NAHB Now's Latest Posts
Lot Values Hit Record Highs
Median single-family lot prices in 2018 outpaced inflation (4.4% vs 2.4%) and reached a new record high, with half of the lots selling at or above $49,500, according to NAHB’s analysis of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC) data.
Top Bathroom Features Among Millennial Home Buyers
A recent report published by NAHB reveals the top bathroom features wanted by millennials. The study also reveals a wide disparity between millennials and seniors regarding certain bathroom amenities.
FEMA Defers Implementation of New Flood Insurance Risk Rating System
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today it was deferring implementation of its new flood insurance risk rating program by one year until Oct. 1, 2021.
Builders are Stuck on Stucco in the West, In Tune with Vinyl in the Northeast
The most common exterior wall materials on homes started in 2018 were vinyl siding and stucco, according to data from the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). Vinyl siding and stucco were each used on 26% of new homes started in 2018, followed closely by brick or brick veneer at 21% and fiber cement siding (such as Hardiplank or Hardiboard) at 20%.
VA Accepts NAHB Revisions on Radon Mitigation Requirements
In a victory for NAHB, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has accepted our suggested revisions and clarifications regarding a builder’s certification requirements for radon gas mitigation on properties located in Zone 1 counties, which have the highest potential radon levels.
Federal Code Mandates Costly and the Wrong Approach to Boost Energy Efficiency
NAHB today urged Congress to oppose any federal mandates that require the adoption of more stringent building codes because it would harm housing affordability, prevent healthy competition in the marketplace and may not achieve the intended results.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced on Energy Tax Incentives
Two NAHB-supported bipartisan bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to update and extend two expired energy tax incentives frequently used by home builders and remodelers. These provisions are part of a broader group of temporary tax incentives, known as tax extenders, that expired at the end of 2017.
Harvard Report Cites Growing Housing Inequality Among Older Adults
Harvard report highlights growing affordability challenges facing the nation with respect to housing its increasing older adult population.
Big Builders Continue to Gain Market Share
The top 20 builders produced 29% of all the homes constructed in the country in 2018, according to data from BUILDER magazine. That share is a notable gain from 2017, when the largest 20 builders were responsible for 26.8% of all completions.
Highest Paid Construction Trade Occupations in 2018
Half of payroll workers in construction earned more than $47,290 in 2018. In comparison, the U.S. median wage last year was $38,640.
