Popular Home Building Materials
There are lots of different materials one can use when building a house. Here are some of the most popular options:
Brick
Brick houses never go out of style. They have a quaint, classic look to them and, as an added bonus, they’re extremely durable. Long-standing structures throughout history have been made of brick, and you ought to consider adding your house to the list if you want it to last a long time.
Stone
If you want to enjoy the benefits of brick but don’t love the look of it, stone can be a good alternative. Stone houses often have more of a rustic quality to them, but they can also be made to look very chic and modern. Whatever style you choose, these houses are durable and will remain standing for years to come.
Steel
Steel has long been used in commercial and industrial architecture. In recent years, though, it’s also become a popular option for home building.
Steel houses can last for decades when they’re well-built and well-maintained. The maintenance aspect can be an issue for some, though. It takes more effort to take care of a steel house than it does one made of stone, brick, or some other materials.
Concrete
Concrete isn’t just for driveways anymore. Over the years, concrete houses have become a popular option due to their durability, energy-efficiency, and versatility. Choosing concrete gives your home a modern look, and you’ll be able to rest easy knowing it’s here to stay.
Wood
Of course, it would be a list of building materials without mention of wood. Wood is one of the most popular options on the market today for home builders, and it can work well in certain climates, but many people are critical of it. It doesn’t last as long as some other materials, and it’s more vulnerable to the elements.
Plant-Based Polyurethane Rigid Foam
Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam is made from plants like bamboo, kelp, and hemp. This material is often used to make surfboards, but it’s also very durable, non-toxic, and effective for home building. If you want to make your house more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, this is a great option to consider.
How to Choose the Right House Materials
You know what your options are, but do you know which is the better building material between those listed above? Here are some guidelines that will help you differentiate between them and make the right decision for yourself, your family, and your budget:
Upfront Cost
Of course, one of the first things you need to take into account is the upfront cost of building your house using a particular material. Some materials like brick and stone might cost more during the building stage, but they’ll retain their value long after the house is built.
If you’re looking to save money while building your house, concrete can be a more cost-effective option. It often costs less than wood-based projects, but it still has a long lifespan.
Life Expectancy
Speaking of lifespan, that’s another factor to consider. Everyone wants their house to last as long as possible, and certain materials lend themselves to a longer life expectancy than others. Concrete, stone, and brick are all long-lasting options that will withstand severe weather conditions and do a good job of retaining their value.
Keep in mind, too, that expensive materials with long lifespans will save you more money than cheap materials with short lifespans. If you opt for the cheaper options to save money upfront, you could end up spending more later on when it comes to repairs and replacements.
Energy Efficiency
Nobody wants to deal with high energy bills. Consider your climate and, before you select a particular material, ask yourself whether or not it is the most energy-efficient option. Concrete tends to be very energy-efficient, as is plant-based polyurethane rigid foam.
Do some research before you select a particular material to find out how it’ll influence your energy bills. Will it keep your home cool in the summer without you have to crank the air conditioner? Will it keep you warm in the winter even if the furnace is blasting?
Aesthetics
Appearance plays an important role in your decision, too. Think about your personal style and what kind of house building material best suits your tastes.
After all, it doesn’t matter how energy efficient or cost-effective your house is if you have the way it looks. You’re going to be living here for a long time (most likely), so it’s important to make sure you like the aesthetics before you settle on a particular material.
Insurance Impacts
Finally, keep in mind that some house building materials will have a positive impact on your homeowners’ insurance premiums (while others will have the opposite effect). Houses built of concrete, for example, tend to have lower insurance costs than houses made of wood.
The same is true of houses built of other durable materials like stone or brick. If there’s less of a chance that the insurance company will have to pay for repairs in the future, they might be willing to give you a discount now.
Get Your House Building Materials Today
When it comes to building a new house, there’s a lot to keep in mind. Figuring out which home building materials to use is one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make, though. If you remember this information on the materials needed to build a new home, you’ll have an easier time going through the process and constructing your dream residence.
Do you want to learn more about building or shopping for a home? If so, we have lots of resources available on our site. Head to the Real Estate section today to check them out!
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