Handy Helpful Blog

As a Southern California handyman business, Edwards Enterprises prides itself on providing reliable repairs and renovations for homes and businesses. However, recent U.S. tariffs on imported building materials are making it more expensive to source essential supplies, which could affect pricing for customers.

Rising Costs of Materials

Tariffs on goods like lumber, steel, aluminum, and plumbing fixtures mean higher costs for businesses that rely on these materials. For example, tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber could increase the price of wood products by 15% to 25%, making deck repairs and exterior fascia replacements more expensive.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Beyond price hikes, tariffs can also lead to shortages and delays in receiving materials. If suppliers struggle to import goods due to increased costs, handyman businesses may face longer wait times for essential items like windows, doors, and sprinkler system components.

Other Potential Impacts

There will be many down the line human costs that may see large expense increases as well.  There are dozens of ways that the tariffs may jump prices indirectly. Car, home and business insurance policies are going up because materials and replacement costs are rising, for example. Fuel costs for jobs can grow even higher than they are and, because our workers are people too, labor costs in general may rise as everyone needs more money to keep their own homes running.

Impact on Service Pricing

With rising job costs, businesses like Edwards Enterprises may need to adjust pricing to maintain quality service while covering expenses. Customers should expect potential increases in repair and renovation costs, especially for projects requiring imported materials.

How Homeowners Can Prepare

To minimize the impact of tariffs, homeowners can:

• Plan ahead by getting materials now and locking in contractor bids;
• Buy domestically sourced materials;
• Consider alternative materials, like composite decking instead of lumber;
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances and boost home insulation;
• Avoid large ones that could increase substantially in cost before they’re complete;
• Focus on fixing and maintaining what you have, such as tools and appliances;
• Look for refurbished, second-hand and recycled products;
• Stay informed about trade policies and changes to keep ahead of the curve;
• Buffer a bigger budget into projects to account for unexpected price increases;
• Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices;
• Look for discounts and seasonal sales, like spring promotions and
• Build relationships with local suppliers.

While tariffs create challenges, Edwards Enterprises remains committed to providing top-notch handyman services. By staying informed and proactive, homeowners and businesses can navigate these changes effectively. At Edwards Enterprises we are ready to partner with our clients to help meet these new challenges together.