Talk of tariffs and rising material costs doesn’t concern Gabe Barnhardt. The Lake Norman, N.C.–based custom homebuilder says the chatter hasn’t translated into major price spikes or project delays—at least not yet.
“I haven’t really seen tariffs affect my projects directly,” says the owner of Southern Alliance 2. “I had one kitchen and bath remodel that paused briefly, but once the news came out that the tariffs weren’t going to hit yet, they moved forward.”
What Barnhardt is seeing, however, is a steady demand for features that offer durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. In his market, where most projects are fully custom builds, clients are more interested in long-term value than chasing the lowest bid. Products like spray foam insulation, tankless water heaters, and rot-resistant exterior trim are easy sells, he says, because they promise fewer headaches down the road.
“It’s easier to talk people into things that are low maintenance,” he says. “With MiraTEC, a composite exterior trim, for example, the annual maintenance is easier than with wood, and you don’t have to worry in between because it’s resistant to moisture, rot and termites.”
The Weight of “Made in the USA”
That focus on long-term performance naturally extends to where products are made and how quickly they can be serviced—factors that Barnhardt says can be just as important as the material itself.
Domestic production means shorter lead times, better customer service, and easier warranty claims. “I can talk clients into buying a U.S.-made product like MiraTEC and spending more if there’s a chance that service may come into play,” he notes. “Supporting our local economy and avoiding long waits for parts is huge.”
Warranty as a Trust Signal
That same emphasis on dependability is why Barnhardt values strong warranties, seeing them as proof a manufacturer stands behind its product. MiraTEC’s 50-year limited warranty reassures builders and clients alike about the company’s confidence in its materials.
“It’s such a long warranty,” Barnhardt says, noting that he’s using MiraTEC on his own house. “In 50 years, I’m not going to be around to see the warranty expire. I think it’s a testament to how much they believe in their product.”
Building With a Personal Standard
Barnhardt’s own projects are proof of concept. His recent flagship home—a nearly 5,000-square-foot spec in Charlotte—used MiraTEC for all trim, soffits, and exterior details, paired with brick, fiber cement siding, and thermally modified wood for visual warmth. The result: a $3.5 million sale and a showcase for his blend of durability, aesthetics, and performance.
Whether the market is bracing for tariffs or adjusting to shifting buyer demands, Barnhardt says the fundamentals remain the same: build with materials you trust for high performance, keep maintenance low, and sell the long-term value. “At the end of the day, my best client is myself,” he says. “If it’s good enough for my house, it’s good enough for theirs.”
For more information, visit miratecextira.com.
