Whether the time has come for a home remodel or you are looking to purchase a new home, attention to the building materials of the home is incredibly important, as the proper use of innovative materials will lower your energy bills and can increase the value of the property. Below, we’re outlined our top materials to look for in your purchasing or remodeling decisions.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF)
While many homeowners are comfortable with the Wooden Framed Building, ICF (insulated concrete forms) are premade concrete blocks that are connected with a plastic framework. ICF construction will save you money in the long run, as the material insulates them and blocks unwanted air, which means that you will save on both extra insulation costs and heating and cooling. ICF buildings will save an estimated 44% on energy, and the bigger the home is, the more money you will save.
Focus on Windows
Windows are the often overlooked but ever important component of saving money on energy bills. All aspects of windows, from type to installation to insulation, are incredibly important, as single pane windows or small gaps in the frame can let air in and out, increasing your energy bill greatly. Especially if you live in an area that gets rain or snow, weatherproofing windows and doors will save an incredible amount of money in the long run. Upgraded weatherproof windows will also increase your home’s value exponentially the closer you live to the coast.
Insulation
Spray foam insulation works to seal floors, walls, and ceilings of any shape and is incredibly effective in mitigating air leakage. It optimizes the efficiency of the energy that you are paying for by sealing the house so no heat can flow from inside and out. Studies have found that spray foam insulation can save up to 40% on an energy bill.
Color
The color of your house also absolutely affects your energy bills. We know that we shouldn’t wear dark colors on a hot day in the sun, and the same can be said for choosing a paint color! The roof gets the most exposure to the sun, so if your roof is a dark black or brown, it will absorb more energy from the sun and lead to an increase in your cooling costs. Lighter colored roofs have the opposite effect, so this is an important consideration in choosing a color in regards to the climate of the area of the home and how drastic the changes of season are. Once a roof color is chosen, polyiso insulation is another great investment, as it will complement the color driven effect of the roof color you’ve chosen.
Countertops and Sinks : Kitchen and Bathroom
The kitchen and bathroom spaces are incredibly important in a home’s value. The kitchen is the heart of the home and thus kitchen remodels are often considered to be very strong investments. Countertops are essentially the stage of the kitchen, so investing in a great material for them is a strong choice. Popular choices are marble, quartz, copper, or stainless steel. Earthy, natural stone counters are on trend right now, as is quartz because it’s a resistant material that doesn’t stain easily and doesn’t require too much maintenance.
With the proper choices, your home energy bill can be lowered while your property value simultaneously increased. With mind to ICFs, windows, insulation, color, and countertops, you will be well on your way to saving money and recouping your initial investments when it does come time to sell.
Matt Lee is the owner of the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
