Home Materials You Should Select Carefully

Building a home is expensive and you want to make sure your money is used for high quality purchases. When determining what materials to use in your home, the primary factors to consider are location, cost, maintenance, and sustainability. Don’t just settle for the least expensive product, choose materials that will last a long time and give you the best investment possible. Home materials you should select carefully are discussed below.

Roof Material

When selecting roof materials, there are a variety of factors you want to consider. How long will the roof last? How much will it cost? What maintenance is required? Will the material compliment the style of your home? Etc. Choose a material that is resistant to the climate you live in. Metal roofs are great for many reasons, including providing the best protection against unexpected weather. In every case, choose a material that is wind and fire resistant.

In many cases the material you choose will be determined by cost. A roof is one of the most expensive parts of a home and should have the longest lifespan. Consult with a professional to determine the right material for you and your budget.

Siding Material

The siding on your home is an important part of maintaining the structure’s integrity. When the siding on a home is compromised, it opens the possibility to mold, infestations, and extensive damage. The material you use on your home will depend on your home’s location and the overall aesthetic you are going for. For example, stucco is strong , fire resistant, and reduces energy costs. However, stucco does not hold up well in humid climates and can be expensive to install. Vinyl, fiber cement, brick, wood, stone, and other siding options each have their pros and cons. Choose materials that will both protect your home and fit inside your budget.

Floors

Your choice of flooring is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to the interior of your home. Flooring is an integral part of your interior design. Flooring will also dictate the use, durability, maintenance, and cost of your surface areas. Different types of flooring include hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, carpet, and many others. While hardwood requires dedicated maintenance and is expensive to install, it still offers the best return on investment. Carpet is a cheap alternative but can be worn through quickly. Most experts recommend you replace carpet every 10 years. When choosing the flooring, consider the room and what it will be used for, your budget, style, ROI, and installation requirements.

The Windows

The development of home materials has come a long way. Today, windows are safer, filter light better, and provide better energy savings. Windows can be tinted without distorting your exterior vision. Window tinting can cut your AC bills by blocking UV rays from entering through your windows. This will help keep your internal temperature more consistent throughout the day. Choosing the right windows will depend on frame, glass, design, installation, and upkeep. Increase your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal by installing vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum, or wood windows.

Insulation

When insulating your home, you can choose from many types of insulation. The best type will depend on where you want the insulation to go and the recommended r-values for the area you want to insulate. R-value represents the maximum thermal performance you want to get from your insulation. Various types have different performance levels, cost, and ease of installing. Quality insulation will help you save on energy costs down the road. Insulation protects your home from the extreme of outside temperatures and keeps you comfortable year-round.

Appliances

As technology develops, appliances become more eco-friendly. The oven, refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher use a lot of energy. Older appliances use even more because they were not designed with energy efficiency in mind. Appliances that are Energy Star certified are environmentally friendly, cost less, function more efficiently, and lower your utility bills. Energy Star appliances must meet strict criteria outlined by the US Environmental Protection Agency. For example, qualified refrigerators must be at least 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard. Choosing eco-friendly appliances will reduce your carbon footprint and save you long-term energy.

Countertops

Your countertops are the largest surface area in your kitchen. As the focal point, it is important to design your kitchen around the countertop you choose. Color and texture of countertops will not only affect the aesthetic but the usability of your kitchen.

The amount you end up paying for your countertops ultimately depends on the material you choose. For example, granite, marble, wood, or quartz are different options that will impact your budget. Quartz is as strong like granite but is more flexible and easier to install. Wood, concrete, porcelain, and travertine countertop prices tend to be more budget friendly but have a shorter lifespan. Laminate counters are certainly the most affordable option, but often lack quality and visual aesthetics. Ultimately you should choose the material you remodel with that matches the overall aesthetic you are looking for and is a high-quality item within the range of your budget.

Lighting

Your lighting should reflect what functions the room will be used for and increase visual appeal. Direct and indirect lighting changes the feel of the room and brightens it accordingly for quiet conversations, movie nights, or gatherings. Energy efficient light bulbs like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will make a big impact on the lighting and energy savings in your home. CFLs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. They will also last up to 10 times longer and reduce energy costs. LED light bulbs are also more energy efficient and produce more light with the least amount of electricity.

The materials you choose for your home will impact your home’s long-term value and usability. High-quality materials will provide greater savings and a higher return on investment. Increase the lifespan of your home by choosing quality materials to protect it.