When it comes to building a home, there are a lot of decisions that need to be made. You have to find a good location, choose your builder, and figure out what your budget is, all before the ground is even broken for construction. One of the other essential decisions you’ll need to make is what materials you want to be used in the construction of your home. When making that decision, it helps to understand some of the common materials that are often used when building a home.

Wood

The price of wood and lumber today has gotten a fair amount of attention from the news lately. Aside from the surprising increase in prices , the reason why it’s gotten so much attention is because of how integral wood is in the construction of new homes. People living in or moving to states experiencing an increased demand for housing are starting to feel the pinch in the increased cost of lumber. Wood is used for many things throughout the home, from framework to flooring. The type of wood used will determine both the durability of the construction it’s used for and its appearance, so careful thought will need to be given to what type works best for any given project.

Asphalt

While the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about asphalt construction is likely to be roadways, asphalt has a place in home construction too. Asphalt can be used to pave driveways and as a component in the creation of asphalt shingles, which is a popular choice for roofing. To keep an asphalt driveway looking its best, it helps to have it sealcoated regularly. This helps address any cracks or defects that can develop in the surface of the asphalt over time. Asphalt is used to make about 35 percent of asphalt shingles. It adds an additional degree of durability and decreases the overall water permeability of the shingles. You can expect an asphalt shingle roof to last somewhere around 15–25 years, depending on the quality of the shingles, the weather conditions it’s exposed to, and how well it is maintained.

Steel

Steel is often used in the framework of a house. It’s a highly durable material that offers a lot of strength, especially concerning its size and weight. Stronger and more fracture-resistant than iron, steel is made from a combination of iron, carbon, and other alloys. Stainless steel is especially desirable for home construction since it resists corrosion and oxidation thanks to the addition of chromium. That quality is particularly essential when you consider that a home must be able to stand up to a variety of elements, including water. Of course, if it’s improperly installed or maintained, you could still see some corrosion over time. The longevity of your home and the elements that make it up is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to find a reputable, experienced builder to handle the construction of your home.

Concrete

Along with wood and steel, concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in the construction of a home. Most home foundations are made from concrete, which offers a great deal of structural stability, especially when reinforced by rebar. It also provides decreased water permeability when used in place of cinder blocks for basement walls. Concrete is commonly carried by pumping or conveyor trucks. Pumping trucks offer an easy way to dispense the concrete when obstacles make transporting it to the site via wheelbarrow a less practical option.

Brick

Bricks have been used in home construction for decades. They can be used as an exterior siding option and in interior elements of your home such as the fireplace or interior wall surfacing. Bricks are a popular material for homes thanks to their durability, attractive appearance, and fire-resistant qualities. The quality of the bricks used in your home will make a huge difference in how durable they are and how long they last. Generally speaking, brick is a pretty low maintenance material, though its porous nature means that if you live in a humid climate it could be susceptible to mold growth. That said, brick offers a fair amount of insulation, both in terms of noise and in regards to the energy efficiency of your home.

Glass

Glass is used in virtually every home built. Plainly featured in windows and different options for front doors , glass allows natural light to enter the home, offering multiple benefits to those living within. There are a lot of different styles and options for sizing when it comes to designing the windows in your home. Bear in mind that what works best for your home’s windows may change depending on which direction the wall faces. The sun will hit your home in different ways at different times of the day. Consider when you want to have the sunlight in different rooms of your home as you plan the layout of your home and how you want the windows to be.

Stone

Like wood and brick, stone has been used in home construction for a long time. People have been building homes out of stone for centuries. Today, you don’t see too many homes built entirely out of stone. Still, it’s a popular option for siding, flooring, and even countertops. Because there are so many different varieties of stone and variations in appearance, stone can offer a unique appearance to homes in addition to strength and durability.

There is a lot that goes into the construction of a home, and plenty of materials you would expect to see used in the building process. From the framework to the finishing touches, there are choices to be made at every turn. Because of the difference in qualities with some of the materials, it will be important to consider both form and function as you make your material selections. Be sure to ask your builder and contractors if you have questions. Because they’re the ones working with the materials, they should have insights that may prove helpful as you make your decisions.

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