Factors to Consider When Choosing Construction Material
Are you in the process of constructing your own house? If yes, there is a good chance you are feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of building materials available in the market. From choosing between different types of stones and marbles to finding the best quality of steel and wood, selecting construction materials could be a time-consuming process – especially if you have no prior experience in the field.
However, choosing the right construction material is imperative to building a sound and durable structure. Whether you are building your home from scratch or simply renovating it, the quality of the material you select for the project will define its overall endurance, lifespan, and even aesthetics.
Since we have already talked about the most common building materials used in Pakistan and discussed the tips to buy materials at the best price, it’s time we focus on the factors one must consider when selecting construction materials for their project.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Many property owners leave the selection of materials up to the contractors they hire for the job. Although professionals tend to know best, it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on things and ask the right questions to avoid any problems or disappointments in the future.
Without further ado, here are a few things you should keep in mind while deciding on construction materials.
STURDINESS
One of the main factors affecting the selection of building materials is sturdiness or strength.
It is an essential parameter for quality control as it shows the ability of a certain object to withstand high compression, tension, bending, and other forms of stress. Although stronger materials are generally more expensive, be it floor tiles or stone countertops, it is always better to invest in a high-quality product instead of buying a cheaper alternative that might crumble or damage in a few years. Moreover, you can’t compromise on the strength factor when it comes to purchasing steel bars, wood, and other basic construction materials as it would affect the structural integrity of your entire project.
DURABILITY
For most people, houses are their biggest assets – and rightfully so. You ideally want to build a structure that would last for decades to come without sustaining any major damage due to weather or any other external factors. In addition, using or installing less-durable material might result in foundational damage or worse.
It is also important to understand that while cutting a few corners may seem tempting at times, it is never a good idea. To ensure the long life of your building, all materials used in its construction should be durable and maintenance-free.
COST OF MATERIAL
Building a house can be costly, especially today when the price of construction materials has reached a record high. However, for many people, building a home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thus, you shouldn’t settle for items with poor quality just because they cost less.
Though, with that being said, the cost of materials is one of the most important things that affect your selection. If you believe your project is going over the budget you had set, try looking for local manufacturers that sell high-quality products for lower prices compared to the bigger companies.
AVAILABILITY IN THE MARKET
The availability of certain materials in the local market is also something you should take into account when choosing the right construction material. It is not uncommon for local vendors to not have specific items available, which means they will have to transport them from another location. In that case, you may have to pay extra for the transportation fee, which can be heavy on the pocket.
Meanwhile, if you select materials that are available locally, it will not only save time but also ensure a smoother construction process.
CLIMATE
Climate is among the top factors affecting the selection of building materials. The average range of temperature, snow, rainfall, wind, amount of sunlight, and humidity in the region should be carefully considered when choosing construction materials.
In simpler terms, the materials you choose for your project should complement the climate you live in. For example, many industry experts suggest using blended cement while constructing homes in hotter areas and concrete in regions with high humidity.
If you are feeling a little confused, please check out our guides on cement vs concrete vs mortar and different types of cement used in Pakistan.
REQUIRED SKILLS
An important aspect of choosing the right material is understanding the extent of skills required to properly use it. In some cases, you may have to hire skilled labor to work with certain materials, which may indirectly increase the overall cost of construction. Moreover, if you live in a remote or rural area and do not have access to a skilled person, it may delay the work. So, before you make any purchases, please make sure to learn as much about its application and installation to avoid any hassles.
SUSTAINABILITY
Using eco-friendly construction materials is not just a trend but a need of the hour. Industry experts have dubbed sustainability the future of development, as it not only helps protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprint but also saves money.
The term ‘sustainable materials’ is used for items used in construction that are sourced from nature and require minimal processing. For example, bamboo, cork, recycled steel, and terrazzo are considered eco-friendly building materials. Meanwhile, cement increases carbon emissions in the atmosphere, which is why many builders around the world have switched to using fly ash, rice husk ash, and granulated blast furnace slag instead.
VISUAL APPEAL
When selecting construction materials, aesthetics is an important factor to consider. Since everyone has different tastes and what one person may consider attractive may be unappealing to another, the property owner should work alongside the contractor to pick the best materials for their project.
Ideally, the person who is going to live in that home or building should have a say in the type of flooring or countertop material that is used. However, if that’s not possible, it is recommended to choose products that can work with various aesthetics and also fit into your budget. For example, a granite or quartz countertop can go with almost every interior design trend. Similarly, hardwood floors will always be a classic.
WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE
Many homeowners fail to check technical specifications or terms and conditions associated with the warranty of construction materials at the time of purchase. While there is no arguing that reading the fine print for everything can be difficult, especially when you are running short on time or have a lot of items to cross off your to-do list.
However, when deciding on construction material, is it imperative to look at the product literature – which may include anything from the details on the packaging to the booklet provided by the manufacturer – to learn as much about the product as possible. You must know how long the warranty is valid for, what could make it void, and what it includes.
AFTER-SALES SUPPORT
It is always better to buy building materials from companies that offer after-sales support. Usually, manufacturers or sellers who provide services such as repairs or annual maintenance have a system in place to help the customers after they have purchased the item. Though it only lasts for a year or more, it could come in very handy if you end up with a faulty product.
MAINTENANCE
Last but not least, maintenance is also an important criterion for selecting construction materials. Good-quality products may be costly but they are generally easier to maintain, whereas low-quality items degrade at a faster pace and require more upkeep, which makes them more expensive in the long term.
So, when shopping for building materials, consider choosing items that are easier and more economical to maintain, as they will help preserve the look of your structure for a long time while also increasing its lifespan.
To conclude, the construction industry is constantly evolving, with innovative and technologically advanced products hitting the shelves every other day. Since your home is your biggest asset, it is pertinent to invest in materials that are strong, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable, among other factors.