10/21/2026
Construction pros are heading into the final quarter of 2026 with their highest expectations since early 2022, according to the Q4 2026 U.S.
Houzz Pro Industry Barometer. The Expected Business Activity Indicator for construction firms rose 13 points to 74, reflecting stronger expectations for project inquiries and new committed projects.
Design firms have more tempered expectations after a slower third quarter, but remain cautiously optimistic, with expectations at 62 (a score over 50 means more pros expect growth than a slowdown).
What’s shaping clients’ decisions to move forward? Firms said clients most often held back from committing while weighing economic conditions or their own finances (59% construction, 60% design).
What helps them commit? Firms most often pointed to the speed and clarity of their estimate or proposal (64% construction, 56% design). Clients also moved forward after finalizing scope or budget (51% construction, 35% design) and checking reviews, references or past work (49% construction, 44% design).
These findings highlight the growing value of tools that help pros respond to clients quickly and clearly, such as AI-powered estimating and 3D visualizations in Houzz Pro.
See the full report: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/industry-research
