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Building a Dream Home: 6 Materials to Consider

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Lorelei Del Solano
Building a Dream Home: 6 Materials to Consider

Planning your dream home is one of life's most exciting journeys. However, there can also be anxiety-filled moments, especially when you're choosing what materials to use and when the construction begins. 


Selecting the right materials is crucial to maintaining the quality of the structure. Even if you have a superb construction team but your wood, glass, or cement are substandard, your house may come out with poor quality. 


The key to a safe and durable house is using proper materials to establish their structural integrity. To help you get started with your project, here are the building materials you need to consider for your home.


6 Vital Building Materials for Your Home


Wood 


Wood is one of the world’s oldest construction materials. It has been used to construct houses and other structures for many centuries. This traditional component has evolved, resulting in new forms such as engineered timber products.


New construction techniques have created planks and boards of varied sizes. The unprocessed logs of olden times have turned into breathtaking ceilings, floors, and cabinetry. 


Moreover, wood is appropriate for any climate, making it popular in many countries. Its unique combination of flexibility and strength also allows more room for design creativity without sacrificing the structure's dependability. 


The species of the wood dictates its durability and quality. Some types of timber are more robust than others. However, they tend to be costlier, too. The uses of the wood depend on the species as well. For example, teak and pine are best for walls and dividers, while maple and oak are perfect for cabinets and floors. 


Concrete


Concrete is a material made from cement and mineral aggregates such as gravel and sand. When these components are hydrated, a highly tough and durable material is created. 

 

This stone-like element is a standard fixture in modern construction projects, primarily industrial and commercial structures. However, concrete has low tensile strength. Architects and engineers have created a solution for this drawback by reinforcing concrete structures with rebars and steel rods. 


Glass


Glass is an essential material in every construction project. It's used for windows, doors, and even walls. Technological advancements have resulted in creating a safer innovation called fire-rated glass.


This type of glass has a breakthrough design that prevents the spread of smoke and flames in cases of fire. It can also hinder the transfer of conductive and radiant heat. 


Many other materials offer the same kind of protection. However, only fire-rated glass can provide pleasing aesthetics, natural lighting, and a high level of security.


Bricks


Bricks are made from shale or clay and are kiln-fired for strength and longevity. Homebuilders use this material not only for its relatively lower cost but also for its fire-resistant quality. It also contributes to the warm and cozy look of the home, especially when combined with wood. 


During the late 20th century, construction materials manufacturers developed cinder blocks made from concrete. This innovation is a more durable alternative and is now widely used in homes and buildings. 


Another option under the brick category is the sandcrete, a low-cost variation of the two. However, it's generally weaker than clay and cinder blocks. 


Metal 

 

The discovery of steel, a metal alloy, led to the construction boom of the city skylines. This type of metal is known for its flexibility, strength, and longevity, making it a popular reinforcement material for homes and buildings. 


However, one of the disadvantages of steel is that it is prone to corrosion due to its iron content. Some home builders use aluminum alloy to address this issue. It may be more expensive than steel, but it can be ideal for construction projects near the shore.

Some metals, like brass, titanium, chrome, and silver, are mainly used for decorative accents.


Plastic


Plastic is a relatively cheap material that plays a significant role in architecture despite its reputation for being unsustainable. It is a vital material in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC projects. It is also used as a covering for metal pipes and wires. 


Manufacturers create plastic from synthetic or semi-synthetic materials and mold them into films, fibers, and other construction components. The plastics used for building vary in resilience, hardness, and heat tolerance. 


It would be a good move to discuss with your architect the important factors to consider before choosing the best plastic material to use in your home. 


Choose the Best Materials for Your Home


Moving to a new place and building a home is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. There are so many considerations you should make before starting your property’s construction, and choosing the suitable materials to use is one of the most crucial ones. One of the typical mistakes, especially of first-time homebuyers or builders, is not doing enough research. 


It would be best to find out the pros and cons of the materials available. Remember, cheaper materials may save you money at first, but they may cause problems in the long run. It would be beneficial if architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners could harmoniously collaborate about materials to create a dream home that will last a lifetime. 



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Lorelei Del Solano
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