Once people buy a home, the renovation projects never end. Homeowners start with a list, and by the time it’s complete, something new must be replaced. With a trade war on the horizon, the cost of those home projects will only get more expensive.
The materials used to work on home projects and renovations come from around the globe. President Trump’s potential tariffs could affect nearly all of those prices. And with rising prices, people will look more to work on home projects themselves. Here are the ways in which the tariff war could create a do-it-yourself home revolution.
People are Already Getting Ahead of the Curve
Appliances will likely face price increases regardless of what happens in tariff negotiations. Many of the pieces necessary for the kitchen and other areas of the house could get much more expensive. Consumer reports have said that home appliance prices could increase by 30-40% due to global supply issues.
In many homes across the country, people have been waiting to replace that dryer that isn’t cutting it anymore, or that dishwasher that keeps sending out plates that aren’t all that clean. If they want to replace those items, the time could be now. Better to do it today than to wait for the prices to rise.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Pushed Things Forward
In normal times, people may not have been prepared for the chaos that a global trade war could cause. But this trade war is occurring at an interesting time, as less than a decade ago, Americans had to deal with the massive fallout from a global pandemic.
COVID-19 seriously impacted home projects as commonly available appliances were increasingly more challenging to find. People got used to the difficulties presented when a supply chain was harshly affected and won’t be so taken aback in 2025.
Painting is a Smart Choice
With costs rising on so many products that come from overseas, people could look to products that are manufactured in the United States. Almost every home in the country has a room or two that could use a fresh coat of paint and that project can likely be done while avoiding tariffs.
Much of the paint purchased in the US is made here. Benjamin Moore, a leading manufacturer, has factories in New Jersey, Alabama, Texas and New York. Sherwin-Williams has factories in the States as well, with locations in North Carolina, California, and Ohio.
People Are Also Working Outdoors
All renovations don’t need to happen inside the home; they can happen outside of the home as well. So while some people will want to do inside renovations in the months ahead, smart people will be doing work in the yard.
The materials in outdoor renovations can require lumber and other products that tariffs could affect, but things made with domestically-sourced stone should be ok. It might be a good time to choose a patio rather than a new deck, and people could also look to use tariff-free stones to create backyard walkways.
People Have Been Taking Advantage of the Experiences of Friends and Family
Many young homeowners have never owned a place and don’t know how to fix anything at home. But most of these people also have a friend or family member who has had to do repairs or renovations on their own.
The current economic state could mean that homeowners don’t have the funds to pay for a local repairman and will have to do it themselves. But these people will also look for help from their friends or family to get the project done themselves.
YouTube Has Changed How People Repair Their Homes
Before the internet, people had to wing a lot of their home repairs, and only the really handy could pull off difficult projects. That has changed over the years, and one of the biggest reasons why is YouTube.
If you have a problem in your home, searching for it on YouTube will quickly yield multiple videos of people providing a fix. Many homeowners have found that tasks they never would have imagined performing are pretty easy as long as someone guides them.
It Makes Them Feel Good
First of all, do-it-yourself projects make you feel good because they help you save money, as they typically cost less than paying a professional. It also makes you feel good in other ways.
Finishing a project that you did all yourself creates a special sense of accomplishment. Your home is your most significant investment, and doing hands-on work is an excellent source of pride. There is also tremendous value in the skills you learn by doing your own repairs and projects, and the next time you have a problem or want to change something, you know you can do it.
It Is An Incredible Cure For Boredom
For some people, working on a home renovation project themselves isn’t about saving money; it’s about finding a creative outlet. Your home belongs to you, and as such, it should reflect your personality and sense of style. What better way to customize your home than to do it yourself?
People can get stuck in a rut for whatever reason, and a great way to get out of a rut is to take on a new project. Of course, you will still get all the other good things that come from DIY projects, such as savings and pride.
The Downside is Limited
While some might say there is no downside to DIY projects, there is one concern: you might not be very good at it. If that is the case, you may end up doing more damage than good, and that could be costly in the long run.
Assuming you are capable of doing the work, the benefits are numerous. First, there are the cost savings amid a tariff war. Then, there is the sense of accomplishment and the complete control of customizations. That’s why many people are choosing the DIY route.
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