Market Insights

A new Houzz survey reveals what the building permit process is like for both first-timers and experienced applicants.

Are the big really getting bigger? An alternative view.

Residential remodeling activity rose 34% in September 2011 in year-over-year comparisons, according to an index compiled by BuildFax, a national database of building permit data. It was the 23rd straight month of increases and the highest level of remodeling activity since the index was introduced in 2004.

Wednesday's stocks trended down, brought up in the rear by TREX, which fell more than 7% by the end of trading.

Only six home improvement stocks had gains at the close of Friday. Sears Hometown and Lumber Liquidators fell the farthest at -29.85% and -15.33%, respectively.

The survey of HBSDealer readers indicates that seasonal shoppers were more ‘nice’ than ‘naughty’ or ‘neutral.’

A new study from Frost & Sullivan is highlighting significant growth opportunity in the pet food market -- provided manufacturers understand how to capitalize on it.

Sales of newly built, single-family homes increased 5.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 313,000 units in September, according to data from the U.S. Commerce Department. This marks the fastest pace of new-home sales in the past five months.