How Tariffs Are Impacting New Decks and Porches
Thinking about adding a new deck or porch to your home? You might be wondering how the 2025 tariffs could affect your project’s cost. And more importantly, whether your price will stay the same from the time you sign the proposal to when the materials are actually ordered. Since most builders order materials about a week before construction starts, any new tariffs introduced in that window could raise material costs, and those increases might be passed on to you. Here’s a quick guide to how different builders are handling this situation in their proposals, and what you can do to protect your budget.
1. No Mention of Tariffs
In many proposals, tariffs aren’t mentioned at all. This leaves a big question mark: if material costs rise before your project starts, will you have to pay more? Since materials are ordered close to the start date, any cost increases could be added to your bill. Or you might be asked to reduce your project’s scope to stay within your original budget. If your builder’s proposal doesn’t mention tariffs, make sure to ask them to clarify their policy and put it in writing before you sign anything.
2. Clauses About Material Cost Increases
Some proposals do include a clause saying prices may go up if new tariffs are introduced. While this is more transparent, it still leaves you vulnerable to unexpected costs. For example, recent tariffs raised the price of composite flooring by 3% and railing by 18%. On an average project, that could add around $800 and, with new tariffs expected in mid-2025, those costs could rise even higher. If you see a cost-increase clause, ask your builder specific questions such as: How will the increase be calculated? Is there a cap on how much the price can go up? Are there any protections in place to limit your risk?
3. Guaranteed Material Costs
Some builders, like us, offer a guarantee: your price won’t change, no matter what happens with tariffs. We’ve analyzed the potential impacts and decided that locking in your price is the best way to give you peace of mind. When you sign with us, you can move forward confidently knowing your project’s cost is fully protected.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your builder’s proposal—and asking the right questions—is key to avoiding surprises when it’s time to build your new deck or porch. If you want pricing that’s guaranteed, no matter what happens with tariffs, Contact Us. We’d love to help you bring your outdoor vision to life without the worry of unexpected costs.