Materials Matter: Choosing the Right Building Materials for Your Home

Building a house is expensive and difficult work, especially if you’re newer to the business.  Unfortunately, many first-time property owners can struggle to make the best choices possible.  When building any property, it’s important that the materials you work with are high quality and are able to handle everything you need them to.

 

These are the best things to keep in mind when building, and why the materials make such a difference. 

To Keep Your Property Insulated

Insulation is king!  If your property is well insulated, it’ll be more energy efficient and soundproof and also keep out moisture and insect life that would otherwise cause major issues.  When you’re ready to find the best insulation for exterior walls, it’s vital that you look at what’s available in your area and what your personal interests are.

 

Do you want more eco-friendly material?  Wool has been gaining popularity in recent years, allowing people the same protection without contributing to pollution.  Of course, if you want the most effective insulation possible, many are reaching for polyurethane foam.  This fills gaps and then hardens into a non-permeable material to keep as much of the outside out as possible.

When Building Your Foundation

The foundation your home is on will decide countless things about how long your property lasts, what repairs you’ll have to do in the future, and how high the risk you’ll be for flooding or shifting. 

 

When you’re looking at foundation materials, concrete blocks have been king for years.  Look at what’s used in your area and whether a poured concrete slab really suits your needs. 

For An Attractive Natural Finish

Buyers are reaching for more natural-appearing materials in an attempt to escape from all of the harsh and sanitized-feeling lines that a lot of modern designs offered in the 2010s.  You can see this through the use of interior stone veneer and in how many homes are going for stucco and earth-toned exteriors.

 

Pulling through the texture of raw materials is a great move for now, especially since if your tastes change down the road, these materials can be used as a base to create something entirely new. 

Deciding On Flooring

What type of flooring speaks to you?  Carpet has been falling out of popularity over the last few years as homeowners grapple with the amount of dust, dander, and dirt the fibers hold, even when vacuumed often. 

 

If hardwood flooring worries you or is too far out of your budget, it’s time to give laminate a second chance.  Laminate flooring has come a long way in the last twenty years, with gorgeous finishes and durable surfaces that ensure they’ll look brand new for decades. 

 

This material can handle things being dropped on it, spills, heels, and so much more.  Laminate is great for a homeowner that wants durability.

To Protect From Weather and Water

Moisture is extremely destructive and can lead to countless issues for the average home.  It’s vital that you start from scratch by ensuring your lawn has enough slope to pull water down and away from your house.  From here, you can also install drainage trenches with covers that will pull even more moisture down and away.

 

Using moisture-proof paints in areas like basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms is also incredibly important to give your home the protection it needs to thrive. 

Choosing a Roof That Does it All

Your roof has to do so much more than just sit on top of your home.  Instead of letting it get out of hand, take the time to pick materials that can handle whatever’s thrown at it.  Slate has been increasingly popular because it can handle heat, cold, wind, rain, and so much more, lasting over fifty years when given minimal maintenance.

 

Pick a roofing material that will protect your home while still meshing with your stylistic taste.  Slate and many other materials come in a large assortment of colors and styles. 

Considering Eco-Friendly Options

Eco-friendly materials can make the difference between picking aluminum vs vinyl siding or whether you want a rain garden or a pool.  Eco-friendly options could simply mean that you make your home as energy efficient as possible, or it could mean that you work to create a property that’s mostly made of reclaimed or recycled materials.

 

If this type of property is your end goal, you need to plan ahead and keep it in mind through every step.  This can be more time-consuming or expensive, but it’s still possible for most people.

Common Mistakes When Picking Materials

 

One of the most common mistakes people make when picking materials is going with something simply because it’s affordable.  If you can find something that’s both affordable and high quality, that’s always great: but don’t take shortcuts that can cost you money in the long run.

 

Another issue many people face is buying everything without working with a professional.  Working with someone who’s in the industry will open you up to deals and discounts that can help you put that money towards something else.

Your Home Deserves the Best

Whether you’re building a property for profit or you’re trying to build the perfect home for yourself, it’s important to stop and work with a professional architect.  Your dream home could be closer than you think!

 

Natalie Akins is a freelance writer that loves sharing her knowledge and expertise on interior decorating and remodeling. She lives in her hometown of Austin, Texas where she enjoys spending time with her husband and decorating with her children. Natalie’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource site.