Your Renovation Will Cost Thousands More in February. Here’s What Homeowners Should Know Now

If you’re a homeowner who bought your house within the past decade, you might be dreaming of updates: a new kitchen, an extra bathroom, maybe even a backyard ADU. But you might also be cautious about costs. Here’s the big news: 2026 home renovation costs are on the rise. In fact, many construction material suppliers have announced price increases taking effect between late 2025 and early 2026, due to recent market conditions. Don’t panic – with a bit of planning (and some insider info), you can stay ahead of these changes. Let’s break down what’s happening and why starting your project now could save you money.

Q1 2026 Construction Material Price Increases by Category

Several major material categories are seeing finalized price hikes going into Q1 2026. Below is a summary of the confirmed increases – including how much prices are going up (percent range) and when the new pricing kicks in for each category:

• Plumbing: Fixture brands like Kraus, TOTO, Moen, Delta, and others are raising prices by about 3–15%, with effective dates ranging from Dec 8, 2025 up to Feb 2, 2026 (varies by manufacturer).
• Flooring & Slabs: Major tile and flooring suppliers (e.g. Emser, Cosentino, Arizona Tile) are implementing roughly 6–10% price increases, all effective around January 1, 2026.
• Hardware: Think of things like cabinet knobs, pulls, and door hardware – brands such as Top Knobs and Hardware Resources are seeing about a 1–7% cost increase, starting Jan 1, 2026.
• Lighting: Lighting fixture prices (for example, Dainolite products) are going up approximately 3%, effective Jan 1, 2026.
• Doors: Doors (e.g. Trimlite) have a price change slated for Jan 6, 2026 – the exact increase is TBD (to be determined), but an uptick is coming.
• Appliances: Kitchen appliance manufacturers are announcing some of the steepest hikes. For instance, Miele appliances will cost about 20% more, and luxury brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove are rising 7–15%. Many appliance increases hit by Feb 1, 2026 (with some brands possibly announcing final figures soon).

Why is this happening? In short, 2025 was a turbulent year for supply costs – there were tariff negotiations and trade volatility that squeezed suppliers. Now those pressures are translating into higher prices for consumers. The above increases are finalized and confirmed, so they’re not just speculative numbers. If your dream project involves any of these categories (and most do!), it’s important to understand how they can impact your budget.

Why Plan Your Renovation Now (Lock In 2025 Pricing)

With these price hikes on the horizon, timing is everything. We recommend starting your project planning now to take advantage of current 2025 prices before the increases take effect. Here’s why acting sooner than later can benefit you:

• Beat the Deadlines: Many of the new prices kick in around the end of Dec 2025 or early Jan 2026. By initiating your renovation plans now, you have a chance to purchase materials or sign contracts before those deadlines. Vendors often honor 2025 pricing for orders placed before the increase date – meaning you could save anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars on a project by buying ahead of the price hikes. For example, ordering big-ticket items (appliances, flooring, plumbing fixtures) in December could avoid the extra 5%, 10%, or 20% surcharges that will apply in a few weeks.
• Avoid Sticker Shock in 2026: If you wait until January or February to start getting quotes, don’t be surprised if the estimates come in higher. Contractors will have to factor these material cost increases into their bids. Starting now allows you to lock in a quote before those higher costs ripple through to labor and project fees. Essentially, planning ahead can insulate you from the New Year’s price jump.
• Peace of Mind and Budget Control: We understand that as a homeowner you might feel cautious about taking the leap on a major renovation. Planning ahead – even if you don’t swing the hammer right away – gives you more control. You can secure financing or set your budget with full knowledge of upcoming cost changes, and make informed decisions on what to include in your project. There’s nothing worse than delaying a decision, only to find out the project will cost significantly more if you wait. By acting now, you’re being proactive and smart about your investment.

The goal here isn’t to pressure you, but to empower you. A little urgency can work in your favor: by moving forward with design and product selections now, you’ll be locking in prices before they go up. It’s a confident step toward your dream renovation – and your future self will thank you for potentially saving money.

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2026 Renovation Cost Increases by Project Type (ADUs, Kitchens, Baths & More)

How do these material price hikes translate to the actual projects you’re planning? Realm’s data shows that just in the first quarter of 2026, the average total cost of most home renovation projects will increase by a few percent. That might not sound like much, but on big projects it can be significant. Here’s a quick look at the expected cost increases by project type:

• Kitchen remodel (approx. 130 sqft): ~3% increase in overall project cost.
• Bathroom remodel (approx. 70 sqft): ~2.5% increase in cost.
• ADU construction (accessory dwelling unit ~450 sqft): ~3% increase in cost.
• New build home (3 bed/3 bath ~2000 sqft): ~3% increase in cost.
• Home addition (misc. addition ~500 sqft): ~1.5% increase in cost.

In practical terms, even a few percent can affect your wallet. For example, the cost of building an ADU in 2026 will be roughly 3% higher than it was in 2025. If an ADU project would have been $150,000 last year, that’s about an extra $4,500 added to the bill just from the change in timing. Similarly, a kitchen remodel price increase of ~3% might translate to an additional $1,000–$2,000 on a mid-range kitchen (think new cabinets, appliances, etc.) that might have cost around $50,000. And if you’re wondering how much does a bathroom renovation cost going into 2026 – plan for roughly 2–3% more than it would have last year. On a $20,000 bathroom overhaul, that’s about $500 extra purely due to material pricing changes.

Even new home builds and large additions see these effects: a new custom home could end up costing a few tens of thousands more, and a 500 sqft addition might cost an extra $1,000–$2,000 compared to last year. The bottom line is that 2026 home renovation costs are trending upward across the board, and every percentage point counts. By understanding these trends now, you can make smarter choices about when and how to execute your project.

Plan Your Renovation with Confidence – We’re Here to Help

The good news: you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. At Realm, we pride ourselves on being a warm, advisory, and helpful partner to homeowners planning their dream renovations. Our team is happy to answer your questions, crunch the latest numbers, and guide you through the planning process with these new cost realities in mind.

If you’re feeling cautious but excited to move forward, now is the perfect time to book a consultation with a Realm advisor. We’ll help you understand your project’s current cost breakdown and find ways to make the most of 2025 pricing before the increases hit. Together, we can create a personalized plan that fits your budget and timeline.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat about your ideas and goals. Book time with a Realm advisor today to take the first step. We’re here to help you make your dream project a reality – and to do it smartly, even in the face of rising costs. Let’s plan your renovation with confidence and get you on the path to a home you love, at a price you’re comfortable with!