Will the Tariffs Affect My Dream Home Renovation?

If you’re gearing up for a home renovation, you’ve probably heard a lot of noise about tariffs and rising material costs. So, are tariffs about to blow up your budget? The short answer: maybe—but it depends on where your materials come from, what kind of renovation you’re doing, and how your contractor handles sourcing.

Tariffs have a way of shaking up the market in unexpected ways. Even if you’re not directly importing anything, price increases in one area can have a domino effect across the board. But that doesn’t mean your renovation dreams need to be put on hold. With the right approach, you can still get the home transformation you’ve been planning without any nasty budget surprises.

How Tariffs Could Drive Up Costs

Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, and they can directly impact construction materials like lumber, steel, tile, and appliances. If you’re eyeing Italian marble, U.S.-made kitchen appliances, or anything that crosses a border before arriving at your house, tariffs could make those materials pricier.

Even if you’re sourcing locally, tariffs can have a ripple effect. Here’s how:

• When tariffs hit imported lumber, demand for Canadian lumber surges – which could drive up domestic prices.
• Steel tariffs on foreign metals can increase costs on framing, railings, and fixtures—even if they’re “made in Canada.”
• Some suppliers use tariffs as an excuse to raise prices across the board, even on untaxed goods.

It’s unpredictable, and costs can shift depending on trade policies, supply chain disruptions, and raw material shortages. The good news? Not all renovations feel the hit equally.

Why Your Home Renovation Might Be Fine

Not all renovations are impacted equally. If your contractor sources local, non-U.S. materials, you might dodge the tariff bullet altogether. This is why working with a strategic builder matters.

At maison d’etre, we’ve seen firsthand how smart sourcing keeps costs stable. By prioritizing Canadian-made products and alternative suppliers, we can reduce exposure to volatile international markets. That means:

• No waiting on delayed shipments—local suppliers mean fewer supply chain hiccups.
• More predictable pricing—avoiding tariffed goods helps stabilize material costs.
• Stronger craftsmanship—local manufacturers often produce better-quality materials compared to mass imports.

Should You Hold Off on Renovating?

If you’ve been putting off your home renovation because you’re worried about tariffs, know this: there’s never a “perfect” time to renovate. The market fluctuates constantly, and waiting indefinitely could mean higher labor costs or material shortages down the road.

Here’s why moving forward now might still be your best option:

• Lock in pricing early. Some suppliers offer price guarantees if you purchase materials ahead of time. This can shield you from future increases.
• Take advantage of stable labor costs. While material prices fluctuate, labor costs often rise steadily. Delaying too long could mean paying more for the same work in a year or two.
• Work with a builder that understands the market. The right contractor will know where to source high-quality, cost-effective materials.

The Hidden Cost of Waiting

A lot of homeowners hesitate to start a home renovation because they hope prices will drop. But here’s the reality: construction costs rarely decrease over time. In fact, waiting too long could end up costing you more.

• Inflation keeps pushing prices up. The longer you wait, the more you’ll likely pay for labor and materials.
• Contractors book up fast. Good builders get busy. If you wait too long, you might struggle to find an experienced team available when you’re finally ready.
• Your home’s needs don’t pause. If your kitchen needs updating or your bathroom is falling apart, delaying won’t make those problems go away—it just makes them more frustrating to live with.

How to Renovate Smart Despite Tariffs

Tariffs might nudge prices up, but they don’t have to derail your home renovation. The key is working with a builder who understands the shifting market and sources strategically.

Here are a few final tips to keep your renovation on track:

• Ask your contractor about material alternatives. You don’t always need the exact brand or type of material you originally planned for—there are often high-quality substitutes at a better price.
• Plan ahead and buy early. If you know certain materials will be needed down the line, purchasing them now can protect you from future price hikes.
• Prioritize must-haves over nice-to-haves. If you’re working within a budget, focus on what truly matters to your renovation and be flexible with less critical details.

Final Thoughts

A home renovation is a big investment, and it makes sense to be cautious about rising costs. While tariffs can impact certain materials, they don’t have to derail your project, especially if you work with the right team.

At maison d’etre, we help homeowners navigate these challenges by sourcing strategically, planning ahead, and ensuring that every renovation stays on budget and on schedule. 

If you’re ready to move forward with your project, reach out today—we’ll help you make it happen.