Understanding Tariffs in Residential Remodeling: What Homeowners Need to Know

If your remodeling estimate has come in higher than expected, you’re not alone — and there’s a good reason for it. Across the country, material prices are increasing due to rising tariffs on goods like cabinetry, stone, tile, and fixtures. For example, tariffs on imported cabinetry can add 10–25% to the base cost before they even reach your contractor. Similarly, recent trade policies have affected everything from lumber to appliances, creating price surges and supply chain delays.

These changes are often out of our hands but at Parrish Construction, we believe clients deserve transparency about where these costs come from and how we’re adapting.

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods, designed to make those goods more expensive and encourage people to buy locally instead. ¹ They are often used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. In simple terms, if a country puts a tariff on imported cars, it will raise the price of foreign cars, making them less competitive with locally produced cars. However, when a country imposes a tariff, the importer pays the tax but then adds that tax onto the goods for consumers. Ultimately these taxes don’t affect the importer – it affects those who are buying the goods.

Where Tariffs Hit the Industry

It’s not just existing tariffs causing cost increases, it’s the anticipation of new tariffs that can trigger price hikes, too. When vendors or manufacturers expect tariffs to be imposed, they often raise prices early to offset future costs or disruptions. This uncertainty makes budgeting difficult for suppliers and contractors alike, especially in an industry where materials must often be ordered weeks or months in advance. In some cases, companies raise prices across the board (as much as 20%) as a proactive measure to protect profit margins.

Cabinetry & Vanities

• Many are imported from China, and 25% tariffs remain in effect. ²
• Some brands are shifting production to other countries, but that takes time.
• Custom cabinetry and fixtures, which are already longer-lead items, are more affected by international supply issues.
• Clients can save time and money by exploring high-quality domestic or stock-grade alternatives.

Lumber & Plywood

• Softwood lumber from Canada still faces tariffs. ³
• Prices have stabilized somewhat since the pandemic spikes but remain elevated.

Tile & Stone

• Tariffs and fuel costs for global shipping have affected imports from Italy, Turkey, and Spain. ⁴
• Lead times for premium stone and tile may be longer.

Appliances

• Components for refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers may be subject to tariffs on steel and electronics.
• Some appliance brands have increased prices by 8–15% in 2024–2025. ⁵

Plumbing & Electrical Materials

• Industry analysts predict that tariffs will lead to higher prices on building materials integral to facilities operations, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical components.⁶
• Tariffs on eight of the top 10 exporters of HVAC and water-heating equipment are as high as 46%. ⁷
• Manufacturers and suppliers are working to adjust their supply chains in response to these tariffs, but these changes take time and may lead to temporary shortages or delays in the availability of certain products.
• Faucets, showerheads, and valves, that are typically imported are facing a 25% tariff. Cast iron components often used in plumbing are facing anti-dumping duties as high as 235%. ⁸
• Copper wiring prices have risen by 18% since January 2025, steel conduit costs are up 14%, and electrical panels now cost 22% more on average due to combined steel and copper tariffs. ⁹

What This Means for You

• Material costs are increasing and not because of contractor markups, but due to tariffs and availability.
• Some selections may need to be substituted or ordered well in advance.
• Delays in delivery or installation are more likely with imported items.
• Planning early helps lock in pricing before further changes hit.

How We’re Responding at Parrish Construction

• Sourcing materials locally whenever possible
• Staying informed on tariff developments
• Helping clients make smart substitutions to stay within budget
• Being transparent about quotes and potential price shifts

When the Estimate Doesn’t Match the Budget

It’s not uncommon for clients to come to us excited about a remodel, only to feel deflated when the estimate doesn’t align with what they hoped to spend. It’s okay to feel that way and we’re here to work through it with you.
Tariffs and supply chain disruptions are frustrating because they affect what feels like the “fun part” of remodeling — choosing finishes, visualizing your new space, and watching the transformation unfold. But unexpected cost increases don’t mean the dream has to be delayed or abandoned. It may just require a different approach.
That’s why we spend extra time during the design and pre-construction phases. Whether it’s shifting the project scope, adjusting timelines, or recommending value-engineered alternatives, our goal is to help you stay excited about your remodel — not overwhelmed by it. Our role isn’t just to build, it’s to guide you throughout the entire process. We’ll help you prioritize, problem-solve, and plan with transparency every step of the way.

Smart Ways to Stay on Budget Without Sacrificing Style

Remodeling doesn’t always have to mean starting from scratch. If tariffs or rising costs are pushing your project out of budget, there are creative ways to scale back without giving up your vision:

• Reface or repaint existing cabinets instead of replacing them entirely.
• Keep your layout intact, moving plumbing or electrical lines adds significant cost.
• Refresh fixtures and hardware for a modern look without major construction.
• Focus on high-impact areas, like a new backsplash or countertop, rather than overhauling the whole kitchen or bath.
• Choose alternative materials that offer a similar aesthetic at a lower price point (e.g., quartz instead of marble, LVP instead of hardwood).
• Stagger your project and consider completing your remodel in phases to spread out the investment over time.

A thoughtful, well-planned approach can still yield beautiful results, even with today’s pricing challenges. We’re happy to guide you through these decisions and help tailor a plan that makes the most of your budget.

We know rising costs can feel frustrating but with proactive planning and open communication, we can still create beautiful, functional spaces that meet your vision and budget. If you have questions or want to start planning ahead, let’s talk!