More expensive isn’t always better, and new construction companies have many forward thinking ideas about how to use materials to create a cheaper housing project. You can save a fortune on transport, installation and the materials themselves. There are also lots of new ideas in the construction market around upcycled and recycled materials.
It is important that you realise that new construction companies, although they may have fewer decades of experience, might be more tech savvy and advanced than older companies. Make sure that you understand the company that you are having build your home, or extend your home, and look out for energy efficiency which can save you a fortune in the long run. Let’s take a look at some materials that can reduce the cost of homebuilding.
Also, consider a self build warranty when building a new home that offers long-term financial protection against the cost of repairing structural failures.
Corrugated metal sheets
Corrugated metal sheets are very reasonably priced, appropriate for all weather, and fitting to the industrial architectural style. These won’t be great for every building project, but they’re a very cheap material that may well fit an outbuilding, workshop or into the design style of your property.
Shipping containers
There has been a big movement towards using shipping containers for home offices in the garden, garden houses and commercial spaces. Reusing shipping containers is a great way to help the environment, and say some money at the same time. You want to make sure that you don’t get a container with lots of chemical damage, dental rust, but you can have containers clad with high-quality wood and finished interior to an extremely high standard. Shipping containers are certainly a movement that is taking off.
Sheets of concrete
When structures need to go up fast concrete sheets can be a fantastic option. They are cheap, easy to work, and again fits the industrial styling genre. You can cover the sheets or leave them bare and can be excellent for extensions.
Prefab panels
North America and many other places around the world now rely on prefabricated panels. Homes made from prefab can be extremely energy-efficient and can look stunning. This is one of the most widespread trends in the housing market of recent years.
Wood that has been recycled
Materials from all buildings that have become redundant are ending up on the scrap pile, or decaying as they left untreated. There is a movement to reclaim this wood and using it for incredible extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and even garden furnitures. Recycled wood is relatively cheap and can make a real feature.
Plastic eco-bricks
Third World countries are starting to use eco-bricks. This is essentially a plastic bottle filled with non biological waste. Eco-bricks are being used for landscaping, modular furniture and even to create walls. Eco-bricks are cheap and are being used by some creative designers and architects in the construction of eco-friendly homes and in the development of sustainable housing communities.
There are lots of materials that you may not have thought about when choosing your new home builders, but is important you do as they can help you reduce cost. These cheap materials may not work for your project, but it’s important to understand that there are different options out there when building a home. Bear in mind that non-brick construction in some countries will cause problems when you look for finance, but this doesn’t tend to be the case in countries that are pushing the green agenda, and are used to using prefabrication and other modern housing techniques.