Home improvement contractors could become extinct in Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator

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Under a proposed law in Louisiana, homeowners would have to hire a licensed general contractor for any home improvement work valued over $10,000. Some worry the measure will destroy the market for trim carpenters, fence builders and other handymen who can perform jobs up to $75,000 under current law. Currently, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) regulates two different types of residential construction professionals, aside from mold remediation experts: the licensed general residential contractor, which is required for jobs priced above $75,000; and the certified home improvement contractor, who can perform work between $7,500 and $75,000. Both must…Continue Reading

News Flash • Senate Clears Singer Bill to Protect New Jersey

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The New Jersey Senate voted in favor of legislation sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30) that would establish a professional board to regulate home improvement and home elevation contractors. “For too long New Jerseyans have worried about the legitimacy of their contractor. Today’s Senate vote takes another step in the right director to give us all the confidence to make decisions that best improve our quality of life,” said Sen. Singer. “By increasing transparency and setting a clear standard for contractors, we can greatly improve consumer protections and give the people of New Jersey the peace of mind they deserve.”…Continue Reading

Is the Remodeling Boom Over—or Just on Pause?

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During the pandemic, Americans became ultra-focused on upgrading their homes, taking on remodeling and DIY projects in record numbers. But as recession fears mount, more homeowners are putting on the brakes and showing less willingness to dole out large amounts of money on home improvement projects. New data this week shows home improvement giants like Lowe’s and Home Depot posting lower profits. These firms are also downgrading their sales outlooks for the year. Home improvement experts say consumers are becoming jittery about the economy and are moving from large-scale renovations to smaller, cheaper projects—or just scrapping their renovation plans altogether.…Continue Reading

Crosswater curates the top trends coming up for bathrooms • Hotel Designs

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In the past few years’ bathrooms have become carefully curated spaces, designed to reflect a brand or a homeowner’s personal style, while effortlessly combining functionality and aesthetics. Bathroom design in 2024 will continue to build on these key principles, with an emphasis on innovation, style and sustainability. With this in mind, Crosswater has pulled together some of the top trends coming for bathrooms in 2024.Image credit: CrosswaterTextured fittings and fixtures are going to continue to be popular in 2024, whether that be through furniture units, brassware, or wall coverings. Mixing materials like marble with brass accents, or glass…Continue Reading

Soothing the Soul – Kitchen & Bath Design News

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422 People have a lot going on. Stressful jobs, busy schedules, family commitments…the list is long. Anytime anyone can find a bit of calm from the chaos, it is a welcome break.  Oftentimes those ‘breathers’ occur in primary bathrooms, where a long soak in a sculptural tub or a rejuvenating shower under a cascade of ‘rain’ can melt away the stresses of a day. But these days, it isn’t only the bathroom where that transformation can happen. Instead, the entire primary ensuite serves as a refuge designed to make life not only easier, but more restful as well.  This month,…Continue Reading

Home Improvement Spending Expected To Drop 5.9% Through Q2 Of 2024 – Forbes Home

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Key TakeawaysHome renovation spending is expected to decrease from $486 billion to $457 billion in 2024. The main driving factors of this decrease include high and rising interest rates, lowering house price appreciation and a decrease in home sales.  Smaller projects and projects with high ROI should be prioritized during this time.The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University recently published its latest quarterly Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) report, which predicted a 5.9% decrease in home renovation spending through the second quarter of 2024. This report, which offers a “short-term outlook of national home improvement…Continue Reading

These Were the Most Popular Home Improvement Projects of 2023, According to BobVila.com Readers

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Photo: istockphoto.comThere’s no shortage of tasks to do and projects to tackle as a homeowner. From necessary repairs big and small (cracks in the ceiling, roof repair, appliance repair, and more) to renovation projects (kitchen and bathroom remodeling, among others), many homeowners are trying to make their houses more than just a place to live—they’re trying to turn them into homes that are a source of shelter, security, comfort, enjoyment, and perhaps most importantly, a sense of belonging. Homeowners invested more in maintenance than improvement in 2023. Home buying cooled as mortgage rates rose. Paired with a low housing…Continue Reading

₹171 crore, not ₹45 crore, spent on Kejriwal house renovation, claims Maken

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Congress leader Ajay Maken addressing the media in Delhi on Sunday. | Photo Credit: SUSHIL KUMAR VERMASenior Congress leader Ajay Maken on Sunday alleged that the actual amount of money spent on the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence was ₹171 crore and not ₹45 crore as the BJP was claiming. Addressing a press conference, Mr. Maken said that he would be writing to Lieutenant-Governor VK Saxena to take action as the renovation was a breach of privilege because the government had passed the budget without clarifying what it was meant for. He added that the renovation also…Continue Reading