These Are the Home Products That Could Be Impacted by Tariffs

While the conditions of recently implemented tariffs have been in flux, experts say many home products and building materials will likely be affected by sharp increases. “Tariffs are causing industry experts and homeowners themselves to think harder—and more creatively—about how they participate in renovation,” says Alecia Taylor, a designer at CabinetNow.

Already, Americans say they’ve cut back on spending. “Initially, there’s quite a bit of uncertainty, and we expect that to grow while the timetable for these tariffs starts to become people’s reality,” says Vipin Porwal, founder and consumer expert at Smarty.

In fact, a recent survey by Smarty polled 1,022 Americans, 49% of whom say they will buy less frequently if tariffs raise prices. In addition, 40% said they will switch to a cheaper brand, and 50% say they are more likely to consider secondhand or local alternatives.

Here’s how the changing tariffs could affect the bottom line for your home renovation and remodeling projects, plus expert tips on cost savings.

What Are Tariffs?

In order to understand how the price of these goods will be affected, it’s important to understand how tariffs work. “Tariffs are a tax on imported goods,” says Andrew Gotlieb, business development director with Keystate Homes. “The tax itself is usually passed down to the client or consumer.”

In the past, we’ve seen that tariffs have major impacts on home building materials and other home furnishings and products. “About $14 billion in goods used for new housing construction were imported from outside the U.S. in 2024, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates,” says Matt Brannon, data journalist at Insurify, the leading insurance comparison marketplace. “Tariffs on those materials would drive up prices.”

During the pandemic, Brannon adds that higher material costs and supply chain problems had a drastic effect on construction, which we could see again.

The tariffs most experts are concerned with currently have been applied to China and Vietnam, two countries that ship a massive number of products and materials to the United States. Other countries, such as Canada and Mexico, have also been hit with new U.S. tariffs. 

“A survey by the NAHB reveals that builders estimate the typical cost effect from recent tariff actions at $9,200 per home,” Brannon adds. “Tariffs would impact home-building materials, including Canadian wood products such as soft lumber, along with lime and gypsum products originating from Mexico.” 

While the percentages for each tariff are a moving target, experts have ballpark ranges for the increases we’re about to see. “Tariffs are expected to increase costs by 10-25%, depending on the material or product,” says Robert O’Sullivan, a business owner and roofing contractor at Ranch Roofing Inc. 

What Home Products and Materials Will Be Affected by Tariffs?

The range of products affected by these tariffs is vast.

Home Appliances and Smart Tech

“Kitchen appliances, like refrigerators, and smart home devices that will be more affected by the tariffs are the ones that rely on imported chips or electronic components,” O’Sullivan says. Washers and dryers alongside smart home products such as thermostats, doorbells, and security systems will likely also be affected, says Taylor.

• Refrigerators
• Ovens
• Dishwashers
• Washers and dryers
• Smart home devices such as thermostats, doorbells, and security systems

Construction Materials

When it comes to construction materials, Americans can expect price hikes on flooring, countertops, and more:

• Quartz and granite countertops
• Engineered hardwood flooring
• Luxury vinyl tile
• Cabinets and cabinet doors
• Plumbing fixtures
• Lighting fixtures
• Construction materials made with steel and aluminum

“These commodities are frequently manufactured in nations like China, Vietnam, Mexico, and Canada that have been subject to the recent shifts in trade policy,” Taylor says.

Impact on Home Renovation Projects

Taylor estimates that with each of these categories of products rising in cost by 5% to 25% or more, remodeling projects will skyrocket in price. “The cost of a kitchen remodel can increase by $2,000–$5,000 or more due to these tariff-driven product hikes,” she says, highlighting the cost of appliances, countertops, and flooring. 

In the past, tariffs have had other negative impacts on remodeling projects. “Past tariffs have led to project delays, price renegotiations, and increased demand for domestically manufactured alternatives,” Taylor adds. “In 2018 and 2019, for example, tariffs on Chinese cabinetry and quartz led to shortages and surprise price hikes that caught contractors and homeowners off guard.”

New Builds Will Also Be Affected

Those buying new homes or building new homes will also feel the impact of these tariffs. 

“The largest expenditure when constructing a home is framing materials, primarily lumber and steel,” says Ben Johnston, COO of Kapitus. “The majority of the imported lumber used in U.S. home construction comes from Canada and is currently tariffed at a 14.54% rate, but this could rise by an additional 25% if current tariff exemptions on this product are revoked. Currently, all steel imports coming into the U.S. are charged a minimum 25% tariff. The largest providers of steel to the U.S. are Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.”

But that’s not all. “Anything in a home that has technology or some sort of component that is electric will most likely come from overseas and most likely be affected by tariffs,” Gotlieb adds. “Other products like tile, flooring, also might; if it comes from Europe, you will most likely see a 10% increase at least.”

Johnston says savvy contractors can help new homeowners save by making smart choices. “There is a wide range in the size of the tariffs that have been implemented, leaving room for importers to seek out suppliers in less affected jurisdictions,” he says. “The European Union, for example, currently carries only a 10% tariff while China’s tariffs stand at 145%. While the cost of production in Europe is certainly higher, lower shipping costs and tariffs may make certain European materials seem affordable relative to similar products from higher-tariffed countries.”

How to Save on Home Products

The good news is, you don’t have to spend more money on these products if you’re savvy.

Consider Tax Credits and Rebates: “To offset costs, look for domestic alternatives, recycled materials, or shop during sales. You can also look for tax credits or rebates for choosing eco-friendly or domestic products,” O’Sullivan says. 

Go Gently Used: When it comes to appliances, don’t be afraid to buy used. “As an alternative, you may look for refurbished or gently used appliances. They will remain a cheaper option and unaffected by tariffs,” O’Sullivan adds. 

Shop Local and Refurbished Items: Try to refurbish and upgrade used items for remodeling projects. “You can opt for locally sourced materials and prioritize essential updates, and consider refurbishing instead of replacing items like cabinets,” O’Sullivan suggests.

Do It Yourself: “Above all, DIY projects can save labor costs! So, start small, like painting or installing fixtures yourself,” says O’Sullivan.

Delay Your Project: Finally, data from the Smarty survey shows that the solution for many Americans will be to delay spending on major items until prices change or stabilize. “Other consumers are likely to start stocking up on items like clothes and electronics before tariffs take effect, while a large percentage are considering to delay any major purchases for new homes and vehicles,” Porwal says. 

Of those surveyed, 21%  said they will hold off on buying home appliances. About 21% will delay furniture purchases, and as many as 20% said they will also wait to buy new homes. 

How to Save on Remodeling Projects

Saving on the overall cost of your home renovation project is also possible. 

Plan Ahead: Taylor suggests planning ahead and being adaptable. “Prices can change rapidly, so quotes and contracts should be secured early,” she says. And schedules will likely change, too. “Delays in shipping are inevitable, so be ready to make changes in your schedule.” 

Shop Domestically: As you shop, Taylor suggests prioritizing high-impact updates and searching for domestic alternatives for major products. 

Prioritize High-Impact Projects: “Spend on cosmetic upgrades or high-ROI projects like cabinet refacing, rather than full replacements,” she says, adding that your supplier or contractor might have domestic alternatives that are not subject to tariffs.