August 25, 2026
Blog
3 Ways You Can Win Without Waiting for Interest Rates to Drop
In 2026, dollar growth in the home improvement products market is hiding a real decline. While the market is projected to grow roughly 2.6% in current dollars, it is actually contracting by about -1.4% when taking into account inflation.
August 25, 2026
Blog
How Inflation Is Hiding the Real Story in the Building Products Market
The home improvement market is in a complex state in 2026. In a nutshell, nominal spending has been growing, despite softer demand. However, that doesn’t capture the full story, where inflation is driving nominal growth but actually causing market contractions for both the professional and consumer segment.
August 21, 2026
Blog
3 Reasons Why Homeowners Are Delaying Home Improvement Projects in 2026
More than halfway through 2026, the home improvement industry is facing a confidence recession. Both homeowner and contractor sentiment has turned negative for the first time since the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) started quarterly tracking among each customer segment.
July 29, 2026
Blog
What HIRI's June 2026 Home Improvement Forecast Means to Manufacturers
Entering the second half of 2026, the home improvement industry is in a state of ambiguity. While many product categories are seeing higher dollar spend, this perceived growth is entirely driven by inflation. When inflation is taken into consideration, product growth is in decline across almost every major category.
July 24, 2026
Blog
Home Improvement Activity Shows Signs of Cooling in Q2 of 2026
Fewer homeowners are starting home improvement projects this quarter, but the ones who are moving forward are spending significantly more. Here's what HIRI's Q2 2026 Homeowner Project Activity Tracker reveals, and what it means for the home improvement industry.
July 17, 2026
Blog
7 Differences Driving Home Improvement Behaviors Among Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers in 2026
It’s no surprise that consumers of differing ages and in differing life stages have varying preferences and purchase motivations when it comes to selecting home improvement products.
June 26, 2026
Blog
Hardware Market Watch: Trends in Locks, Fasteners, Gate and Decorative Hardware in 2026
How do customers shopping for hardware behave, and what kind of projects do they undertake? What are their top product preferences? And, how does the state of the economy affect the hardware industry?
June 26, 2026
Blog
Key Industry Trends Driving MEP Product Sales in 2026-2030
Mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) projects tend to happen under the surface and behind the wall, but they're critical to maintaining the functionality and comfort of a home. With an aging housing inventory, these types of projects will be as important as ever in the coming years.
June 26, 2026
Blog
2026-2030 Market Expectations and Trends in Lawn & Garden Home Improvement Activities
When it comes to home improvement, what's on the outside is just as important as what's on the inside. For homeowners, taking care of their gardens and lawns is an important part of regular maintenance and stewardship of their space.
June 22, 2026
Blog
2026-2030 Market Expectations and Trends in Master Bathroom Remodeling Activities
Master bathroom remodeling is a popular home improvement project for a few reasons. These spaces get plenty of daily use for a multitude of personal and important uses. Individuals often perceive the master bathroom as a haven, one where they expect a certain level of comfort, privacy, and convenience.
June 19, 2026
Blog
7 Cross-Category Purchasing Trends to Inform Home Improvement Merchandising Strategies in 2026
Once a potential customer sets foot in a store, whether it's a brick-and-mortar establishment or a virtual shop, an opportunity presents itself. It's the opportunity to not only help them find and buy the items on their shopping list but also to motivate them to make a few extra purchases along the way.
June 19, 2026
Blog
Window Market Watch: Planning for Homeowner and Pro Purchases in 2026-2030
Due to increased new construction and remodeling activity in recent years, there has been steady growth in the window market.
June 19, 2026
Blog
Doors Market Expectations and Trends for 2026 to 2030
The door market has seen steady growth over the past couple of years, primarily driven by the professional segment, and the forecast for 2026 to 2030 shows continual growth among both professionals and consumers.
June 11, 2026
Blog
5 Homeowner and DIY Project Activity Trends for 2026
If you are a home improvement manufacturer or retailer, understanding homeowners' behavior patterns and seasonal project trends can help you adjust your business strategy for success.
June 8, 2026
Blog
2026-2030 Market Expectations and Trends in Kitchen Remodeling Activities
Kitchens are a popular space for homeowners to focus their attention, even during market contraction, when they are looking to refresh their residence.
June 8, 2026
Blog
Trending Markets for Smart Home Devices in 2026
The smart home market has been experiencing notably high growth in recent years, as homeowners seek to make their living spaces more comfortable, efficient, and secure. Technology is constantly improving, making smart home devices more appealing and easier to install and use.
June 5, 2026
Blog
HIRI Welcomes Pat Cary as Engagement Manager
The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) and The Farnsworth Group are glad to welcome Pat Cary as HIRI's Engagement Manager.
May 29, 2026
Blog
Key Trends in Home Improvement Activity Among Homeowners in 2026
Home improvement activity has been off to a slower start in 2026, with fewer households engaging, project scope narrowing, and projects shifting toward necessity-driven work.
May 29, 2026
Blog
Key Trends in Contractor Sentiment and Behaviors in 2026
The construction industry is constantly evolving, shaped by economic conditions, market shifts, and industry-wide challenges. To start off 2026, contractors have remained cautiously optimistic, despite economic headwinds, challenges with affordability, and tariff concerns.
April 2, 2026
Blog
Home Improvement Industry Shows Moderate Growth to Start 2026
What does the 2026 forecast look like for the home improvement industry? Based on early market indicators observed in the first quarter, the answer is a lot like 2025. Several of the economic drivers that were present last year have persisted in the first few months of 2026, from housing constraints and inflation concerns to questions about U.S. tariffs and trade policies.
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