Tariff Outlook

Boston Homeowners: What You Need to Know (2025)

Overview 

 As trade policy evolves, concerns over tariffs on building materials are ever on our clients’ minds. However, Boston-area homeowners should take comfort in the resilience of our local construction industry and the many ways to mitigate potential cost increases through intelligent design, material selection, and preconstruction planning. 

With the goal of helping our clients navigate these seemingly choppy waters, we offer a balanced outlook of how possible tariffs—such as those proposed under the current Trump administration—could affect key home renovation materials, while highlighting the flexibility, innovation, and domestic capacity that can help homeowners stay on track. 

 Cabinetry: A Resilient Supply Chain 

 While imported cabinets may face higher costs under tariffs, the U.S. has a strong and growing domestic cabinetry industry. After tariffs on Chinese imports were enacted in 2018, many manufacturers in the U.S. scaled up production. Today, quality American cabinetmakers offer a wide range of styles and prices. If tariffs return, you may see modest increases on imported cabinet lines, but there will still be competitive options. Many Boston-area showrooms work with local or regional makers who can deliver beautiful, tariff-free cabinetry with short lead times.  

 Not only does New England and the rest of the country have robust cabinet production, but we also source nearly 90% of the hardwoods for cabinet production from US suppliers. These locally grown trees include maple, cherry, oak, hickory, poplars oak, ash, walnut, douglas fir, and hemlock. Lumber that would certainly be affected by tariffs would be exotic species like mahogany or sapele.

Wood Materials Chart

Countertops: Diverse Global Sourcing 

While much of it is imported, suppliers have diversified since Chinese quartz was tariffed in 2018. India, Turkey, Spain, and domestic producers like Cambria now provide stable alternatives. Boston homeowners can expect continued access to stylish, high-quality quartz surfaces. Choosing a domestic brand or ordering materials earlier in your renovation timeline are smart ways to avoid surprises. Contractors and suppliers are already familiar with navigating trade shifts and can offer informed suggestions. 

Certain granites and marbles are mined in the US, and 100% of the fabrication of those materials happens locally. Many types of slate, limestone, soapstone, marble, and quartzite are sourced directly from local suppliers. 

Countertop Materials Chart

Roofing Materials: Mostly Made in North America 

Most roofing systems—including shingles, underlayment, and ventilation components—are made in the U.S. or Canada. Even with potential tariffs, roofing materials are less exposed than other categories. Some accessories like nails or metal flashings may increase in cost, but these are typically a small percentage of the total roofing budget. Boston's experienced roofing contractors are well-positioned to recommend material combinations that balance durability and price, even in changing economic conditions. 

 Framing Lumber: Opportunity for Growth of US Markets 

 While sectors like tech are unlikely to grow domestically to compete with highly tariffed foreign companies, the US has the capacity to ramp up lumber production to meet local demand. Current US production meets about 70% of the demand for softwood framing lumber. While some form of tariff is likely to stick on Canadian lumber, this is only 30% of current consumption, and this number will decrease as domestic production grows. 

 Plywood and other engineered wood products will likely be affected by tariffs, but production of these products is spread across southeast Asia, China, Spain, Malaysia, as well as the US. Commodity grade plywood will be affected by tariffs, but higher-end builders including ReModern tend to use products like Advantech and Zip plywood which are manufactured domestically, limiting the impact of the tariff environment. 

 Other Materials: Opportunities for Flexibility 

• Flooring: Many great options are made in the U.S. or sourced from low-tariff regions. Consider domestic hardwood, cork, or LVT from non-Chinese factories. 

• Fixtures: American and European brands continue to innovate, with some expanding U.S. assembly operations. Mid-range options are widely available. 

• Natural Stone: Domestic granite, quartzite, and marble (e.g., from Vermont) remain available and competitive with imports. 

• Appliances: Many brands assemble appliances in North America. With some flexibility in brand or finish, homeowners can stay within budget. 

• Tile: while 70% of tile is sourced internationally, this is a small percentage of most renovation or new construction budgets. Most tile is sourced from India, Brazil, Spain, and Vietnam which are not the main focus of the Trump administrations targeting. Domestic tiles benefit from reduced shipping costs and remain competitive. 

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Build Confidently 

 While tariffs may cause select price adjustments, clients have many ways to navigate these challenges. Contractors and suppliers are experienced in sourcing alternatives, and the U.S. building supply chain has proven agile in past trade shifts. During the global trade disruptions caused by covid, we stayed nimble and ahead of a constantly changing landscape. With a proactive mindset—such as setting aside a small materials buffer, finalizing selections early, and working with adaptable professionals—you can protect your renovation timeline and your wallet. Tariffs may add complexity, but they need not derail your dream home.