How Tariffs Are Driving Up the Cost of Home Renovations

How Tariffs Are Driving Up the Cost of Home Renovations

What Homeowners, Contractors, and Insurers Need to Know

Tariffs—once confined to international trade headlines—are now directly impacting the American home. From lumber to lighting, the ripple effect of global tariffs is making it more expensive to renovate, rebuild, and even insure our homes. Here’s how.

Why Tariffs Increase Construction Costs

Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods to protect domestic industries. While they can strengthen local manufacturing, they often raise prices on goods used in U.S. home renovations. Materials like lumber, steel, aluminum, and tile are commonly imported—and now commonly more expensive due to tariffs from countries like Canada, China, and the EU.

Resulting issues include:

• Higher raw material costs
• Longer lead times and supply chain delays
• Project budget volatility for contractors and homeowners

Sector-by-Sector Impact on Renovation Costs

Lumber and Framing Materials

• U.S. tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber (up to 17.91%) have driven significant price hikes.
• Example: Lumber rose from ~$400 per 1,000 board feet in 2019 to over $1,500 in 2021.
• Prices have since stabilized somewhat but remain 10–20% higher than pre-tariff levels.

Steel and Aluminum

• A 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum has affected:
  • Roofing materials
  • HVAC systems
  • Appliances and framing
• Example: Steel studs rose from $3.00 to $4.50+ per unit in many regions.
• Aluminum gutters and siding now cost 15–25% more.

Cabinets, Tile, and Fixtures

• China, Italy, and Mexico—major suppliers of tile and cabinetry—face 10–25% tariffs.
• Example: A mid-range kitchen remodel jumped from $25,000 to $30,000–$32,000.
• Porcelain and marble tile increased 20–40%, especially on custom or decorative orders.

Labor and TimelinesMaterial inflation drives up labor rates as contractors adjust bids.

• Supply delays extend project timelines, leading to higher costs for:
  • Temporary housing
  • Storage
  • Extended equipment rental

Tariffs' Ripple Effects on Ancillary Industries

Insurance

Tariffs increase home replacement costs, impacting homeowners’ insurance in several key ways:

• Higher premiums: As rebuilding a home becomes more expensive, policy coverage limits must increase.
• Underinsurance risk: Homes not reevaluated for replacement cost may be underinsured in a total-loss event.
• Claims severity: More expensive materials mean insurers pay out more on claims, which can drive premiums up across the board.

Example: A home with a $250,000 replacement cost in 2020 might now need $275,000–$300,000 in coverage.

Real Estate and Appraisals

• Appraisers are adjusting home values based on increased renovation costs.
• Buyers may avoid "fixer-uppers" due to high remodeling expenses.
• Flippers and investors face reduced margins due to materials inflation.

DIY and Retail

• Home improvement chains like Home Depot and Lowe’s report higher product costs and inventory delays.
• Homeowners turning to DIY find prices still elevated:
  • Example: A bathroom vanity that cost $800 in 2020 may now retail for $1,100+.
  • Paint and sealants (many made with petroleum-based ingredients) have seen 10–20% price hikes.

• Get multiple estimates – Prices vary by supplier and region.
• Review insurance coverage – Make sure your policy reflects today’s rebuild cost, not yesterday’s.
• Explore domestic products – Local goods may be more cost-stable long-term.
• Time your project smartly – Some seasons see dips in material prices; work with experienced contractors to plan around this.

Tariffs are no longer just economic policy—they’re driving up costs in every corner of the home renovation market. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or insurance provider, staying informed and proactive is essential.