.… Continue reading →

NAHB’s Board of Directors will convene virtually for its 2023 Winter Board Meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ET.

Members and executive officers can view a livestream of the meeting on nahb.org starting at 10 a.m. ET.… Continue reading →

To help home builders associations and members become a trusted resource for housing-related information in their community, NAHB has new customizable videos available.

NAHB provides a monthly housing-related video in an easy-to-download format for members and HBAs. The short videos,… Continue reading →

Elevated mortgage rates that averaged 7.62% in October per Freddie Mac, the highest rate since 2000, depressed buyer demand and pushed down new home sales in October.

Sales of newly built, single-family homes in October fell 5.6% to a 679,000… Continue reading →

The Home Builders Institute continues to expand its trades training programs into secondary schools across the country with generous funding from The Home Depot Foundation and the National Housing Endowment.

Schools to Skills grant funding allows secondary schools to… Continue reading →

NAHB is mourning the passing of Jim Pigott, Jr., owner of The Pigott Agency in Mechanicsburg, Pa. He passed away Nov. 16 while attending an industry-related… Continue reading →

As a residential construction industry expert, increasing your visibility and credibility can be valuable tools for the success of your business. One way to bolster your reputation as a housing industry thought leader is to publish a book. Writing a… Continue reading →

For remodelers looking to elevate their businesses in the new year, staying on top of the latest housing trends is a must. In this installment of NAHB’s Remodeling Forecasts, Myths & Trends video series, sponsored by Lowe’s Pro,… Continue reading →

Throughout the year, the Home Builders Institute (HBI) builds careers and changes lives through free trades training programs across the country. This holiday season, HBI is asking for your support to continue to ensure students acquire the skills they need… Continue reading →

The construction industry has a serious need for accurate, local and real-time pricing data. Verisk, a data analytics and technology partner to the global insurance industry, is working to solve it.

On Thursday, Nov. 30, representatives from Verisk will illustrate… Continue reading →

With Spike Appreciation Month in full swing and the race to become one of nine winners of Signature Kitchen Suites’ (SKS) all-inclusive trip to New York City on the line, many across the Federation are wondering the best ways to… Continue reading →

Digital media is more important than ever in the home buying industry. And creating a website that uniquely stands out from the crowd is a difficult but necessary task.

“Today’s home buyer journey includes more digital engagement than ever before,”… Continue reading →

Alicia Huey, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home developer from Birmingham, Ala., today issued the following statement after President Biden invoked the Defense Production Act to boost production of electric heaters:

“The purpose… Continue reading →

While the cloud has ushered in a new era of computing, it has also created a new wave of challenges. Enterprises today typically work with multiple public cloud technologies, creating significant integration and management burdens.

The complexity of managing these… Continue reading →

The Best of IBS Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions of products and services of IBS Exhibitors in various categories of the residential building industry. These awards are a testament to innovation, quality and commitment, offering not just recognition… Continue reading →

Single-family construction held steady in October as high mortgage rates depressed demand but more buyers turned to new homes because of a lack of existing inventory.

Overall housing starts increased 1.9% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of… Continue reading →

NAHB’s refreshed Residential Construction Industry Fundamentals course (formerly Basics of Building) provides a crucial opportunity for those who work in construction-related fields to expand their knowledge — and their profits.

The on-demand, self-paced course will give industry professionals the tools… Continue reading →

Confidence in the market for new multifamily housing was in negative territory for the third quarter, according to results from the Multifamily Market Survey (MMS) released today by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The MMS produces two separate… Continue reading →