In this article, we’ll explore the latest in construction supply trends and what they mean for homeowners.
Construction is a booming industry, but some of the most common materials are facing increasing manufacturing costs, pricing changes, and problematic production practices. With more sustainable options on the market alongside new innovations like prefabricated homes and green construction methods, there’s no going back to traditional construction design. Let’s talk about a few of these trends and what they mean for homeowners building or remodeling their homes.
Table of Contents
1. Increasingly popular prefabrication
A prefabricated or modular home is one that’s built in a factory, then shipped to the customer’s site where it’s assembled into place. Manufacturers have used this method since the 1950s and now, more than ever before, it’s becoming popular with contractors and homeowners alike.
Prefabricated houses are less expensive because they don’t need to be built on-site, which also cuts down on labor costs significantly and eliminates the potential for errors made during construction as well as exposure to elements like dust or fumes.
The main downside is that time-to-completion will be significantly longer than a traditional build because of delays in shipping and setup.
2. Expanding the range of home styles
No one piece of a home is ever boring anymore. Today’s homeowners can choose from an almost unbounded range of styles, materials, and finishes—with all the simplicity and beauty that comes with it. The result is a variety of choices available to suit everyone’s personal style, taste and budgetary needs.
3. Carbon neutral construction
The modern “green” building movement has heightened awareness among contractors and clients alike about an array of sustainability issues like energy efficiency, water usage, indoor air quality and more—all of which can have an impact on home construction costs in the long run.
There are a number of ways that companies can take action to reduce the carbon footprint of construction, such as by using green building materials and investing in sustainable manufacturing processes.
4. Save money on energy efficiency upgrades
Energy efficiency upgrades don’t need to be expensive and often have lower upfront costs than replacing an entire heating or cooling system. Plus, they can extend the life of your home’s existing heating and cooling system by years, allowing you to make lower-cost replacements when it’s time. Additionally, they help cut down on utility costs at the same time.
Here are just a few of the most popular upgrades:
– Adding an extra layer of insulation to the attic floor and/or exterior walls.
– Replacing old or inefficient windows with EnergyStar rated or high-quality windows. It’s best to install them on the south side of the house, as they’ll contribute to cutting down on utility bills by keeping out sunlight during the warmer months and helping retain heat in the winter. Windows are often one of a home’s biggest sources of energy loss, so upgrading them is a great place to start when it comes to saving money. Plus, installing replacement windows can increase your home’s overall value if you ever decide to sell it.
– Adding a smart thermostat, which turns your heating or cooling system on and off to keep the house at a consistent temperature. These units can also be controlled remotely, so you can set them while you’re on vacation or out for the evening. It’s important to note that not all thermostats are created equally. Make sure to get one that’s compatible with your HVAC unit so you can get the most accurate temperature readings and energy savings.
– Installing smart or programmable lighting controls that allow you to set lights to turn on and off at certain times throughout the day.
– Installing a solar water heater, which can increase your home’s energy efficiency substantially while also reducing your utility costs. It can even provide enough hot water to run a shower in the middle of the night when you usually need it.
5. Stylish and efficient appliances
Modern appliances are increasingly more stylish than ever before, including energy-efficient offerings from LG and Whirlpool. This means that not only are these products saving you money on heating and cooling bills, but they also look great in any home interior space. As they become more popular, energy-efficient appliances will become more commonplace and replace old or inefficient models when they’re ready to be retired—a win for both the planet and your bank account.
6. Low-maintenance, high-performance building materials
One of the best ways to save money on home construction supply or remodeling is to choose high-quality materials that are also low-maintenance. From siding and roofing to windows and flooring, it’s important to invest in products that will stand the test of time while saving you money in the long run.
In summary
While there are many factors that affect the cost of home construction supply, there’s a lot you can do to save money on your next building or remodeling project. And while you may not be able to eliminate all costs associated with your project, if you plan ahead and take the time to do your research, it’s possible to get the best value for your money.