Will Tariffs Increase the Cost of My Remodeling Project?

What You Need to Know About Tariffs, Imports, and Home Renovation Costs

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve likely heard about the government’s move to impose significant tariffs on imports from many countries. These tariffs are designed to protect U.S. manufacturing, but they’ve also raised questions—especially for homeowners planning a remodeling project.

At DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen, we understand that economic changes like these can cause concern. We’ve had some clients ask:

“Will tariffs drive up the cost of my project?”

It’s a fair question—and the good news is: the impact on your remodeling budget is likely to be much smaller than you think.

Here’s a deeper look at how tariffs actually affect remodeling costs—and why DreamMaker clients can move forward with confidence.

1. Materials Are Just One Part of the Total Cost

It’s important to understand the makeup of a remodeling project. At DreamMaker, materials account for about 43% of the total project cost. The remaining 57% includes:

• Skilled labor (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc.)

• Design services

• Project management and scheduling

• Permits and inspections

• Administrative and overhead expenses

Most of these elements are completely unaffected by international tariffs. That means even if some material costs rise slightly, the effect on the total project price is softened significantly.

2. Most of Our Key Products Are Made in the USA

Another important factor: we work with American manufacturers for many of our most essential products. Cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and other high-ticket items are often made right here in the U.S.—and therefore not subject to tariffs on finished goods.

Even when U.S. manufacturers source raw materials from abroad, those materials typically make up a small percentage of the final product’s total cost. A 50% tariff on a component that only accounts for 10% of the total cost? That’s just a 5% increase to the manufacturer—and often far less by the time it reaches your project.

3. We Have Domestic Alternatives and Smart Options

In cases where finished products are imported and more directly affected by tariffs, we have options:

• We work with a broad range of suppliers and can typically offer domestically sourced alternatives with comparable quality, style, and value.

• Our design team is well-equipped to help you navigate product choices in ways that stay true to your vision and your budget.

• If needed, we can value-engineer selections to keep costs down—without compromising the integrity of your project.

This flexibility is part of what makes DreamMaker different. We don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” solutions—and that’s especially helpful in times of economic uncertainty.

4. Vendor Relationships Help Us Stay Ahead

At DreamMaker, we maintain strong, long-standing relationships with our vendors and manufacturers. These partnerships give us:

• Early visibility into pricing changes

• Priority access to stable supply chains

• Opportunities to negotiate or bundle products for added value

This proactive approach allows us to stay ahead of disruptions and protect our clients from sudden or extreme price shifts—even when the broader market is in flux.

5. The Actual Impact Is Small—Often 1–2%

When you add it all up, the net impact of tariffs on a full remodeling project is often just 1–2%, and rarely exceeds 5%. In most cases, this change is small enough that it can be offset with thoughtful selections or slight modifications—without affecting the end result.

We know that for many homeowners, a remodeling project is one of the biggest investments they’ll ever make in their home. That’s why we’re committed to clarity, transparency, and smart planning from the very first conversation.

Final Thoughts: Remodeling With Confidence

Yes, tariffs are making headlines. But when you remodel with DreamMaker, you’re working with a team that understands how to navigate economic changes without passing unnecessary costs on to you.

Our commitment is to deliver exceptional service, high-quality products, and personalized design—all while helping you stay on time, on track, and on budget.

Questions about your upcoming project or how tariffs might affect specific product choices?
Reach out to your local DreamMaker team—we’re here to walk you through it, every step of the way.