Thinking About Remodeling? Here’s Why Tariffs Shouldn’t Stop You

By Karen Pfeiffer Bush, CEO of Housewarming | www.housewarmingseattle.com

As the founder of Housewarming and someone who works with Seattle-area homeowners every day, I’ve been hearing a lot of the same questions lately: 

“Are material costs going up?” 
“Should we wait for prices to come down?”
“Will we still be able to get the look we want if imported materials aren’t feasible?” 

These are reasonable, valid questions. With recent tariffs affecting some building materials and home finishes, it’s natural to be concerned about starting a remodel. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to panic and you don’t need to postpone or cancel your dreams. With the right team and a good strategy, your dream space can still be a reality. 

 

 

🎯 A Solid Plan Starts with Realistic, Up-to-Date Info 

Tariffs have indeed impacted the prices of certain imported items such as fixtures, tile, lighting, and cabinetry, but behind the scenes, our design team is already adapting. We’re constantly sourcing alternatives, tracking lead times, and building flexible plans that keep your project on time and within budget. 

We start with a conversation to learn about your priorities—what’s non-negotiable, and where there is flexibility—so we can make smart decisions together. Whether we stick with a high-impact imported design feature or pivot to a beautiful, tariff-free option, we’ll keep your goals and vision at the forefront. 

 

🤝 Our Design Team + Trusted Contractors = Your Remodeling Dream Team 

One of the biggest advan

tages of working with the Housewarming design team is that you’re not navigating this alone and neither are we. 

We collaborate closely with suppliers and manufacturers as well as experienced general contractors who have adapted proactively to today’s challenges. These are partners we trust—like Pete Baughman, Owner and Project Developer of Better Builders, who shared his insight regarding these uncertain times: 

“At Better Builders, we responded early by implementing a transparent contingency system, designed specifically to address potential price increases that may occur between product selection and actual purchase. We’ve kept this system in place since 2020 because it works and, more importantly, because clients have told us how much peace of mind it gives them. They appreciate knowing their overall project cost won’t unexpectedly increase once construction begins. 

Behind the scenes, our systems are designed to move quickly, securing products at the agreed-upon price whenever possible. It’s rare that we need to dip into the contingency or consider alternate selections, but when we do, we keep our clients informed every step of the way. 

Even before COVID, and now with evolving tariff impacts, we’ve always made a point to prioritize buying local or, at the very least, sourcing products made right here in the USA. As a small business ourselves, we believe in supporting other small businesses. It’s part of how we build stronger

 homes and a stronger community.” 

This kind of partnership is exactly why the right team makes all the difference. Together, we’re helping you source accessible and budget-friendly options and: 

• Locking in material pricing early to avoid surprises 

• Adjusting timelines to account for longer lead times 

• Including tariff clauses and transparent contingencies to manage risk 

• Prioritizing local and domestic suppliers who are high-quality and reliable 

With open communication and smart planning from the beginning, we create and execute practical remodel strategies that result in quality, dream-fulfilling spaces—regardless of market conditions. 

 

✨ You Still Have Plenty of Options 

If you’re concerned that tariffs mean you’ll have to sacrifice your style, don’t be. Some of the most sought-after finishes—like natural woods, on-trend fixtures, and handmade tiles—are widely available from U.S. or tariff-exempt sources. 

And our team know

s how to get creative: 

• Love the look of imported Italian tile? Let’s explore local artisans who offer a similar look. 

• Want custom cabinetry? There are incredible regional millworkers right here in the Pacific Northwest. 

• Have your heart set on a particular fixture? We’ll work with your builder to plan the schedule around its delivery, so you don’t have to compromise. 

⏰ Should You Wait? Probably Not. 

It’s tempting to hit pause and hope prices will drop—but in our experience, waiting rarely leads to real savings. In fact, we’ve seen the opposite. 

Since early 2020, construction and remodeling costs have steadily increased. Many people expected prices to normalize after the initial post-COVID era, but that hasn’t happened. Ongoing supply chain issues and continued high demand have kept prices elevated across the board. 

Here in the Seattle area, demand remains especially strong. Homeowners are investing in their spaces more than ever, whether to adapt for remote work, multigenerational living, or simply to invest in their lifestyle. As a result, contractors book up quickly, and materials can be in limited supply. 

If you start your project now, you can: 

• Secure today’s pricing and product availability 

• Lock in time with your preferred contractor before their schedule fills 

• Begin enjoying a space that truly supports your lifestyle—sooner 

Waiting might sound like the safer bet, but it often leads to longer timelines and higher costs. A well-planned project today is a smart, cost-effective move that will result in ongoing gains for you into the future. 

 

💬 Let’s Talk About What’s Possible 

Tariffs are just one piece of the puzzle—not the whole picture. With the right design team, thoughtful sourcing, and a trusted contractor, remodeling doesn’t have to be stressful or risky. 

At Housewarming, our design team helps you: 

• Choose stylish, smart materials 

• Navigate your options without overwhelm 

• Collaborate seamlessly with your contractor 

• Bring your vision to life—even in a shifting market 

Remodeling is still one of the best ways to invest in your lifestyle and your home’s value. Let’s move forward—with clarity, creativity, and confidence. 

We’re always happy to have a chat. Call us at 206-719-1662 or email info@housewarmingseattle.com 

Karen Pfeiffer Bush
CEO, Housewarming
www.housewarmingseattle.com