Home Products That Could Be Impacted by Tariffs
What Are Tariffs and What Do the New Ones Mean? A tariff is like a tax or extra fee that governments place on goods that come from other countries. Imagine your fridge traveled across the ocean—when it lands, customs might charge a fee that makes it cost more than if it were made locally. Right now, new tariffs have been rolled out on materials and products used in our homes. They especially affect things like steel, aluminum, copper, lumber, appliances, and smart home gadgets. These tariffs are intended to protect U.S. manufacturing—but for homeowners, they often mean higher prices ahead.
What Home Products and Materials Will Be Affected by Tariffs?
1. Home Appliances and Smart Tech
Things like refrigerators, washers, smart thermostats, security cameras, and high-tech doorbells often rely on metal parts and computer chips made overseas. With new tariffs, these items may cost 10%–50% more depending on the product and origin. (Wikipedia, Better Homes & Gardens, AP News, CBS News)
2. Construction Materials
Items like lumber, drywall (gypsum), steel, flooring, and countertops often come from countries like Canada, Mexico, China, or Vietnam—all now facing higher tariffs. Lumber alone could see tariffs around 14–35%, which can deeply affect renovation and building costs. (National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders Association, The Wall Street Journal, Dodge Construction Network, Investopedia, New York Post, Houston Chronicle)
3. Impact on Home Renovation Projects
Higher product prices mean projects cost more. A typical kitchen remodel could rise by $2,000–5,000 or more, thanks to tariff-driven cost increases on appliances, countertops, floors, and more. (Better Homes & Gardens, Investopedia) In fact, 70% of contractors are reporting that tariffs are severely impacting their business, and many have raised prices to keep up. (Investopedia)
Which New Builds Will Also Be Affected?
New home construction takes a big hit too. Costs are rising:
Lumber and steel are two of the most-used materials. Lumber from Canada already carries a 14.5% duty, possibly rising even further. Steel and aluminum tariffs have surged to 50%, and now even include certain household appliances. (National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders Association, The Wall Street Journal, Wikipedia, AP News)
Builders estimate higher material costs have driven up the average new home construction cost by around $9,200. (Better Homes & Gardens, New York Post, Houston Chronicle) In places like Houston, this could mean a $8,300–12,500 jump in the price of building a typical 2,000-square-foot home. (Houston Chronicle)
How to Save on Home Products
Despite the rising prices, savvy shoppers have options:
Shop used or refurbished appliances — these won’t carry the full tariff price. (Better Homes & Gardens) Look for tax credits or rebates, especially for eco-friendly or energy-saving items. (Better Homes & Gardens) Buy local products or domestic alternatives—these are frequently exempt from tariffs and sometimes cheaper. (Better Homes & Gardens, Dodge Construction Network) Stock up ahead of time if tariffs are delayed or prices haven’t risen yet. (Better Homes & Gardens) Do-it-yourself where possible—install your own fixtures or repainting to avoid labor cost increases. (Better Homes & Gardens)
How to Save on Remodeling Projects
Here’s how to keep your project affordable:
Plan early and lock in quotes before prices rise further. (Better Homes & Gardens) Prioritize high-impact but low-cost updates, like re-facing cabinets instead of replacing them. (Better Homes & Gardens) Be flexible on supply timelines and styles, in case materials become limited or delayed. (Better Homes & Gardens) Work with contractors who can source local, tariff-free materials, especially for big-ticket items like appliances or finishes. (Better Homes & Gardens)
Wrap-Up
Tariffs are pushing up the cost of the things we use most at home—from major appliances and smart tech to building materials like lumber, steel, and drywall. Renovations and new homes are already costing thousands more, and insurance premiums might rise too as replacement costs climb. (MarketWatch)
The best way to stay smart? Shop used, go local, plan ahead, and ask professionals to help find cost-saving alternatives. A little strategy now could save you a lot of money—and stress—down the road.