That Bathroom Remodel Might Cost More Than You Expected in 2025
(Spoiler: It’s not your contractor’s fault.)
April 2025
So, you’ve got a remodel on the calendar. Materials picked, design dialed in, maybe you even cleared out the garage for staging. Everything’s ready to roll… and then suddenly, you hit a weird delay.
Maybe the demo equipment isn’t available. Maybe the rental place jacked up their pricing overnight. Or maybe that essential tool your builder needs is stuck in transit thanks to some international policy decision made six months ago.
Welcome to 2025 construction life — where global stuff like tariffs and supply chain bottlenecks are affecting local Portland remodels more than you’d think.
Here’s what’s actually happening
A lot of the equipment used for residential construction isn’t made here. We’re talking backhoes, specialty saws, generators — even things like precision cutting tools or trenchers. Tariffs (basically import taxes) get slapped on these items, and suddenly:
Equipment costs go up
Rental companies hike their rates
Lead times stretch out
Everyone’s juggling schedules to make it all work
This isn’t just a headache for commercial crews on high-rises. These costs and delays show up in backyard ADUs, kitchen remodels, and home additions all over the Portland area.
“But it’s just a bathroom remodel…”
Even small projects need tools and machines that might be caught up in the mess. Think:
Demo gear to remove that 90s tub properly
Earth movers if you’re expanding your footprint
Cutting tools for tricky installs or updates under the surface
When any one of those is delayed or overpriced, it affects the project. And in remodeling, one delay can throw the whole calendar off.
How we’re adapting — and why it matters
At HD Contractor, we’ve been through enough to know that sitting back and hoping for the best isn’t a strategy. So here’s what we’re doing about it:
- Sourcing smarter
We’re not relying on just one supplier. We shop regional, rent local, and keep our network strong. Sometimes, gently used gear can get the job done just as well — and a lot faster. - Booking gear early
We’re calling dibs on equipment weeks (sometimes months) in advance. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but it’s one way to stay ahead when demand spikes. - Using smart tools (like Buildertrend)
We track everything — gear usage, timelines, deliveries — so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. It’s not glamorous, but it works. - Being real with clients
No fluff. If we see a delay coming, we’ll tell you. If something might raise your costs, we’ll walk you through the options. We’d rather have that convo early than scramble later.
Remodeling’s harder than it used to be. We’re still getting it done.
At the end of the day, it’s not about dodging every bump in the road. It’s about having the kind of crew that sees them coming — and knows how to pivot.
We’re still finishing jobs on time. We’re still delivering quality. And we’re doing it with a clear head and a game plan.
Because when you work with HD Contractor, you’re not just hiring a general contractor — you’re getting a team that understands the real-world stuff behind the drywall.
Thinking about a remodel in 2025?
Let’s talk. We’ll walk you through what’s realistic, what’s changing, and how to make it all work without losing your mind.
📞 Call HD Contractor: [360-980-0418]
🌐 Visit: [www.hdcontractor.net]
Your trusted Portland contractor — for remodels that hold up, even when the market doesn’t.