Constructing, renovating, or improving a residential property is never an affordable task, not just because of rising real state prices or construction costs, but also because of the price of building materials. When it comes to building a residential property, people often have a fixed idea of what materials should be used—bricks, concrete, wood, and other more traditional materials and products. But with a lot of creativity and resourcefulness, it’s surprisingly easy to find more affordable alternatives to help lower construction costs. Here is a selection of some of the most affordable home-building materials that look like the real thing.
Prefabricated panels
One of the most affordable and fastest ways to construct a home is to utilize panels that have been prefabricated, or which are units that were built and produced in a factory. These panels often come as part of a larger system that allows homeowners to build their houses for lesser prices. Prefabricated panels provide more flexibility not just in building but also regarding materials, and they can save a lot of time and labor costs. Using these panels removes material cost overruns and delays due to supply shortage or bad weather. Another advantage is that houses that were constructed with prefabricated panels have a tighter fit among sections because everything was complete indoors in advance. Lastly, these panels can be incorporated into any design or style.
Fresh concrete
Home-builders who are looking to construct a cheap but sturdy home can look into raw concrete, which is known for being waterproof and fireproof, in addition to being a healthier building choice. Concrete does not contain any organic materials, which means it’s not a breeding ground for mildew or mold. It’s sturdy enough to withstand natural disasters like flooding, heavy winds, and earthquakes. Among the more affordable building materials, it’s also the most energy-efficient and quiet as well as low-maintenance since it only needs to be painted over or even used in its natural state.
Laminate flooring
Invented by a Swedish company in the ’70s, laminate floors are a highly popular choice for homeowners because not only does it look like hardwood planks and stone or ceramic tiles; it can also offer enhanced durability, it’s easier to maintain, and it’s more affordable compared to other kinds of hard surface flooring. Laminate flooring is resistant to sunlight fading, wear, and stains, and have rich textured finishes that can look good on any kind of interior design and decor.
Shipping containers
The tiny house movement is perfect for homeowners who are on a budget but still want to create a space that’s tiny but mighty: It’s energy-efficient and can provide a place for people to isolate themselves in a time of a pandemic. Shipping containers are an affordable way to build this tiny home, but using these containers as building materials doesn’t mean it only works for tiny houses. When these units are combined, they can construct a larger structure for a more spacious home. Shipping containers are also some of the most eco-friendly ways to build a structure, but homeowners often choose “one-trip” containers that are in much better condition. With the right research and planning, shipping container homes can be the most cost-effective way to build your dream home.
Bamboo
Used by Asian countries for centuries, bamboo is one of the most affordable building materials as well as one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly. It’s also renewable and incredibly sturdy. However, homeowners need to consider that there are areas that are more conducive to using bamboo as a material, and you need to work with contractors that know how to build using this material since traditional joinery techniques cannot be done. At the same time, bamboo houses may not be the most suitable for dryer climates because they tend to crack or shrink with less humidity in the air.
Industrial iron and steel
With the rise of industrial design also came the popularity of cheap building materials like steel and iron. Steel framing has plenty of advantages in terms of residential construction: It’s sturdier, cost-efficient, and doesn’t warp, rot, crack, split, or creep. It’s 100 percent recyclable and lasts a long time. Steel is also an excellent choice for roofing because of its nature and ability to last longer.
The Bottom Line
As technology and creativity continue to develop across the world, more types of materials will be discovered and eventually incorporated into building materials. Hopefully one day, all types of residential construction will not only be beneficial to our wallets but to the health of our planet as well.
