Navigating Tariffs in 2025: What Homeowners Need to Know
Since the start of 2025, many homeowners have expressed concerns about how potential USA/Canadian tariffs could impact their renovation plans. The good news? As leaders in the industry, the Amsted team is already ahead of these changes. We’ve built strong relationships with suppliers, prioritize Canadian-made materials, and have the flexibility to adapt. You can trust that your renovation project will stay on track, maintaining the high quality and care you expect.
Here are some of the ways Amsted is remaining proactive with the possible changes, how we plan to mitigate any issues, and how we expect these changes to impact our local southeast Ontario market.
CHBA Lobbying for Construction Product Exclusion
At Amsted, we are proud to be long-time members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA), who are actively lobbying the federal government to exclude construction products and certain raw materials from potential tariffs. This is a positive development that protects Canadian suppliers and helps mitigate price increases. We’re closely monitoring these efforts and any major updates, and we’ll keep our clients informed so that they can proceed with confidence in their renovation plans.
Made in Canada & Strong Supplier Relationships
A large portion of the products we already use come from Canadian suppliers. We maintain open and consistent communication with our trusted suppliers, which helps us stay ahead of any tariff-related changes. Our strong relationships allow us to adapt quickly and make sure our project stays on track, without unnecessary delays or price hikes. By prioritizing local sourcing, we’re able to give homeowners the best value without sacrificing quality.
Supporting Local Suppliers
Our commitment to supporting local suppliers is something we’ve always been proud of. Whenever possible, we choose to source materials locally, instead of relying on prefab items imported from the U.S. Not only does this boost the Canadian economy, but it also ensures we provide homeowners with the highest quality materials for their renovation.
Flexibility in Supplier Choices
One of the advantages we offer is flexibility in our supplier choices. We’re not tied to a single supplier, allowing us to source materials from a variety of Canadian companies. This flexibility enables us to quickly adapt to changes in tariffs, supply chain availability, and manage costs effectively for our clients. We’ll work hard to ensure our renovation projects stays on budget and on time.
Focus on Good Design
We take a thoughtful approach to design—focusing on function and efficiency rather than unnecessary complexity. Good design is not just about aesthetics; it’s about maximizing space and resources, which helps keep construction costs low and within budget.
Dollar Exchange & Market Impact
While tariffs may introduce some uncertainty, the strong U.S. dollar means Americans will likely continue purchasing from outside markets, which will therefore have minimal impact on the demand for Canadian-made products. Canadian-made materials will remain in demand, helping to stabilize the market for home renovations.
Take Advantage of Available Rebate Programs
As material costs fluctuate, homeowners can benefit from rebate programs that provide savings on home improvements. In light of potential tariff increases, additional rebate opportunities may become available, offering even more value for clients who choose to invest in Canadian-made products. We encourage all homeowners to explore available programs and take advantage of savings on their renovation project.
Learn more about Ontario’s new and expanded energy efficiency rebate programs.
Ottawa’s Advantage in a Changing Market
A recent study by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce shows that Ottawa-Gatineau is relatively insulated from the economic impact of U.S. tariffs. While cities with economies dependent on industries like oil, auto manufacturing, and steel production are more vulnerable, Ottawa’s economy—centered around government and tech—has less exposure to trade disruptions. In fact, Ottawa ranks 29th out of 41 Canadian cities in terms of tariff vulnerability, putting it in a strong position to withstand potential challenges. While Ottawa may still feel some effects, our city’s diverse economy should help us weather any tariff-related disruptions more effectively than other regions.