The Harvard LIRA predicts that spending on home improvements could top $430 billion by the end of the year. Are you one of the newfound home renovators who intend to contribute to that growth?
If so, you’ll be happy to know that there are ways to ensure your money goes further when planning your next project.
The right building supply materials can help you save money at the outset and make your home energy efficient. Keep reading for tips on how to embrace this win-win situation.
Considerations When Choosing Building Supply Materials
Cost and energy efficiency are major players when it comes to planning your perfect home design, but they’re not the only things to think about.
These are some things you must take into account when choosing construction materials:
Climatic Conditions
The US boasts many varied climatic zones, and not all building materials can cope with some of the more extreme conditions.
For instance, wood is an aesthetic choice, but it won’t withstand South Florida’s long rainy season. It also won’t fare well against the termites who favor this humid climate unless you treat it with expensive chemicals.
Stone and concrete work best to keep your home cozy in cold areas. Clay is a great choice to keep an even interior temperature no matter where you live.
Availability in Your Area
You’ll likely find an abundance of materials suited to your climate close to where you live, but supply and demand can also affect how easily you can get hold of them.
If you must have a highly desirable, rare material, you could struggle to find a supplier and need to wait weeks if you order it from afar. This isn’t a concern if you have all the time in the world to complete your build, but if you’re working to a deadline, it’s a major issue.
You can also expect to pay a premium for these kinds of materials, especially if they’re imported.
How Long Will It Last?
It doesn’t make sense to save money at the outset, only to find yourself spending a fortune on future repairs. Durability is an important factor, especially when choosing exterior building materials.
Some of the best options include:
Concrete
Concrete has an excellent record concerning its ability to withstand harsh climatic conditions. It’s resistant to most things the weather throws at it but can crumble and wear after prolonged exposure to salts and some chemicals.
For this reason, it’s critical to work with an expert supplier to determine the best concrete formulation for your situation.
Steel
Steel is an incredibly strong, versatile, and reliable material, that does not warp, crack, or split easily. It’s fireproof, resistant to most chemicals, and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Unfortunately, it’s prone to corrosion in consistently wet climates, but you can still enjoy the benefits of steel if you treat it against rust.
Vinyl
Vinyl is strong, flexible, and water-resistant. It’s impervious to insect attacks, an excellent material for siding and well-suited for use as a roofing membrane.
Choosing Sustainable Building Materials
Earth-friendly materials are the best choice for your renovation project. Nowadays, it’s everyone’s responsibility to do their bit toward decreasing carbon emissions.
Plus, most eco-friendly building materials will save you money throughout the building process. These are some top choices for a sustainable build:
Metal
Most metals are abundant, recyclable, and durable enough to stay out of landfills for decades. They’re versatile materials and easily molded into a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses to suit your needs.
Metal roofing is exceptionally energy-efficient and also recyclable. This makes it a top choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Wood
Shop carefully if you want to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of wood in your home. You must always choose wood from managed, certified forests, or opt for recycled or salvaged wood.
Trees are still an abundant resource, but some species take decades to grow. So, bear this in mind when shopping for doors, windows, flooring, and other wood products.
Bamboo is one of the most sustainable and versatile types of wood on earth since it regenerates exceptionally fast.
Recycled Materials
You can incorporate recycled materials into every aspect of your home’s design. You’ll find recycled glass in countertops and tiles, and some roof tiles comprise recycled rubber.
Some types of drywall comprise recycled newspaper as an eco-friendly alternative to the norm. Recycled cotton batts are a good choice for attic insulation, and they’re also a healthy VOC-free option.
Natural Alternatives
Plant-based materials are always a better choice than chemically-based ones.
Cellulose insulation comprises plant fibers instead of fiberglass, real linoleum contains wood flour, pine rosins, and linseed oil, and you can get carpet made from wool and sisal.
Oriented Strand Board is a type of insulation made from sustainable wood, wax, and binder. It’s an excellent choice for increasing your home’s energy efficiency in an eco-friendly way.
If you’re building a deck, consider composite decking comprising resin mixed with finely ground wood fibers. This durable material won’t rot, resists insects, and needs very little maintenance.
Buyer Beware
Make sure you choose sustainable materials that are readily available from local suppliers.
If you have to truck eco-friendly materials halfway across the country to your home, the resulting carbon emissions will cancel out your good intentions.
Maximize Your Home Improvements
Keep these tips in mind when choosing building supply materials for your future building projects to ensure you get maximum satisfaction from your efforts.
Good materials will ensure your project brings years of enjoyment, costs less than you expected, and doesn’t tie you down to ongoing maintenance.
Are you keen to discover more about cost-savvy home refurbishments? Browse our website for inspiration to help you make your home more efficient, attractive, and cost-effective.
