When you start planning a home remodel, your mind probably goes to design inspiration, budget, and timelines, not global trade policies. But new tariffs on imported goods can have a ripple effect on everything from your material options to your final invoice.
As a homeowner, you might be wondering: Should I wait to remodel, or should I move forward now? Will my project suddenly cost more than I planned? These are valid concerns, and the good news is that we’ve faced challenges like this before and emerged stronger.
At Custom Built, we’ve been helping families in Greater Lansing and Northern Michigan navigate uncertainty for decades. Whether it was the 2008 recession or COVID-era supply chain chaos, we’ve adapted, adjusted, and kept projects moving forward.
Now, with fluctuating tariffs impacting the economic landscape, here’s what you need to know:
- What Tariffs Could Mean for Your Remodel
- What Won’t Be Affected
- Should You Wait or Move Forward?
- What You Can Control
- Domestic vs. Imported: What’s the Real Difference?
- Planning Ahead Matters More Than Ever
- The Value of a Trusted Remodeling Partner
What Tariffs Could Mean for Your Remodel
1. Increased Material Costs
Not every material will be impacted, but products imported from certain countries, especially China, could become more expensive. Cabinetry components, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and hardware are among the items that might be affected. While it’s not universal, you may see price increases depending on where the products are sourced.
2. Fewer Available Options
Distributors may cut back on imported lines due to rising costs. This could mean limited selections in some product categories or phased-out materials. You may have fewer “off-the-shelf” options to choose from, which can lead to design changes or the need to look for higher-priced alternatives.
3. Longer Lead Times
Increased demand for tariff-exempt products and manufacturers shifting their sourcing can lead to delays in production and shipping. If your preferred materials are affected, it might take longer to receive them, which could delay your overall project timeline.
4. More Design Revisions
If your chosen tile or vanity becomes unavailable or exceeds your budget, the design may need to be adjusted. That’s why it’s essential to collaborate with a team that incorporates flexibility into the process, providing alternative solutions that still align with your overall vision and design objectives.
For example, if a change is needed during the pre-construction phase, some teams may pivot to a comparable product at no additional cost to maintain both quality and budget.
5. Budget Surprises
With tariffs causing unpredictable pricing shifts, material costs could change mid-project if orders haven’t been finalized.
Thanks to our design-first process, all materials are selected, ordered, and received before construction begins. This helps lock in pricing early and minimize surprises. If any changes are needed during pre-construction, our team will communicate them clearly and guide you toward a solution that maintains your project’s quality and vision.
What Won’t Be Affected
Here’s some good news: not all countries are impacted.
- Canada has strong trade protections that keep many of their building materials exempt.
- Wood products are largely unaffected.
- Agreements with Israel and the European Union are also keeping some price hikes at bay.
And while U.S. manufacturers may face increased demand, this could boost local production and employment long-term, potentially stabilizing availability and quality.
That said, international supply chains remain vulnerable to change. Tariffs, shifting trade agreements, and global political tensions continue to influence the cost of products and the availability of certain items. These impacts can ripple through a remodeling project, especially when certain materials or components are sourced internationally.
While we can’t predict exactly how future changes will unfold, experienced remodeling professionals can guide you through these uncertainties. Drawing from past periods of economic instability, the right team can help you stay flexible, offering backup options and price-conscious alternatives without compromising the overall vision of your project. Planning for change has become part of building smart.
Should You Wait or Move Forward with Your Remodel?
If you’re ready to update your space, don’t let tariffs hold you back.
Interest rates have started to come down, making financing more accessible. And history shows that even in unpredictable times, people who invest in their homes rarely regret it, especially when they choose the right team.
We’ve seen price hikes, we’ve seen material shortages, and we’ve helped families through them all. Remodeling is always a balance of timing, investment, and trust. If your home needs improvement now, you can still move forward with confidence.
What You Can Control
You can’t control tariffs, but you can choose how you respond.
That’s where working with a full-service design-build firm like Custom Built really makes a difference. We help you navigate complexity, provide clear communication, and offer real-time solutions when plans need to shift.
We’ll help you:
- Choose reliable, cost-effective materials
- Lock in selections before prices change
- Adjust your design if something becomes unavailable
- Stay on track with scheduling and budget
Because remodeling your home should be exciting, not overwhelming.
Domestic vs. Imported: What’s the Real Difference?
Tariffs may nudge you toward choosing U.S.-made products, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Domestic materials often come with shorter lead times, more consistent quality, and easier warranty service if anything goes wrong. That said, not all imported products are inferior; many offer exceptional design and value.
The key is working with a team that knows how to weigh the tradeoffs. At Custom Built, we choose quality products and will walk you through your options so you feel good about what’s going into your home.
Planning Ahead Matters More Than Ever
If you’re considering a remodel in the next 6-12 months, early planning can protect your project. The sooner we finalize your material selections and get your orders in, the better chance we have of locking in prices and avoiding delays.
It’s also the best way to stay within your budget. As we have seen, prices are rising. Waiting will likely mean higher costs.
The Value of a Trusted Remodeling Partner
In uncertain times, trust is everything. You need a remodeling team that communicates clearly, watches market trends, and has a solid relationship with suppliers. We don’t just react to change. We anticipate it, and we help our clients make smart decisions every step of the way.
From day one, we make sure your project is set up for success, even when the market shifts under our feet. It’s not just about finishing your remodel, it’s about protecting your investment and making sure your family can enjoy the results for years to come.
Next Steps to Remodeling Your Home
Tariffs may be making headlines, but they don’t have to derail your remodel. With the right team, the right planning, and the right mindset, your project can still move forward beautifully.
So if you’re thinking about upgrading your home, don’t wait for headlines. Give us a call. We’ll walk you through your options and help you make informed, confident decisions that lead to a space you’ll love for years to come.
Now that you know more about how tariffs will affect your home remodeling project, let’s take a look at why it’s challenging to compare project bids upfront, whether a design-build firm like Custom Built is right for you, and other ways to vet your remodeling partner options:
- 5 Reasons It Is Challenging to Compare Remodeling Contractor Bids Upfront - Discover why comparing contractor bids upfront is often difficult and how to navigate this process properly.
- Top 4 Differences Between a Design-Build Firm and a General Contractor - A comparison between design-build firms and general contractors that highlights the pros and cons that each remodeling company brings to the table.
- Top 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeling Contractor - A list of essential questions to ask your prospective remodeling contractor before hiring them for your project; more questions are included in each section.
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