Looking Ahead, Building on Strength

In the last issue of Professional Remodeler, Director of Content Erika Mosse signed off after nearly a decade of serving the remodeling industry. We all thank her for her diligence, leadership, and hard work, and we look forward to cracking that next chapter.

Astute readers have likely figured out that I'm stepping into her role. That makes me the new guy—sort of. Erika and I were actually hired around the same time in 2015 by the same person: your old friend Sal Alfano (who is alive, well, and golfing in Montpelier, Vt.).

Enough about Erika, let's talk about me!

I've been in residential construction for the last 30 years, 20 as an editor and producer and the rest as a framer, remodeler, and cabinetmaker.

I came aboard to launch ProTradeCraft, a technical journal for jobsite trade contractors. Erika came on as a senior editor, ready to carry the Pro Remodeler torch when Sal headed off to the fairway and the grandkids.

I am excited to step into the role of editorial director for Pro Remodeler, ProTradeCraft, and—coming soon—Construction Pro Academy because the trio serve every link in the construction chain: from entry-level skill-building to deep jobsite knowledge to advanced business and design strategies. 

Headwinds and tailwinds are pushing the industry

And remodelers will need all three—and more. The year ahead looks like another round of economic uncertainty, labor challenges, and affordability pressure—with new factors like resilience and electrification thrown into the mix. According to data and demographics, the residential construction sector faces three main challenges: an immense shortage of skilled labor, a need for homes to be more resilient against current and future climate disasters, and a growing housing affordability gap.

Can't we just go back to making fun of paint names? "Dead Salmon," seriously?

When Construction Pro Academy launches, it will address the first challenge by helping to relieve the skills and knowledge gap. And for the second challenge, ProTradeCraft's focus on building science and resilient construction can help. Affordable housing, however, is trickier for remodelers, but I think we can most significantly tackle the issue by thinking about cause and effects: higher home prices are causing more kids and older parents to be move (back) in. They're going to need more space.

Remodelers don't really build new homes, but adding a "Granny-Flat" addition or an ADU can have the same outcome, reducing the housing strain on Americans struggling to afford their American Dream.

Underlying all that turbulence is a strong base of demand for more housing, which means more remodeling for the foreseeable future. The remodeling projects may be smaller than in boom times, but they should remain reasonably constant.

Pro Remodeler can help you plot a course

Pro Remodeler will continue offering practical solutions to leverage those headwinds and square up the tailwinds with: 

• Estimating and operations articles to help you dial in your numbers.
• Design insights that reveal ways to stretch utility from square footage, capturing value with flair.
• Operational strategies to help you raise your bottom line.
• A Home Improvement section featuring ProTradeCraft technical details and installation advice.

And don't be surprised to see teasers and quizzes from Construction Pro Academy soon!

In the meantime, I hope to see you at The Pinnacle Experience, June 18–20 in Chicago—the Premier Remodeling Event for Leadership, Lead Gen, Sales & Technology.

One final note: This is probably the last editor's letter you'll see from me. I'm giving this page over to people with better bylines. But I'll still be listening. Contact me anytime at [email protected] with feedback about the magazine, websites, or social platforms.