What’s in today’s professional toolbox?

3M™ Pro Grade Precision™ Faster Sanding Sheets

#1 Sanding Performance. 3M™ Pro Grade Precision™ Faster Sanding Sheets with enhanced mineral technology resist clogging and sand faster. Fold once and the NO-SLIP GRIP™ durable backing grips together to prevent slipping, so you can sand longer with less hand fatigue. Superior cut durability from start to finish. For when endurance matters.

3m.com/Sanding

3M ™ Hand-Masker ™ M3000 Dispenser

The 3M™ Hand-Masker™ M3000 Dispenser applies painter’s tape to masking film, plastic or paper in one continuous application, saving you valuable prep time. Use when preparing for painting, ceiling texturing, exterior wall finishing or floor sanding. For all the basics in one kit, choose the 3M™ Hand-Masker™ M3000 Starter Pack.

Learn more about 3M™ Hand-Masker™ Masking Products at 3M.com/Handmasker

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Kicking kitchen colors

According to the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, homeowner color preferences for kitchen walls are holding nearly steady compared to 2022. Here’s what has—and hasn’t—changed.

Before-market opportunities

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, 75% of homebuyers who sold their previous home in 2022 made improvements before putting it on the market. These homeowners spent a median of $5,000 doing so, usually to increase their home’s value and to help it sell faster.

Why they go, why they stay

iHire’s Talent Retention Report 2022 offered the following insight into why people voluntarily leave their jobs and what employers could do to make them stay.

Why they leave:

43.7% Unhappy with manager/supervisor

43.4% Unsatisfactory pay/salary

35.4% Poor work/life balance

29.7% Lack of recognition/appreciation

28.3% Few growth/advancement opportunities

Is it getting crowded?

232,080

The number of painting and decorating businesses in the U.S., an increase of 2% over 2022.

SOURCE: IBIS World House Painting & Decorating Contractors in the US 2023

Buckle up, remodelers

The new home construction data company Zonda estimates residential remodeling activity will decrease 2.3% in 2023; decrease 1.7% in 2024; and decrease 0.1% in 2025.

What would make them stay:

71.8% Pay raise

38% Growth/advancement opportunities

36.4% More flexible schedule

35.8% Additional paid time off

33.6% Meaningful employee recognition