When constructing a home, it is essential to prioritize durability. A durable home will ensure ongoing aesthetics, reduce lifetime maintenance costs, promote sustainability, and, ultimately, boost long-term resale value. There are many modern materials that can give homeowners a leg up when creating durable homes. Keep reading for some pro tips on how to build a house that stands the test of time.
Plan for Extreme Weather
The incidence of extreme weather events is getting more frequent in the era of climate change. From gale-force winds to uncontrolled flooding and everything in between, all parts of the country are getting rocked by Mother Nature like never before.
With this in mind, it is crucial to build a home that is well-equipped to take extreme conditions in stride. The roof is a great place to start. By choosing impact and fire resistant roofing, homeowners not only provide themselves with a vital first line of defense against the elements, but they give themselves a better chance of receiving more favorable homeowners insurance premiums.
Prioritize Sustainability
Trends come and trends go in the world of real estate. It can be difficult to project which trends are the latest fad and which have legitimate staying power. Getting it right can have a significant impact on ongoing property value. In fact, “future-proofing” is a developing discipline in the market, as architects and designers look for ways to protect their properties against volatility in consumer sensibilities.
With that said, one trend that is going absolutely nowhere is the movement toward sustainable structures. As government regulations tighten and society becomes more conscientious, there is simply never going to be a time when less sustainable homes become the norm.
There are multiple ways to build with sustainability in mind. Choosing durable, low maintenance materials is a great place to start. This will limit the resources required for upkeep and repair. Energy efficiency features should also be built into the house. While solar panels and other types of PV technology for renewable energy generation are the sexy solution, there are plenty of other ways to promote energy efficiency. High r-value insulation in the walls and ceilings, thermally advanced low-E windows, and smart home features that optimize appliance usage are some of the best ways for creating a comfortable home that consumes as little energy as possible.
Choose Composite Siding
Many types of siding require significant maintenance to ensure ongoing performance and aesthetics. For example, wood planks must be painted periodically–typically every five years or so–to prevent damage from moisture and UV exposure.
Therefore, homeowners that crave the rustic appeal that wood provides would do well to choose innovative fiber cement siding. Manufactured from a combination of sand, silica, cellulose fibers, and Portland cement, it offers premier resistance to fire, impact, pests, and moisture. It can be manufactured in a wide range of styles (including wood-look) to complement any exterior theme. Rated to last 50 or more years, fiber cement siding will likely outlast the life of the house with little homeowner intervention required.
Ensure Adequate Moisture Control
Water is a building block of life.
Unfortunately, it is not often a friend to the structural integrity of a home.
From foundational erosion to mold buildup in the framing, uncontrolled moisture can lead to a variety of problems for the home.
Therefore, take proactive measures to guarantee that moisture never becomes a problem. Some ideas include:
- Apply self-adhering drainage mats to the foundational walls
- Add slot drains to sidewalks and driveways
- Install drip edge flashing to the roof substrate
- Use aluminum gutters for ongoing runoff control
Other moisture control tips include using acrylic caulk around window and door frames, adding a vapor barrier to the framing, and upgrading to a permeable gravel driveway.
Plan for Aging in Place
One of the keys to building a long-lasting home is to ensure that it accommodates you as you age. As your living needs evolve over time, the home should not require a massive overhaul to provide functionality. Carefully cultivated exterior space is a great place to start, as it offers a change of scenery and dose of fresh air to enhance both physical and mental wellness. It is also worthwhile to explore handrail design ideas. The right handrail systems, such as sleek glass or low-profile cable, can protect everyone from curious toddlers to disabled grandparents, giving occupants safe access to the home through all seasons of life.
Build Today and Secure the Future With Strategic Material Selection
Durability is a top priority in new construction homes, helping them stand the test of time for ongoing value. From preempting extreme weather events to accommodating aging in place, consider any of the ideas listed above for the most long-lasting home possible. For more of the latest trends in home construction and renovation in the Cincinnati area, explore the resources at Burnett Builders for ideas and inspiration!
Author Bio:
Roger Marx is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on the latest trending building and design products. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he enjoys spending time with his wife and working on backyard projects in his spare time. Roger’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
