Economic Trends

7 articles

A suburban home showing signs of age, with home service professionals working in the background, illustrating the active home services sector.
Services

Aging Homes Fuel Home Services Sector Growth

Nearly 79% of U.S. homeowners are planning a repair or replacement project in 2026, yet a significant portion, 77%, are simultaneously delaying these essential projects or reducing their scope due to

Olivia Hart·September 10, 2026
A home improvement retail store with sparse shelves, reflecting a slowdown in the housing market and consumer spending on renovations.
Home Improvement

Home improvement slowdown: Retailers face headwinds

New residential construction plummeted 12.

Ethan Rowe·August 25, 2026
Skilled plumber working in a modern Connecticut workshop, showcasing the boom in the plumbing trade and its professional environment.
Services

Connecticut Plumbing Sees Boom, Experts Predict Growth

Plumbing applications in Connecticut surged by 64% from 2020 to 2025, signaling a quiet boom in the often-overlooked skilled trades.

Olivia Hart·August 7, 2026
A happy family in a newly renovated kitchen, with tools and materials suggesting a home renovation project fueled by tax refunds.
Home Improvement

Tax refunds fuel home renovation boom across the nation

In March alone, online searches for 'tax refund home projects' spiked 200% compared to January, according to CNBC .

Ethan Rowe·April 15, 2026
A homeowner thoughtfully reviews blueprints in a partially renovated kitchen, symbolizing reduced discretionary spending on major home improvement projects amidst economic caution.
Home Improvement

Home Depot Report Shows Reduced Discretionary Spending on Major Projects

Home Depot's latest report reveals a significant shift in consumer spending, with homeowners pulling back on large-scale renovations. This trend reflects broader economic caution and impacts the entire home improvement sector.

Ethan Rowe·April 3, 2026
A homeowner contemplating a partially renovated kitchen, symbolizing the shift from large-scale projects to essential repairs amidst economic uncertainty, as highlighted in the Home Depot report.
Home Improvement

Home Depot Report Shows Consumer Spending Decline on Major Projects

Home Depot's latest report indicates a notable decline in consumer spending on major home improvement projects, as homeowners prioritize essential repairs over large-scale renovations. This shift reflects broader economic uncertainty and impacts how you should approach your own home improvement plans.

Ethan Rowe·April 2, 2026
A homeowner pauses amidst a large, unfinished kitchen renovation, contemplating budget constraints, while smaller tools for essential repairs are visible, illustrating a shift in consumer spending habits.
Home Improvement

Home Depot Reports Decline in Major Discretionary Purchases

Home Depot's latest report indicates a significant shift in consumer spending, with major discretionary purchases declining in favor of smaller, essential home repairs. This trend reflects broader economic caution among homeowners.

Ethan Rowe·April 1, 2026