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Renovation Diary

Can America Build Its Way Out of Socialism

by Maite Ramirez

Can America Build Its Way Out of Socialism Housing affordability has become the most pressing economic question for many Americans, shaping political debates and prompting calls for new policy solutions. Rising Cost Burden Highlights the Gap Data from the 2024 Census, analyzed by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, shows a record 22.7 million renter households spending over 30 % of income on rent and utilities. Of those, 12.1 million allocate…

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Four Tips for Proper Window Flashing Windows rank among the most vulnerable parts of any building envelope, frequently becoming the first point of failure when moisture infiltrates a structure. Yet proper window flashing techniques can change that outcome significantly. Material Selection and Compatibility When flashing windows, the window's material—wood, fiberglass, or vinyl—does not dictate the flashing method itself. What it does influence is the type of flashing product chosen. Compatibility…

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Embracing Continuous Insulation in Modular Homes

by Rina Sari

Embracing Continuous Insulation in Modular Homes The latest International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Residential Code (IRC) have significantly tightened energy efficiency standards, particularly for the walls of modular homes. One key change is the increased emphasis on continuous insulation (CI), a layer that wraps around buildings to reduce heat loss and gain. This is key as current framing methods can create thermal bridges where heat can escape. CI…

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Uncovering the Hidden Story Behind the Brief

BMA Studio transforms client briefs into deeper project insights, uncovering hidden motivations...

Maite Ramirez Sep 12, 2026 Builder Spotlight

Uncovering the Hidden Story Behind the Brief

B MA Studio’s approach involves deciphering client briefs to uncover underlying motivations and aspirations. Every project begins with a brief, but at BMA Studio, it's rarely the final word. Founder and Director Leila Sobek and her team look beyond...

what clients explicitly ask for to uncover what a space truly needs to become. This approach involves deciphering not just the words in the brief, but also the underlying motivations, challenges, and aspirations that shape it. By doing so, they...

Pedrali introduces Opale seating for hospitality venues

Pedrali adds Opale seating chair and stool at Milan’s Salone del Mobile,...

Maite Ramirez Sep 10, 2026 Builder Spotlight

Pedrali introduces Opale seating for hospitality venues

P edrali unveiled an Opale chair and stool at the Salone del Mobile in Milan for hotels and restaurants. Opale expands its footprint in the hospitality market as Pedrali introduces two new pieces at this year’s Salone del Mobile,...

completing a line that began with a single armchair designed by Patrick Jouin. The additions aim to blend wood, upholstery and subtle hardware into a unified seating language for restaurants, hotels and lounges. New Pieces Debuted at Milan’s Furniture Fair...

MVP Awards Open Entries, Add Wellness Category

Enter the MVP Awards now to showcase your building product innovations and...

Consuelo Espinoza Sep 4, 2026 Floor Plans

MVP Awards Open Entries, Add Wellness Category

M VP Awards Open Entries, Add Wellness Category Entries are now open for the Pro Builder Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards, the industry's only competition exclusively for building product manufacturers. The program is accepting submissions for its ninth annual...

event through Sept. 16, with an early‑bird discount available until Aug. 19. Winners will receive exposure across Pro Builder’s digital and print platforms, as well as social media channels and the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show (IBS)....

Housing shortage keeps labor pool permanently shrinking

The skilled labor shortage in residential construction is driving a permanent housing...

Rina Sari Aug 31, 2026 Contractor Corner

Housing shortage keeps labor pool permanently shrinking

H ousing shortage keeps labor pool permanently shrinking For more than three decades, the residential construction industry has faced a persistent shortage of skilled labor, a problem that remains unresolved despite numerous workforce development initiatives. Now, a generation-plus later,...

experts argue that the sector will never refill its labor pool to adequately support current demand and production. While the Home Builders Institute and other organizations actively recruit ex-military personnel, women, and young people into the trades, the gap continues...