Why Remodeling Remains a Win for Twin Cities Homeowners
As a homeowner in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area, you may have heard about the recent tariffs on imported construction materials, and you might be wondering how this could affect your remodeling plans.
The good news? These changes actually highlight the value of remodeling your current home rather than building new. While economic shifts like this can be concerning, they also present an opportunity to make smart, lasting investments in your home. Here’s more on what you need to know about how these tariffs may impact your project—and how, with the right team, you can move forward with confidence.
Tariffs 101: What You Need to Know
Tariffs may not affect your remodeling plans as much as you think.
For example, a 25% tariff on Canadian lumber or 10% on Chinese-made fixtures means that importers pay more, but only a small portion of that cost makes its way to your final project price.
Here in Minnesota, many of the materials used in remodeling projects are sourced locally or from a wide mix of countries, not just heavily tariffed ones:
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Canada supplies some lumber and steel (8% of total imports)
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Mexico contributes items like drywall and glass (11%)
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China provides flooring, cabinets, and lighting (27%)
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Overall, only about 7% of U.S. construction materials come from imports
Thanks to this balanced sourcing, the actual impact of tariffs on most remodeling projects in Minnesota is small.
What This Means for Your Remodeling Budget
Let’s say you’re planning a $150,000 kitchen or bathroom remodel. Here’s a breakdown of how tariffs might affect your budget:
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Lumber makes up about 1% of the total
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Trim and casing: around 2%
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Cabinets: roughly 2-3%
Even if all of these materials were impacted by tariffs, the total project cost would likely increase by only 1.5–2%, or about $2,250–$3,000.
That’s a far cry from the larger increases seen in new home construction, where raw materials make up a much bigger share of the cost. As prices rise for things like lumber, drywall, and steel, new builds become significantly more expensive—making remodeling the more cost-effective route.
Plus, some suppliers may absorb part of those increased costs to stay competitive, minimizing your financial impact.
Why Remodeling Still Comes Out Ahead
There are several reasons remodeling remains a smart financial choice right now:
✔ Minimal Tariff Impact – Remodeling uses fewer raw materials than new construction
✔ Local Sourcing – Minnesota’s strong supply network helps keep prices stable
✔ High Mortgage Rates – Moving is more expensive, making remodeling the more attractive option
Looking at the Big Picture
If you’re concerned about cost increases, we’re here to help you navigate your options. We can walk you through the facts, offer flexible material choices, and find creative ways to keep your project on budget—without sacrificing quality.
At SpaceTurtle, we believe in helping you love the home you’re already in. Remodeling not only improves your everyday living—it adds value, comfort, and peace of mind, even during times of economic uncertainty.
Why This Matters in Minnesota
Minnesotans have always prioritized quality, community, and long-term value. In today’s market, remodeling continues to be the smart choice. With minimal impact from tariffs and a strong local supply chain, there’s never been a better time to invest in your home. Let’s turn market uncertainty into an opportunity to create something lasting, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
Have more questions about tariffs? Let’s chat!
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