Signals: What We're Tracking
The cost of building materials is up by 6.7% from a year ago, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index survey. And smaller builders were hit even harder; the survey found that builders who started five or fewer homes last year saw a median increase of 9.1% in material costs, while those who started 100 or more only saw a 1.8% increase. More on the increase→
Researchers found a clever way to measure post-hurricane wind damage. Using drone and satellite imagery to spot blue tarps on damaged roofs after Hurricane Irma, a Kyoto University/Kobe University team in Japan tracked wind damage across more than one million South Florida homes, concluding that those built under Florida's 2001 Building Code were 22% less likely to be damaged at all. Read the full study→
$15,000+
That's the added cost of fully electrifying a new home in colder climates, according to NAHB testimony before Congress this week. New York State Builders Association's Michael Fazio urged passage of the Energy Choice Act, which would bar state and local bans on specific home energy sources. New York State has already banned natural gas and other fossil fuels from most new buildings, NAHB says. More from NAHB→
Interest in natural materials is shifting. Rather than just choose wood, stone, or other natural materials, there's increased interest in materials that showcase the natural variations, textures, and, even, imperfections, according to the Houzz Fall Trends Design Report. That includes handmade tile, honed leather, plaster, and even unusual applications like the use of natural stone in sinks, furniture, or lighting. See more of the trend report→
