How Material Costs Are Changing and What Homeowners Should Know
Home renovation pricing has always had some fluctuation, but over the last few years, homeowners across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire have seen material costs shift more dramatically than ever. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, home addition, or full-house overhaul, understanding why material prices change—and how to plan around them—can help you stay on budget and avoid surprises.
At Somma Builders, many of our clients in towns like Brookline, Lexington, Waltham, Andover, Chelmsford, Needham, Woburn, and Medford often ask the same question: “Why do renovation costs seem different every year?”
Here’s what every homeowner should know.
1. Global Supply & Demand Still Impacts Local Projects
Even though your renovation is local—whether you're in Billerica, Weston, Arlington, or Newton—the materials used in your project often come from national or international suppliers.
Factors influencing costs include:
Demand for lumber, steel, and concrete
Shipping and freight costs
Global manufacturing delays
Seasonal production cycles
For homeowners, this means prices may rise or fall throughout the year, and planning ahead is key.
2. Lumber Prices Have Stabilized—but Not Returned to Pre-Pandemic Levels
Lumber was one of the biggest cost drivers during the pandemic years. While prices have leveled out, they remain higher than before 2020.
If you're planning:
Deck construction
Open-concept conversions
Basement finishing
Additions
…expect lumber to still be a significant part of your budget.
3. Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Materials Are Increasing
Copper wiring, PVC, and HVAC components have all seen steady increases. Rising energy costs and manufacturing changes also impact:
Light fixtures
Smart-home systems
Appliances
Heat pumps and ventilation systems
Homeowners in Watertown, Concord, Marlborough, Framingham, Fitchburg, Sudbury, and surrounding areas should plan for slight annual increases.
4. Labor and Material Packages Are Often Bundled
You’re not just paying for materials—you’re paying for expert installation. As skilled labor becomes more in demand across New England, this influences your final cost as well.
This is one reason why hiring a licensed, reliable general contractor—like Somma Builders—is essential. We provide cost transparency and help you understand where every dollar goes.
5. Renovations Are Still One of the Best Investments You Can Make
Even with shifting costs, home improvements in Boston, Cambridge, Bedford, Dracut, Groton, Maynard, Boxford, Lincoln, Westwood and beyond continue to offer excellent resale value.
The projects that deliver the strongest return include:
Kitchen remodels
Bathroom upgrades
Basement finishing
Energy-efficient improvements
Exterior remodeling and siding
Additions that increase square footage
Smart renovations add comfort, energy savings, and long-term value.
6. How Homeowners Can Plan Ahead
Here are Somma Builders’ top recommendations:
✔ Get quotes early
Material costs can change month to month—locking in pricing early is always smart.
✔ Choose materials during planning, not mid-project
This helps avoid last-minute price jumps.
✔ Build a 10–15% contingency into your budget
This protects you from unexpected increases.
✔ Work with a contractor who has strong supplier relationships
Somma Builders partners with trusted suppliers throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, which often means better pricing consistency.
7. Somma Builders Makes Budgeting Clear and Stress-Free
We know that home renovations are a major investment. That’s why we provide transparent quotes, clear breakdowns, and ongoing cost updates—from the first design meeting to the final walk-through.
Whether you're renovating in Winchester, Pepperell, Clinton, Holliston, Tewksbury, Stoneham, Revere, Hudson, or anywhere in New England, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
