Home improvement contractors could become extinct in Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator

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

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?

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

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

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

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

Lowe’s Companies Inc (LOW) Is the Top Stock in the Home Improvement Retail Industry?

News HomeMonday, March 18, 2024 06:29 AM | InvestorsObserver AnalystsMentioned in this article Lowe’s Companies Inc (LOW) is the highest overall rated company in the Home Improvement Retail industry with an overall score of 70. LOW is up 24.36% so far this year after the company closed yesterday at $244.73. The overall score measures the company’s performance based-off both short and long term indicators and means that LOW scores better than 70% of the overall market.LOW has an Overall Score of 70. Find out what this means to you and get the rest of the rankings on…Continue Reading

3 Home Improvement Stocks to Buy in February and Beyond

Due to evolving consumer preferences and rising consumer demand for refurbished homes, the home improvement industry is well-placed to remain buoyed. Therefore, quality home improvement stocks Builders FirstSource, Inc. (BLDR), JELD-WEN Holding, Inc. (JELD), and Snap-on Incorporated (SNA) could be wise portfolio additions for February and beyond. The residential remodeling market is growing, driven by shifting consumer preferences and rising disposable income. Disposable personal income rose by $51.80 billion (0.3%) in December 2023. The rapid change in consumer demographics, particularly due to the millennial and Gen Z populationhas significantly driven the demand for home renovations and upgrades. Plus, the rise…Continue Reading

‘Home Improvement’ star hops behind Michigan bar during surprise visit

FLINT, MI — It’s not every day that a celebrity stops in at your local watering hole. And this time, it was none other than actor Richard Karn at Churchill’s Food and Spirits in downtown Flint. Most well-known for his role as Al Borland in ‘Home Improvement’ or also hosting one of America’s beloved classic game shows Family Feud, Karn was in the mood for good bourbon and a good meal while in Michigan on Monday, Feb. 12. “He’s a whiskey guy, so I was told, so he was in the right place,” said John Saites, managing partner at Churchill’s.…Continue Reading