Cost is always a big topic on home construction. But the new Trump Administration tariffs made it the topic at Saturday’s Mercer County Home Show.
“We got notified by one of our vendors last week to expect price increases,’’ said Brian Warner, head of the family-run Warner’s Homes and Improvements. “But they had no clue on what those price increases will be.’’
President Donald Trump has thrown a wild card into housing construction costs with new tariffs — and possibly more on the way as early as April 2. A 25% tariff on imports of steel and aluminum from all countries hit March 12.
Honing in on what’s in store for the upcoming months proved to be elusive among the dozens of vendors at the show held at the Hickory VFW in Hermitage. The event was hosted by the Mercer County Builders Association.
“Everyone is getting various notifications about increases,’’ Dustin Noel, a paint sales representative and MCBA board member said. “There’s anticipation to see if they come to fruition or not.’’
Citing a severe lack of housing stock, the highest priority for the organization is getting new homes built. More homes are being demolished in Mercer County than are constructed, Mr. Noel said.
“We want our association to be a part of the solution,’’ he said.
One thing contractors have going for them — their end product is created on American shores, said Jim McLusky, owner of McLusky Showcase Kitchens and Baths.
“We make American-made cabinets,’’ Mr. McLusky said. “It’s the raw material of wood that comes from Canada.’’
With so many products used in construction it’s hard not to think about how tariffs will hit the market, Dott Hillman, MCBA’s longtime executive director who now serves as a volunteer said.
“It worries me a great deal,’’ Ms. Hillman said.
One strategy she has begun using for big purchases is to call businesses for prices versus online shopping.
“Homes are a very personal thing,’’ she said. “When you talk with another person about that you usually get a better response.’’
First Published: March 24, 2025, 8:27 p.m.
