Updated 3/7/25

Material prices have been climbing steadily since 2020, and with new tariffs announced, many homeowners are wondering: How will this impact my project? At Benner Builders, we understand that rising costs can be concerning, but with the right strategies, we can still bring your project to life without sacrificing quality.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in the industry and how we can help you navigate these challenges.

How have material costs changed in the past year? Are there specific materials that have been hit hardest?

Since the pandemic, all material costs have gone up, but over the past year, lumber prices have come down to just above pre-pandemic levels. Initially, there were concerns about new tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, but as of now, lumber is not expected to be significantly impacted beyond existing duties. However, steel and aluminum are facing new tariffs, which could increase costs for certain aspects of construction, such as structural supports, metal roofing, and window frames.

What are the biggest concerns homeowners have when they hear about rising costs and tariffs?

It all comes down to the bottom line—plain and simple. The most common question we hear is:

💬 “How much more is this project going to cost me?”

We get it. Budgets matter, and no one wants to be caught off guard. That’s why we focus on value engineering and proactive planning to help keep costs under control.

Have any specific tariffs impacted your business or projects directly? Which materials are most affected?

While lumber was initially a concern, the biggest impacts we’re watching are the new tariffs on steel and aluminum. A 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum has been reinstated, affecting metal framing, roofing materials, and some window and door components. This could lead to price increases in these areas, but we expect a sharp rise followed by stabilization as the market adjusts.

What strategies have you used in past projects to help clients manage rising costs while still maintaining quality?

The best tool we have is value engineering—finding areas where we can save without compromising the final result. Instead of cutting corners, we help clients make informed choices on materials and design to maximize quality without unnecessary expenses.

Are there alternative materials or building methods you recommend to help offset price increases?

Right now, the biggest price hikes will affect metal-based products, so we are looking at: ✔ Using engineered wood or composite materials where possible instead of steel supports. ✔ Opting for domestic alternatives to avoid tariff-related increases. ✔ Exploring alternative suppliers to secure the best pricing on affected materials.

Every project is different, so we help homeowners make the best decisions for their specific goals and budget.

Have delays or supply chain issues affected your ability to get materials on time? How do you handle this to keep projects moving?

Interestingly, we’re seeing the opposite of the last four years—materials are arriving faster than expected. This is great for efficiency, but if prices spike, we may see delays return. If that happens, our strategy will be to stay ahead of price changes and adjust timelines as needed.

If a client is concerned about budgeting for a project right now, what’s your best advice for them?

✔ Keep moving forward. If you’re in the planning stage, don’t hit the brakes—there’s nothing we can do to stop price changes, so it’s best to keep designing as usual. ✔ Check contract terms. If you’re close to signing, talk to your builder about locking in prices or ordering materials early to avoid cost spikes. ✔ Discuss potential substitutions. We can help find alternative materials that maintain quality but keep costs more stable.

How do you balance transparency with clients when costs change unexpectedly?

Whenever possible, we get advance warning about price increases, which allows us to place orders before prices jump. If there are minor increases, we may try to absorb them, but for larger changes, we notify clients and explore potential alternatives. The goal of the project and specific material choices will determine if substitutions can be made.

Are there specific design choices that help homeowners save money without sacrificing the look and feel of their project?

Yes! Smart design choices can help homeowners stretch their budget without compromising style or functionality. Some options include:

🔹 Using engineered wood products instead of traditional lumber where feasible. 🔹 Opting for locally sourced materials to reduce transportation costs. 🔹 Strategic phasing of the project to spread out costs.

Each project is different, so we work with homeowners to find solutions that fit their vision and budget.

What’s your long-term outlook on material prices? Do you think we’ll see stabilization soon, or will costs continue to rise?

We expect a sharp increase followed by stabilization. The real question is how long it will take for things to level out. If tariffs escalate, prices could remain high for longer, but we’re optimistic that this will be temporary as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico negotiate trade agreements.

Regardless, the mindset needs to shift—construction is becoming more expensive, but the focus should always be on the value and longevity of the project rather than just the price tag.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Rising Costs with Smart Planning

Yes, material costs are going up. Yes, tariffs are adding uncertainty. But that doesn’t mean your home project is out of reach. With the right strategy, proactive planning, and smart material choices, we can still create a home that meets your needs and stays within your budget.

At Benner Builders, we help homeowners adapt to market changes without sacrificing quality. If you’re thinking about building or remodeling, let’s talk about how we can keep your project on track—no matter what the economy throws our way.

Note: As of March 1, 2025, the U.S. has announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, but additional tariffs on Canadian lumber have not been implemented. Given the dynamic nature of trade policies, we recommend staying updated on any further changes.