According to the American Community Survey, of all the houses in America in 2015, 56% were built before the 1980s. If you’re planning to build a home, you’d want to know what made these houses so durable. We can’t answer that yet, but we have some construction tips to make your new home last for years.
Consider the Site
You often hear real estate agents talk a lot about location, location, location. As it turns out, homebuilders have the same mantra, too. The place where a property will be built is one of the most important considerations among construction pros. As the property owner, of course, you have to make a big deal out of it as well.
Is the land stable enough to support a residential structure? If there have been landslides and soil slips in the area before, the chances are that it’s not. How close is the site to drainages and bodies of water? Generally, you’d want to avoid locations that are near the rivers and streams because of the possibility of flooding. Sites at the foot of a hill are also a no-no as they’re prone to stormwater runoff.
Choose the Right Building Materials
The homes you see on magazine covers may look beautiful, envy-worthy even, but don’t let your eyes fool you. The durability of a house lies in what you can’t see in design plans and real estate brochures—the building materials.
To construct a home that stands the test of time, don’t let materials become an afterthought.
If you think about the most durable ones in the market today, stone, brick, and concrete are on top of the list.
When used for walls, these give homes superb protection against heavy rain and other environmental threats.
For roofing, steel is now gaining popularity in the residential construction scene primarily because of its durability and ease of installation. If you indeed opt for this material, make sure to observe proper maintenance. It can last for generations if properly cared for. Another plus side is that it’s relatively easy to fix. Depending on the damage, you can either do it yourself or call the pros for metal roof repair.
Design With Climate Change in Mind
The times are changing, and so is the climate. Unless you live in a cave, you know that mother nature’s blows are getting worse and worse over time. When there isn’t a wildfire or a heatwave, there are floods, storms, and other catastrophic events to watch out for. All of these pose direct threats to your safety and your property’s longevity.
So, what can you do about it? Think ahead. If you’re just about to build a home, take note that the right design can give your place a fighting chance. Future proof your home for climate change by working with contractors and designers that go beyond the building code in your area.
Keep in mind that built to code often means built to minimum code. While construction codes are updated continuously by states and provinces throughout the country, they only follow the lowest legal requirements.
There’s a good chance that extreme weather conditions aren’t taken into account. If you’re after a resilient home, you’d want to go beyond the bare minimum.
Conclusion:
Homebuilding involves a lot of time and money. As a smart property owner, you naturally desire to make your investment last. Make that happen by factoring in the location, building materials, and climate change before the construction begins.
