If you’ve gotten a renovation quote lately and felt like it was higher than expected, you’re not imagining it. Material costs across the GTA have been shifting meaningfully in 2026, and a big part of that story is tariffs.
Here’s what I’ve been seeing on the ground after 50 years in this trade, and what you should factor in before locking anything in.
What changed, and when
The US-Canada tariff situation that started gaining momentum in early 2025 didn’t disappear — it became the new baseline. Softwood lumber, steel, aluminum, certain tile and stone imports, and a range of hardware and fixture lines have all seen price adjustments that trickled into Canadian contractor quotes throughout late 2025 and into 2026.
We’re not talking about panic numbers, but for a mid-sized kitchen renovation or a basement finish, you can reasonably expect to see material line items that are 8 to 15 percent higher than what the same job would have quoted in mid-2024. Some specialty items, particularly imported cabinetry hardware and European tile, are running higher than that.
What this actually means for your project
Get quotes locked, not open-ended. If a contractor gives you a quote with a materials subject to change clause and no cap, push back. Ask for a fixed-price contract or a defined materials allowance with a ceiling. Open-ended material escalation clauses used to be minor boilerplate - right now they carry real risk.
Canadian-sourced materials are your friend. Domestic lumber, local stone, and Canadian-manufactured fixtures and windows are insulated from import tariffs. Many suppliers in the GTA are actively promoting their Canadian-sourced lines because of this. It’s worth asking your contractor specifically where materials are coming from.
Timing your procurement matters. Material prices aren’t moving in a straight line - there have been windows where specific products dipped. If you have a project starting in late spring or summer, ask your contractor about pre-purchasing key materials now if the price is right. Some trades will do this for you with a deposit structure.
Phased projects have an advantage here. If you were already considering splitting a larger renovation into phases, the current pricing environment actually supports that. Phase one costs are knowable today. Phase two pricing, scheduled 12 to 18 months out, gives you more market visibility before committing.
What I’m telling homeowners right now
Don’t let tariff uncertainty become a reason to delay forever - renovation costs rarely move backwards in the GTA, and the local labour market for quality trades is tight. But do your homework on where materials are coming from, get written quotes with price ceilings, and prioritize Canadian-sourced products where they fit your project.
For context: we’ve been building in this city for over 50 years at LF Builders and lived through lumber shortages, housing booms, recessions, and supply chain crises. The current environment is manageable with good planning - but you want a contractor who’s on top of these details, not one who’s surprised by them at invoice time.
If you’re working through a reno quote right now and want a second opinion on whether the materials line looks reasonable, drop your numbers in this thread. Happy to give a straight answer.
LF Builders has been serving the Toronto area for 50+ years - kitchens, bathrooms, basements, interlock, aluminum and more. Our team is here on home.renovation.reviews to help homeowners navigate the real questions.