2026 Trends

30 articles

Split image showing a struggling small business owner and a thriving, collaborative group of entrepreneurs using technology, symbolizing the challenges and opportunities of 2026.
Services

Small businesses face challenges and opportunities in 2026

For the past six years, more US small business owners have reported 'lower' earnings than 'higher' in the NFIB Optimism survey every single month.

Luis Ortega·August 26, 2026
A futuristic green skyscraper with integrated gardens, symbolizing the complex financial aspects of green building certifications in 2026.
Industry

Green Building Certifications Cost More Than You Think in 2026

Achieving a top-tier green building certification, like the Living Building Challenge, demands more than innovative design.

Rick Donovan·August 26, 2026
A dimly lit electrical panel with sparking wires, symbolizing hidden dangers in a home's electrical system, with a family in the background.
Safety

Top 8 Best Safety Practices for Electrical Systems in 2026

Most homeowners have not engaged a certified electrical inspector for a decade, despite electrical shock being the predominant reported accident among participants in a recent PMC study.

Ben Foster·August 26, 2026
Homeowner looking stressed and overwhelmed in a chaotic, partially renovated room, symbolizing common home renovation mistakes.
Projects

Top 6 Common Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid in 2026

Nearly one in three home renovation projects exceed their budget or timeline, leaving homeowners frustrated and out of pocket.

Scott Ramirez·August 22, 2026
A well-organized garage in fall, featuring heavy-duty shelving and a wall-mounted power tool organizer, showcasing essential tool organization for DIY projects.
Tools & Equipment

Fall DIY garage projects 2026: Build essential tool organization

A single 5-tier heavy-duty garage storage shelf, capable of holding 3,000 pounds, is currently available for under $90, according to USA Today .

Kyle Brenner·August 18, 2026
An entrepreneur studying legal documents and maps in a home office, symbolizing the navigation of complex regulations for home-based franchises.
Services

Home Franchises for 2026: Navigating Regulatory Hurdles

A home-based pet grooming franchisee in Texas recently faced a $2,000 fine for operating without a specific conditional use permit.

Ben Foster·August 8, 2026
Futuristic cityscape showcasing buildings made from innovative sustainable materials, including bamboo, mycelium, and recycled plastics, with green roofs and vertical gardens.
Materials

9 Innovative Sustainable Materials for Greener Buildings in 2026

Green construction materials promise significant long-term cost savings and environmental benefits, yet face common barriers like higher upfront costs and perceived performance risks.

Kyle Brenner·August 7, 2026
Close-up of different asphalt shingles on a rooftop, displaying texture and color variations, highlighting durability and modern construction.
Materials

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Materials and Properties in 2026

While a basic asphalt shingle roof might cost as little as $3.

Kyle Brenner·August 4, 2026
Professional tradesperson using advanced cordless power tools on a construction site, highlighting superior battery technology and performance.
Tools & Equipment

Top Cordless Tool Platforms for Professionals by 2026

FLEX Stacked-Lithium pouch cell batteries offer significantly greater capacity than DeWalt's pouch cell batteries, allowing for higher performance power tools without requiring a shift to a higher vol

Kyle Brenner·August 1, 2026
Homeowner reviewing budget spreadsheet while a modern wooden deck is under construction in a sunny backyard.
Projects

How to Plan and Execute Your 2026 Outdoor Deck Renovation Budget

The national average cost for building a deck is $8,246, but this figure hides a vast range of expenses.

Scott Ramirez·July 19, 2026
Advanced drone system performing critical assessments in a dangerous, unstable mountain environment for avalanche safety.
Services

Drone Technology Adoption Surges in Hazardous Industries: 2026 Trends

The Federal Aviation Administration's approval of the MONTIS drone system for avalanche safety missions marks a significant pivot, empowering machines to undertake some of the riskiest jobs previously

Rick Donovan·July 17, 2026
Futuristic construction site with AI interfaces, drones, and robots, illustrating the integration of artificial intelligence in the building industry.
Industry

AI trends construction technology 2026

Procore, a leading construction management system, banned Trunk Tools from its API in early 2026, directly preventing contractors from integrating its AI agents.

Rick Donovan·July 2, 2026
Is Red Dot Airport Shuttle's Shared Ride Actually Faster? The Surprising Truth for 2026
Services

Is Red Dot Airport Shuttle's Shared Ride Actually Faster? The Surprising Truth for 2026

Red Dot Airport Shuttle's shared-ride service is challenging the notion that shared rides are slow. By using strategic pickup locations, their model aims to be a faster and more efficient airport transportation option, especially in 2026.

Sponsored·July 1, 2026
Backyard swimming pool with integrated solar panels on the roof, showcasing a sustainable and relaxing home environment.
Trades

Find the Best Solar Pool Heaters for Your Backyard in 2026

The Smart Pool S601 Sun Heater, a single 80-square-foot polypropylene panel, can elevate pool temperatures by a significant 10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to BobVila .

Rick Donovan·June 20, 2026
Woodworker examining a plank of wood, highlighting the importance of choosing the right material for woodworking projects in 2026.
Materials

Choosing the Right Wood for Woodworking Projects in 2026

In 2026, many woodworkers still believe hardwoods universally outperform softwoods, yet a strong softwood like Douglas fir can demonstrate greater durability than a weak hardwood such as balsa.

Kyle Brenner·June 8, 2026
A folded tip rests on a hotel pillow, symbolizing the gratitude and appreciation for housekeeping services in 2026.
Services

What Is The Right Tipping Etiquette for House Cleaners in 2026?

For housekeeping services, the recommended tip in 2026 is a flat $2 to $5 per day, left daily, a stark contrast to percentage-based restaurant tipping, according to Authentikusa .

Scott Ramirez·June 7, 2026
Split image: outdated kitchen transformed into a bright, modern space with a new faucet and budget-friendly DIY upgrades, showcasing achievable home improvement.
Projects

Budget-Friendly DIY Home Improvement Projects for 2026

A "minor" kitchen remodel costs roughly $26,790, yet a simple faucet upgrade can transform the same space for just $200, according to Ecoflow.

Scott Ramirez·June 3, 2026
Carpenter's hands precisely installing simple, elegant baseboard trim in a bright, modern living room, showcasing craftsmanship and home improvement value.
Trades

Mastering Simple Finish Carpentry Rules for 2026 Projects

Custom trim can provide around 70 percent of its cost back when selling a home, making thoughtful carpentry a powerful investment.

Rick Donovan·June 2, 2026
A stylish and busy home entryway featuring a montage of durable flooring options, demonstrating their resilience against heavy foot traffic and potential impacts.
Materials

Top 7 Durable Flooring for High-Traffic Areas in 2026

While many assume porcelain tile is the ultimate choice for durability, it can crack or chip from a single heavy impact—a vulnerability modern luxury vinyl options are engineered to overcome.

Kyle Brenner·May 29, 2026
Electricians conducting thorough safety checks on a large-scale electrical project installation, emphasizing precision and advanced safety protocols.
Safety

Top 11 Electrical Project Safety Checks and Best Practices for 2026

In 2023, Grupo Ortiz reported a 31% decrease in work-related accidents resulting in lost workdays, marking a substantial improvement in safety performance.

Ben Foster·May 20, 2026
Homeowner applying sealant to a window frame, demonstrating a key DIY skill for energy savings and home maintenance.
How-To

7 Essential DIY Skills Every Homeowner Needs in 2026

Replacing caulking around your bathtubs, faucets, and windows can slash your annual energy bills by up to 10%.

Scott Ramirez·May 20, 2026
Diverse local business owners strategizing with futuristic digital marketing interfaces and AI elements, symbolizing growth and innovation in 2026.
Services

Top 9 Digital Marketing Strategies for Local Businesses in 2026

Google is rolling out AI-powered calling in Search.

Rick Donovan·May 19, 2026
A homeowner admiring a durable metal roof on a modern house, representing a long-term and valuable investment for 2026.
Materials

What Are the Best Roofing Materials for Homeowners in 2026?

While an asphalt shingle roof typically lasts 15-25 years, a metal roof can protect your home for over 100 years, offering a generational investment rather than a recurring expense.

Kyle Brenner·May 14, 2026
Split image contrasting a stressful DIY home renovation with a smooth, professional home improvement project, illustrating the hidden costs and benefits.
How-To

DIY vs. Pros in 2026: Hidden Costs of Home Projects

A recent study found that 63% of homeowners who attempted major DIY renovations ended up spending more than their initial professional quotes due to unforeseen errors and rework, according to Homeowne

Scott Ramirez·May 13, 2026
A professional cleaning service van with a green leaf logo parked outside an eco-friendly office building, symbolizing sustainable business practices.
Services

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Professional Services in 2026

Despite common skepticism, 85% of professional cleaning services report increased client satisfaction when using eco-certified products, often at a comparable or lower long-term cost than traditional

Ben Foster·April 24, 2026
A landscaper holds eco-friendly tools with a thriving, water-wise garden in the background, symbolizing a sustainable business.
Services

Essential Tools for Starting a Sustainable Landscaping Business in 2026

In drought-prone states like California, eco-friendly curb appeal is no longer a niche luxury but a crucial selling point, driven by strict water conservation rules.

Rick Donovan·April 23, 2026
Homeowner expresses dissatisfaction with their yard while a disorganized landscaping crew works in the background, symbolizing poor service delivery.
Services

Factors to Consider When Hiring Landscaping Service in 2026

Many homeowners, despite paying for professional lawn care, report no visible improvement after months of treatment, highlighting a widespread disconnect between expectation and delivery.

Rick Donovan·April 20, 2026
A variety of advanced cordless power tools, including drills, saws, and impact drivers, being used by skilled tradespeople on a modern construction site, highlighting 2026 trends.
Tools & Equipment

Top 8 Cordless Power Tool Brands To Watch in 2026

In December 2024, MetricsCart analyzed 6,270 reviews across 15 impact tools from 9 leading brands, revealing a critical disconnect: while new features are abundant, user satisfaction often hinges on p

Kyle Brenner·April 19, 2026
A modern home with durable architectural asphalt shingles resisting a severe windstorm and heavy rain, highlighting superior storm protection.
Materials

Choosing the Best Asphalt Shingles for Your Home in 2026

While some basic 3-tab asphalt shingles can barely withstand a 60mph gust, advanced architectural types, when properly installed, are engineered to endure winds up to 130mph.

Kyle Brenner·April 18, 2026
Futuristic robotic lawn mower autonomously maintaining a large, pristine lawn at sunrise, showcasing advanced outdoor power equipment trends.
Services

Robots Mow Lawns: Outdoor Power Trends 2026

The Segway Navimow X390, an example of emerging electric and robotic outdoor power equipment trends for 2026, autonomously manages up to 2.

Kyle Brenner·April 14, 2026