Home Builder News and Analysis

Which Tech Features Gain the Biggest Returns?
Technology Which Tech Features Gain the Biggest Returns? Stone Martin Builders’ Paul Willis shares his insights on trending smart home features and what’s ahead for 2025. read more
Why 'Old School' Ads Still Work for Home Builders
Marketing Why 'Old School' Ads Still Work for Home Builders In a world of digital everything, home builders still reap the benefits of non-tech materials like flyers, directional signage, and print ads. read more
Secrets of Surviving a Hard Insurance Market
Builder Intel Secrets of Surviving a Hard Insurance Market These three home insurance factors should encourage builders everywhere. read more
Existing-Home Sales Slide in August
Housing Data Existing-Home Sales Slide in August First-time buyers account for 26% of existing-home sales in August, matching the lowest share recorded by the National Association of Realtors. read more
Fed Cuts Rates for First Time in Four Years
Interest Rates Fed Cuts Rates for First Time in Four Years A softening labor market and cooling inflation contributed to a 50-basis-point rate cut by the Federal Reserve. read more
House Plan of the Week: Tiny Duplex
Plans House Plan of the Week: Tiny Duplex This flexible ADU presents two small units. read more
For KB Home, Sustainability and Affordability Aren’t Mutually Exclusive
Builder Intel For KB Home, Sustainability and Affordability Aren’t Mutually Exclusive The national home builder discusses how it’s reducing the long-term cost of homeownership through energy and water efficiency. read more
Panasonic Launches Two New Ventilation Fans to Boost Indoor Air Quality
Products Panasonic Launches Two New Ventilation Fans to Boost Indoor Air Quality The Whisper Cozy heater/fan and the Whisper Mighty LED fan/light exhaust fan are powerful, extremely quiet, and energy-efficient. read more
Builder Confidence Inches Higher in September
Builder Confidence Builder Confidence Inches Higher in September Declining mortgage rates have helped builder sentiment increase, but rising costs still present... read more
New-Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Increase Annually for 19th Straight Month in August
Housing Data New-Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Increase Annually for 19th Straight Month in August Applications for new home purchases increased 4.4% year-over-year in August, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. read more
Survey: Business Conditions Improve for Builders in August
Housing Data Survey: Business Conditions Improve for Builders in August The BTIG/HomeSphere Home Builder Survey indicates lower rates improved housing activity modestly in August following a soft July. read more

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House Plans

Tiny ADU duplex plan, front exterior. See details at Houseplans.
House Plan of the Week: Tiny Duplex

This flexible ADU presents two small units.

Read more
House plan with wet room, main bathroom. See more photos at Houseplans.
4 House Plans With Wet Rooms

These home layouts show off impressive bathrooms.

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Contemporary ranch house plan, front exterior. See details at Houseplans.
House Plan of the Week: 1,500-Square-Foot Contemporary Ranch

This simple one-story design boasts plenty of porch space to enjoy fall foliage.

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Barndominium plan with open layout, rear exterior. See more images and details at Houseplans.
House Plan of the Week: Simple Modern Barndominium

This 3-bed, 2-bath barndo plan offers an open layout and lots of storage.

Read more

Design

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House Plan of the Week: Tiny Duplex

This flexible ADU presents two small units. More

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4 House Plans With Wet Rooms

These home layouts show off impressive bathrooms. More

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The Rise of Wet Rooms and Why Homeowners Love Them

Popular in owner's suites, homeowners are adding freestanding tubs to walk-in... More

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House Plan of the Week: 1,500-Square-Foot Contemporary Ranch

This simple one-story design boasts plenty of porch space to enjoy fall foliage. More

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C2 Paint's 2025 Color of the Year 'Raku' Exudes Drama and Intimacy

The C2 team believes the rich color represents a much-needed sense of balance for... More

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What Are the Best Home Design Features for Kids?

When designing for children, builders should prioritize durable, adaptable, and... More

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Minwax's 2025 Color of the Year Violet Signals Bold New Era of Home Design

The dynamic purple hue draws inspiration from the growing maximalist movement. More

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House Plan of the Week: Simple Modern Barndominium

This 3-bed, 2-bath barndo plan offers an open layout and lots of storage. More

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Prioritizing Pets: New Study Reveals the Role Animals Play in Home Design

The 2024 U.S. Houzz Pets & the Home Study uncovers pet owners’ top priorities and... More

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