Homebuilders and homebuyers are trying to nail down the cost of construction — but tariffs are making that more challenging.

The prices of materials used to build new homes were up 2.8% in July from the year before, according to federal data.

"During COVID we had trouble sourcing materials and right now during this tariff conversation we can source materials. It's just a matter of what the cost will be and what the cost delta will be from what maybe a client predicted, " said DPR Construction's Stephanie Wigger.

Steeper building prices paired with uncertainty about the economy because of tariffs could lead to fewer homes being built, says economist Odeta Kushi.

"If you're about to make the biggest financial purchase of your life, which is buying a home, you want to feel good about the

See Full Page