Building a new home requires importing a significant amount of building materials. Whether it’s a timber frame home, a stick-built home, or some other type, when builders start sourcing materials, there is no way around importing.
Tariffs on building materials are supposed to go up by the end of the year. These tariffs will increase the cost of building a home for Hamill Creek and for any other builder operating in the United States.
Let’s look more closely at how tariffs are likely to increase timber frame home costs.
What’s Going on With Tariff Increases?
The Trump administration has indicated that it will significantly increase tariffs on goods imported from most countries, including Canada. Canada supplies a significant portion of the lumber used in home building across the U.S. Currently, the administration states that it could double Canadian softwood import tariffs, from 14.5% to roughly 35%.
It’s important to note that the situation with tariffs is fluid. The administration states that it is seeking a deal with different countries like Canada, which implies that the cost increase could be less if the countries can reach a more favorable agreement. There are also legal challenges against the tariff increases, with a recent ruling from federal judges calling some of the most extreme increases illegal.
Because the situation is shifting constantly, it’s impossible to know what the final tariff rates will be at this time.
Will Tariffs Impact the Pricing of Hamill Creek’s Timber Frame Homes?
Yes, if the tariff rate doubles on the lumber we use to build our homes, the cost of the homes will have to increase.
In the home building industry, tariffs inevitably affect the pricing of homes. The same is true of most businesses. The cost of the materials used in providing a product or service affects the final price of that product or service.
Unfortunately, businesses can’t absorb big material cost changes. Doubling the tariff rate of materials is going to result in a noticeable change in the cost of the final product, whether it’s a home, a car, or an electric toothbrush.
That said, our service area will not be affected. We regularly ship across multiple countries and use Transportation and Exportation (T&E) bonds when applicable to ensure smooth cross-border logistics. Our clients throughout the U.S. and beyond can continue to expect timely and efficient delivery, regardless of shifting trade dynamics.
What is Hamill Creek Doing About Tariffs?
Timber frame construction tariffs are a part of doing business for builders, so the cost is worked into the final price that home buyers pay. Our goal at Hamill Creek is always to provide the best value for your money. We prioritize housing affordability. If we could minimize timber frame construction tariffs, we would.
Because we have little control over trade policies, the best we can do is help our customers get the most value for their money. That’s where our expertise comes into play. We will continue to strive to deliver a superior product and seek the best price on imported building materials we can get.
We are also strategic in where we source our materials to minimize tariff exposure. While tariffs have added paperwork and complexity to the shipping process, we work closely with a trusted customs broker and an experienced logistics company to ensure efficient and compliant delivery every time.
Contact Us to Get Current Prices
Navigating the complexities of tariffs requires expertise. Contact the timber frame building specialists at Hamill Creek to discuss how we can help you build your dream home efficiently and affordably.
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