Tariffs
The past six weeks have been a roller coaster regarding tariffs. As of today, no new tariffs have been imposed on Canadian lumber. However, April 2nd is a key date when a potential 25% increase could take effect. Twice this year, tariffs were implemented only to be removed shortly after.
Other materials are experiencing price inflation due to existing tariffs. Products containing aluminum and some imported fasteners are seeing upward pricing pressure—not at full tariff levels, but enough to cause concern.
The biggest area of impact has been White Cedar Shingles, both raw and prefinished. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs has led to a surge in demand, especially for green/raw shingles, but all white cedar shingles have been affected.
If a lasting tariff is imposed on Canadian lumber, prices will likely rise—but not necessarily at the full tariff rate, as alternative wood species provide competition.
NAHB has been advocating against tariffs (or at least for an exemption for building materials) and is continuing to engage with the White House.
HBRACC, through the National Association and State Association, will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they unfold.
From the Incoming Board President: Todd Duffany
Dear Friends, It is a true honor to step into the role of President of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod, Inc. I will officially be installed, along with our senior officers, at our Annual Meeting on Tuesday, December 16, at the Margaritaville Resort in Hyannis. While this is a meaningful milestone for me personally, it…
From the Outgoing Board President: April Pond Ducott
HBRACC Raises the Bar A Year of Momentum, Partnership, and Purpose On Oct. 9th the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Cape Cod (HBRACC) honored the region’s most exceptional builders, designers, and trade professionals at its seventh Building & Remodeling Industry of Cape Cod (BRICC) Awards, held at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich…
EXCITING NEWS FROM ONE OF OUR MEMBERS
Pictured: Koopman Lumber executives Denise Brookhouse, CEO, and Dirk Koopman, President (new titles as of Jan. 1, 2026). Based in Whitinsville, Mass., Koopman Lumber operates 17 locations across Mass. and Conn. and was founded in 1939. The CEO transition reflects the company’s three generations of commitment to stability, family leadership, and long-term growth. Effective January…
Energy Code Policy in Barnstable & Orleans
At the Special Town Meeting on November 17th, Orleans residents voted down the Specialized Energy Code. Builders in that town spoke at town meeting, educating the public about the challenges of the grid and technology. While the Barnstable Town Council recently voted to adopt the Stretch Energy Code (it will go into effect in July…
Koopman Lumber Announces Plans to Acquire Lyon & Billard, a Trusted Name in Connecticut’s Building Supply Market
WHITINSVILLE, Mass. (October 16, 2025) – Koopman Lumber, a third-generation, family-owned supplier of building materials with a growing presence in New England, is excited to announce its plans to acquire Lyon & Billard, a respected building materials supplier with more than 180 years of history serving professional contractors and homeowners in central Connecticut. Lyon & Billard currently…
Todd and Lori LaBarge of LaBarge Homes announce the opening of a new satellite office in Provincetown, Massachusetts
Provincetown, MA – November 5, 2025 – Todd and Lori LaBarge, founders and principals of LaBarge Homes, a custom building company, have announced the opening of a new Provincetown satellite office. The new location at 237 Commercial Street, Unit 31B in Provincetown is an intimate and inviting space beautifully decorated by the award-winning interior design firm, Digs Design…
Help Rebuild Jamaica
Have friends and colleagues here on the Cape with family in Jamaica and want to give back? Here are a few resources: NAHB’s partner organization that specializes in rebuilding, World Vision is a large international NGO focused on distributing building materials and is currently responding to the impacts of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. They typically coordinate larger…
HBRACC Member Spotlight: Robert Kaner Interior Design Featured in The Wall Street Journal
We’re thrilled to celebrate one of our talented HBRACC members – and recent BRICC Award winner – Robert Kaner of Robert Kaner Interior Design, whose exceptional work was recently featured in The Wall Street Journal. The article highlights the stunning transformation of a historic Provincetown beach house into a refined, year-round coastal residence – a…
Bringing Back the Starter Home: What Massachusetts’ New Chapter 40Y Law Means for Cape Cod Builders and Homeowners
For years, the Cape Cod housing market has been facing a growing challenge – there simply aren’t enough attainable homes for local families, young professionals, and retirees who want to stay here. Home prices have surged, available land is scarce, and zoning restrictions often make small-scale developments nearly impossible. But a new Massachusetts law, Chapter…
5 Things to Know Before Creating Your Outdoor Kitchen
5 Things to Know Before Creating Your Outdoor Kitchen (or Lifestyle Space) Op-Ed – Author: Erin Cox of KAM Appliances ecox@kamonline.com Whether you’re designing a full outdoor kitchen, a simple grilling zone, or a multi-functional backyard space, the best results come from smart planning. Here are five things to keep in mind as you get…