Tariffs, expiring tax credits complicate construction cost estimates

Summary:

– Tariff changes push steel and lumber costs sharply higher.

– Expiring energy tax credits add pressure to project budgets.

– Architects say cost estimating is increasingly unpredictable.

Since President Donald Trump took office again in January, costs for imported steel, lumber and more have fluctuated wildly as tariffs have been implemented, raised or reduced over the past year.

This uncertainty has made project planning more challenging for professionals in architecture and construction .

Construction cost estimation is a “losing battle” these days, Rachel Smith-Streck , director of strategy and partner at TAP Architecture in Oklahoma City said.

“Just in general, tariffs are affecting everything, so you can’t pinpoint your target,” Smith-Streck said. “Usually