How Tariffs Impact the Cost of Your NYC Renovation
When you’re planning a home renovation, you’re probably thinking about picking out finishes, choosing paint colors, and imagining the final reveal. What you’re not thinking about? International trade policies. But surprisingly, something as far removed as a tariff can directly impact the price, timeline, and choices you’ll face during your renovation.
Why Tariffs Matter for Your Renovation
In New York City especially, a lot of the materials used in renovations—like custom cabinets, stone countertops, bathroom fixtures, lighting, and appliances—are imported from other countries. When new tariffs (essentially taxes on imports) are introduced or increased, it raises the cost of those goods almost immediately.
That beautiful marble you fell in love with? It might suddenly cost 20% more than it did just a few months ago. Or the custom lighting fixture you ordered? It might be delayed at the port for weeks, throwing off your construction schedule.
At Star Renovations NY, we keep a close eye on these kinds of shifts so that you don’t have to. We adjust our planning and pricing strategies to help you stay on budget and on schedule, even when the market changes unexpectedly.
Everyday Items That Are Affected
You might be surprised to learn how many everyday renovation materials are impacted by tariffs. A few examples include:
- Cabinetry and millwork: Especially custom or semi-custom options that come from overseas.
- Stone slabs and tiles: Materials like marble, granite, and high-end porcelain are often imported.
- Plumbing fixtures: Think faucets, showerheads, toilets, and even some sinks.
- Lighting and electrical components: Many stylish or specialty fixtures are sourced from Europe or Asia.
When tariffs go up, these materials can quickly become more expensive, or harder to find.
What You Can Do as a Homeowner
Plan Ahead:
In NYC, lead times are already long thanks to high demand and limited space. Tariff-related delays can add even more time. Starting your renovation planning early gives you options and breathing room if a product becomes unavailable or delayed.
Stay Flexible With Your Selections:
In today’s market, material availability and pricing can shift quickly. Sometimes the specific tile, countertop, or fixture you had your heart set on may be delayed, out of stock, or priced higher than expected by the time you’re ready to order. That’s why flexibility is key.
There are often beautiful, high-quality alternatives that are readily available from local suppliers—without the added cost or wait times associated with special orders or imports. Being open to adjusting your selections not only helps keep your renovation on budget, but it also helps avoid schedule disruptions that can lead to even bigger costs down the line.
At Star Renovations NY, we help guide clients through smart substitutions when needed, ensuring you still achieve the style and quality you want, while keeping the project timeline and budget on track.
Work With a Renovation Expert:
An experienced design-build firm like Star Renovations NY can make all the difference. We constantly talk to suppliers, track pricing trends, and know when to recommend a switch before it becomes an emergency. Our goal is to protect your investment and keep your renovation moving forward, even when external factors get tricky.
Bottom line:
While you can’t control tariffs or trade policies, you can control how you prepare for them. With smart planning, a little flexibility, and the right team behind you, your NYC renovation can still be everything you dreamed it would be—without unexpected headaches.
Planning a renovation?
Let us help you do it right—from concept to completion.
Reach out to Star Renovations NY today and start your Hassle-Free Project with confidence at (718) 521-2879 or info@starrenovationsny.com
