12 Home Projects That Will Cost More Due to Tariffs

As the claws of the ever-evolving rounds of tariffs take hold, pretty much every home project will be impacted, especially those including lumber, metals, drywall, cement, stone, appliances and electronics. “These changes are coming fast, so it’s important to prepare yourself,” says George Carrillo, CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. “Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, crafting furniture or fixing your car, the next few weeks are critical for avoiding financial stress later on.”

In general, to help mitigate the higher costs, compare prices, get multiple quotes, tackle projects now before tariffs are in full swing, or scale down your plans. While the higher costs are frustrating, a little urgency and creativity can help.

Here are some specific home projects that tariffs will impact, what experts expect in terms of price increases, and how to have it sting a little less financially.

Projects That Will Cost More Due to Tariffs

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DIY Furniture

It’s no secret that lumber will get more expensive under the tariffs, and that includes both softwoods like Canadian pine, plus European hardwoods like white oak. Also, metal hardware, like European hinges and fasteners, with cost more.

“Even smaller DIY projects won’t be spared,” says Carrillo. “Some raw materials costs are likely to climb by 30% or more.”

For a DIY custom dining table:

• Cost before tariffs: $500
• Cost after tariffs: $650

To cut costs:

• Use reclaimed wood;
• Source from local sawmills;
• Simplify designs to use less material.

Aging-In-Place Projects

With the stock market and 401(k)s also taking hits, the price of home projects for retirees is becoming particularly daunting.

“Costs for renovations needed to help seniors age-in-place will increase because of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration,” says Neal K. Shah, CEO of CareYaya Health Technologies. “This will affect the lowest-income seniors the most.”

Examples include bathroom safety modifications like grab bars and walk-in tubs, widening doorways for wheelchair accessibility, wheelchair ramps, non-skid floors and accessible kitchen cabinetry and fixtures.

For a DIY wheelchair ramp:

• Cost before tariffs: $1,700
• Cost after tariffs: $2,000

To cut costs:

• Buy supplies early, giving top priority to grab bars and non-slip surfaces;
• Use composite decking materials made in the U.S., when possible;
• Think of reconfiguring rooms, instead of replacing;
• Look into short-term solutions, like non-slip mats;
• Talk to specialists about designing continued living at home;
• Remember costs for some evaluations might be covered by Medicare Part B.

Room Remodeling

In general, all home remodeling projects will increase in price. On the minor end, metal tariffs mean aluminum windows and doors will cost more. Paint and drywall are also projected to rise by 10% and 22%, respectively.

“Because Mexico supplies over 70% of American drywall, a tariff on this material translates directly to increased remodeling costs, as it is generally standard practice in today’s construction and doesn’t have a simple substitute,” says ADU contractor Paul Dashevsky.

For a dining room remodel:

• Cost before tariffs: $8,000
• Cost after tariffs: $9,500

To cut costs:

• Use vinyl windows, instead of aluminum;
• Lock in remodel costs now;
• Downscale projects.

Kitchen Makeovers

The cost of kitchen updates will rise, in part due to higher prices for appliances, which have both electric and sheet-metal components. Cabinet doors and panels will also go up.

“The majority of high-end MDF and veneer panels are manufactured in China and the EU,” says interior designer Alecia Taylor. “Refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers often have imported components, too, so expect a probable 5% to 15% price hike.”

For a kitchen makeover:

• Cost before tariffs: $25,000
• Cost after tariffs: $27,500

To cut costs:

• Use American-made countertop materials;
• Consider cabinet refacing instead of full replacements;
• Purchase energy-efficient appliances now, before increases hit retail;
• Look for scratch-and-dent appliance specials.

Bathroom Remodels

In bathrooms specifically, brace for higher costs on items like high-end bathtubs and faucets, which are imported from Germany and Japan. Ceramic tiles and aluminum-framed shower doors will also go up in price.

“Imported Italian and Spanish marble vanities and shower surrounds will see a 20% added cost,” says Taylor. Lighting and smart features, like imported smart showers and LED mirrors will also be more expensive, thanks to the tariffs on electronics.

For a bathroom remodel:

• Cost before tariffs: $10,000
• Cost after tariffs: $11,500

To cut costs:

• Use domestic quartz or porcelain in place of imported marble;
• Swap in more affordable materials like vinyl tiles;
• Buy fixtures in advance before suppliers hike prices;
• Look for closeouts on older warehouse models.

Car Repair and Tools

Experts expect car parts to rise significantly due to steel and aluminum tariffs. Electronics tariffs will also cause the price of power tools to go up by a projected 15 to 20%, says Carrillo. “Car repairs are already feeling the strain,” he says.

For a DIY radiator replacement:

• Cost before tariffs: $500
• Cost after tariffs: $750

To cut costs:

• Act now on non-DIY repairs before costs go up;
• Buy parts now for DIY repairs you know you’ll eventually need, like brake pads;
• Explore used and aftermarket parts.

DIY Pet Enclosures

Brace for sticker shock if you have a doghouse or catio on your to-do list. Wood and metal tariffs mean that regardless of your design, it’s going to cost more.

“Metal doghouses will see the steepest increases,” says Baltimore-based contractor Yaeir Moinzadeh. “Simple items, like roofing felt and wood preservatives, will also be affected by these broad tariffs.”

For a DIY wooden doghouse:

• Cost before tariffs: $250
• Cost after tariffs: $300

To cut costs:

• Choose composite materials made in the U.S., over metal components;
• Use scrap wood and metal, or other up-cycled materials;
• Choose a simpler design or a prefab kit that was manufactured before the tariffs.

New Roof

Yep, roofs are no exception to projects that will be impacted by tariffs. Steel and aluminum roofing panels and siding will be the hardest hit, but asphalt shingles will rise, too, along with flashing and gutters.

“Even smaller components like nails and adhesives are seeing price hikes because of supply chain disruptions and higher raw material costs,” says Robert O’Sullivan, a roofing contractor in Massachusetts.

For a new asphalt shingle roof:

• Cost before tariffs: $18,000
• Cost after tariffs: $19,800

To cut costs:

• Act quickly, before material costs go up;
• Lock in replacement deals at current prices;
• Consider alternatives like synthetic slate or composite shingles.

And in general, “Keep aside extra funds for unexpected expenses,”says O’Sullivan. “Many contractors offer financing plans to spread the expenditures in a structured way so that it doesn’t feel like a burden. So, go for them!”

Swimming Pools and Driveways

According to Dashevsky, over 25% of cement and concrete are imported from Canada and Mexico, so tariffs on those products directly affect the cost of walkways, driveways and pool construction.

In addition, projects such as these that are more labor-intensive and less DIY-able could also see a rise in contractor rates because of increasing labor shortages. Non-citizen immigrants make up around 40% of concrete construction workers, and fear of deportation and actual deportation due to new immigration policies and enforcement is expected to drive up wages.

For a new swimming pool:

• Cost before tariffs: $60,000
• Cost after tariffs: $69,000

To cut costs:

• For driveways, consider alternate surfaces such as gravel and pavers;
• For sidewalks, consider repairing vs. replacing surfaces;
• Contract pool projects now, before prices rise.

New Deck

No surprise that the costs of adding a wooden deck and outfitting it with style will also be on the rise. That’s because, “for a standard wooden deck, we would use softwood lumber from Canada,” says construction manager Docia Boylen. “Plus, outdoor furniture and decorative items are expected to increase in price by 10% to 15%.”

For a new deck:

• Cost before tariffs: $15,000
• Cost after tariffs: $17,250

To cut costs:

• Look into locally-sourced woods;
• Consider composite materials, especially those manufactured in the US like Trex.

DIY Home Repairs

In general, expect prices on all home repair materials to rise, especially with plumbing, electrical and HVAC.

“South American copper faces higher tariffs, affecting plumbing and electrical supplies,” says Taylor. Also “the majority of heating and cooling units contain imported European compressors and Chinese circuit boards.”

For a basic DIY water-heater piping repair:

• Cost before tariffs: $40
• Cost after tariffs: $46

For a new HVAC system:

• Cost before tariffs: $7,500
• Cost after tariffs: $8,700

To cut costs:

• Repair and replace old systems sooner than later, before prices rise;
• Buy domestically assembled sets if available.

New House Construction

Beyond home projects, the cost of lumber for framing a new single-family house expected to rise by around $9,200, estimates the National Association of Home Builders. “The good news is that we haven’t seen the prices increase at the supply houses yet,” says construction manager Mike German. “It may be worthwhile to purchase items for a summer project in advance in anticipation of the change,”

Cost of one framing 2×4:

• Cost before tariffs: $4
• Cost after tariffs: $5.6

To cut costs:

• Negotiate contracts and lock in prices early;
• Consider a simplified architectural design and smaller square footage;
• Get creative with less-conventional building and materials approaches.

About the Experts

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