Alternative Building Materials
Construction is becoming more expensive, not just due to rising real estate prices but also due to increasing building material expenses. There is a need to adapt to alternative building materials to lower the costs. Below are examples of locally available materials to build a low-cost house.
- Shipping containers
These are strong structures that can be built quickly. Companies have begun to use them in the construction of new dwellings. They can also be combined and made to any size you like. It is not required to purchase a new container; instead, you may choose a slightly used but acceptable one.
Moving them to your site may be pricey, but once all charges are accounted for, they are still less expensive and more suitable for a low-cost home.The sole disadvantage is that they are prone to dents and rust due to the nature of their use.
- Bricks
This material is not only inexpensive and long-lasting, but it is also widely available, albeit labor-intensive and necessitating more hands-on-deck during installation. Exposed brick walls can be used to create a unique interior design while saving money on painting and plastering.
Bricks are not suitable for earthquake-prone areas, but they are fireproof. They are more expensive than vinyl sidings and the like, but they last longer. Keep in mind, though, that bricks are hefty and might cause foundation damage if not installed correctly.
- Stone cladding
A thin coating of actual or simulated stones applied to a building or other structure composed of a material other than stone can be used to construct an entire building or a piece of one. Stones are breathtaking.
Stone cladding is recommended for a low-cost home. While cladding, stone veneers, which are thin layers of decorative stones, are applied to the home’s exterior. They come in a range of thicknesses and can replicate different types of finishing.
Stone cladding can be utilized to achieve a rustic or modern appearance.
- Recycled timber
Using salvaged or reused wood for home construction is also a low-cost option. As you are aware, old goods are no longer considered waste.
When changed, they have shown to be extremely valuable. Tree trimmings can also be used to provide a low-cost alternative material for building dwellings.
Timber is both environmentally sustainable and fashionable for a new home. It is usually more resilient and less likely to split when dried. However, wood can come in various shapes and sizes, making construction more difficult. It may also be challenging to locate.
- Interlocking blocks
Interlocking blocks is another alternative building material that can reduce the cost of construction by 30 to 37%, increasing the affordability of building a home.
They are created by combining crushed stone powder, cement, and sand. Because the self-locking pattern of the bricks allows seismic pressures to propagate over the entire structure equally, they are an excellent and proven earthquake-resistant construction material.
- Bamboo
Bamboo huts, which were once thought to be impoverished men’s homes, are now recognized internationally. Bamboo is a flexible, sturdy material ideal for building low-cost housing.
You must, however, choose your bamboo carefully. You must also be sure that your atmosphere is suited for bamboo, as it is not suitable for dry or humid regions.
Additionally, hire an experienced constructor to ensure correct building. If there is insufficient humidity in the air, bamboo may fracture or shrink.
- Prefabricated panels
Prefabricated panels are one of the most cost-effective building components. They come in beautiful designs and have become popular in recent years.
These panels make home construction simpler and faster. They can be constructed off-site and assembled on-site, allowing you to save money on garbage removal on-site.
When employing prefabricated panels, there are no delays. Furthermore, residences are typically incorporated into the owner’s preferred style. When finished, it does not appear artificial in any manner.
- Plastic or earth
Plastic is recycled daily; therefore, it is readily available and inexpensive. Although most people use plastic for roofing, windows, and plumbing fixtures, inventive architects have devised new materials for home construction.
Using natural earthen walls to construct the limits of a home saves labor and energy. Another method is to create a mixture of sand, clay, and dirt known as pisé.
Learn how you can reduce costs of construction from our previous blog Cheapest Ways To Build A House