What Florida Homeowners Should Know Before Planning Their Next Project
If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your home in Tampa or the surrounding area, you’re probably already weighing your budget against your wishlist. Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a modernized kitchen, an expanded outdoor living area, or that spa-style master bathroom. But now, on top of managing timelines and contractor schedules, there’s another variable catching homeowners off guard—new tariffs.
At MBC Capital General Contractors, we’re seeing more and more clients asking, “Will these tariffs affect my remodel?” It’s a valid concern, and while the short answer is yes—tariffs are causing ripple effects across the construction and remodeling industries—it’s not always as dramatic as the headlines suggest. That said, depending on the materials involved in your project and the timing of your build, your renovation budget could feel the impact.
Remodeling in 2025: Why Tariffs Are Part of the Conversation
Tariffs aren’t just trade policy buzzwords—they directly influence the cost of many of the products we use in everyday construction projects. New tariffs implemented in 2025 have introduced price hikes on several key materials, particularly steel, aluminum, and imported fixtures. While these changes might seem far removed from your bathroom upgrade or new sunroom, they can quickly trickle down into your final invoice.
Many products used in home remodels—think appliances, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, tiles, and even lighting—are sourced from manufacturers in different countries. When tariffs increase the cost of importing these goods, suppliers often pass that expense on to contractors, and ultimately, to homeowners.
What’s important to understand is that remodel costs aren’t rising evenly across the board. The impact largely depends on the type of remodel, the materials involved, and how much of your project relies on tariff-affected goods.
How Much Could It Really Add to Your Remodel?
Remodeling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. A custom kitchen remodel won’t have the same cost breakdown as a patio addition or a bathroom upgrade. That said, we’re seeing certain trends across the industry that are worth noting.
Industry estimates suggest that renovation costs may rise by as much as 25% in some cases due to tariffs and related supply issues. However, that number reflects the most material-heavy projects with a high reliance on imported products. For example, in a $150,000 high-end kitchen remodel, a tariff increase might translate into an additional $2,250 to $3,000 in materials alone if those items are sourced from countries facing tariffs.
That doesn’t mean every remodel will get hit that hard. Roughly 7% of materials used in residential remodeling are imported, so the impact is proportional. If your project includes mostly domestic materials or you’re flexible about material sourcing, the increase may be far less noticeable.
Still, it’s worth budgeting for unexpected hikes—especially if your project timeline spans several months, during which further price changes could occur.
The Material Price Spike: What Products Are Affected?
Not every piece of your remodel will be affected equally. But there are several categories where we’re consistently seeing price jumps tied to new tariff regulations.
- Steel and Aluminum: Projects involving structural steel (for supports, roofing, framing, or deck reinforcements) are among the hardest hit. Prices have surged by over 26%, adding significant cost to structural additions and high-end exterior renovations.
- Cabinetry and Fixtures: Imported cabinetry, sinks, toilets, faucets, and tubs are now carrying new surcharges—some as high as 14%, depending on the country of origin.
- Appliances and HVAC: Large appliances and heating/cooling systems that rely on imported parts or manufacturing have seen pricing volatility, particularly as suppliers adjust to new sourcing constraints.
- Tiles and Flooring: Whether it’s imported ceramic tile or specialty wood flooring, tariffs are being applied to a broader range of imported finishings—especially those from China and the EU.
Even some lighting and decor elements are seeing price changes due to tariff surcharges or disrupted supply chains. For custom remodels where finish selections matter, these incremental price increases can add up.
Timing Is Everything: Why Your Schedule Could Influence Cost
Tariffs aren’t just a budgeting issue—they’re a timing issue, too. The longer your project takes to start or complete, the more vulnerable it may be to price fluctuations.
In 2025, many suppliers have started updating their price lists more frequently—some monthly, others even weekly. That means a quote you received last month could already be outdated if your project hasn’t yet moved into the material ordering phase.
We always recommend locking in material pricing as early as possible. If you’re planning a remodel in the next 3–6 months, consider:
- Finalizing your design selections sooner
- Ordering critical materials earlier in your timeline
- Asking your contractor if bulk purchasing up front is possible for tariff-affected items
Even a short delay between your material quote and actual purchase can affect your bottom line, especially if surcharges are added unexpectedly.
Other Cost Drivers to Keep in Mind
Tariffs are a big piece of the puzzle, but they’re not the only factor influencing remodeling prices in 2025. Labor shortages, fuel costs, shipping delays, and general inflation all play a role. As demand for skilled labor and quality materials continues to rise, pricing pressures have become the new normal.
That’s why it’s so important to work with a contractor who understands the full picture—not just material pricing, but the flow of supply chains, labor availability, and scheduling logistics. At MBC Capital General Contractors, we take all of this into account when preparing your quote and timeline.
What Can You Do as a Homeowner?
We understand that all of this can sound overwhelming—especially if you’re already stretching your budget to invest in your home. But there are several things you can do to manage the impact of these cost changes and keep your project on track.
Ask for Transparent, Itemized Quotes
It’s more important than ever to understand where your money is going. Ask for a breakdown of material and labor costs in your estimate, so you can clearly see what’s being affected by tariffs or surcharges.
Explore Alternative Materials
Some products have excellent domestic equivalents. If you’re open to alternatives—like swapping imported tile for U.S.-made styles or selecting cabinetry from domestic suppliers—we can guide you through quality options that meet your aesthetic goals without inflated pricing.
Make Decisions Early
Delays in decision-making can cost you. Selecting your materials early means we can place orders before additional price increases hit, especially for appliances and fixtures that are prone to sudden hikes.
Work with a Local, Experienced Contractor
We’ve spent years building relationships with local suppliers and manufacturers. That often gives us access to better pricing, more accurate timelines, and flexible options that larger or out-of-town firms can’t offer. Plus, we stay informed on ongoing tariff developments, so we can advise you accordingly.
Renovating in Uncertain Times Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Let’s face it—remodeling can already feel like a juggling act, and with the added pressure of tariff-related cost changes, it’s understandable to feel unsure. But the key isn’t to put your plans on hold—it’s to plan smartly. Knowing what to expect and working with a trusted team who stays ahead of the market can help you avoid surprise costs and make the most of your budget.
At MBC Capital General Contractors, we’re committed to giving our clients clarity, control, and confidence throughout the remodeling process. From the first consultation to the final walk-through, we’re here to make your home transformation as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Ready to Talk Remodel? Let’s Work Through It Together
If you’ve been holding off on your project because of economic uncertainty or tariff concerns, we understand. Let’s sit down and walk through your ideas, your priorities, and your budget. We’ll break down material options, timelines, and ways to minimize cost increases without compromising your vision.
Contact MBC Capital General Contractors today to schedule a personalized consultation. Whether you’re updating a single room or planning a full-scale renovation, we’re here to help you navigate the process—one smart step at a time.
