With real estate and homes becoming status symbols yet again in these tough economic times, more homeowners are taking better care of their houses. Renovations and rebuilding are a must to keep the resale value and comfort of a home up. It’s also the only time homeowners can radically alter their home and incorporate unique materials into its makeup.
Plastics
Plastic is incorporated into most modern homes through curtains, furniture, and other fixtures. Polyethylene and PVC plastic pipes are also replacing metal in some homes for their plumbing. A plastic or polyethylene pipe does not rust like a metal pipe, has its strength and lasting power, and resists acidic water.
Several makers of windows and doors are also using plastic frames instead of wooden ones due to their durability. Rubber is also replaced in electrical insulation and fittings by plastic.
Glass
Glass isn’t a radical new addition to a home. Windows, walls, and interior fixtures all use this material. But homeowners may want to know more about how many types of glass can be used for their property and how they can improve it.
Shatterproof glass, for example, can be used for greenhouses, conservatories, skylights, and floors for added safety. Laminated glass is used for bridges and aquariums because they have multiple layers of glass that can withstand high pressure. Children’s rooms can be fitted with extra clean glass for easier cleanup and absence of permanent stains.
Aesthetic effects can be achieved through toughened glass (used for fire-resistant doors), glass blocks, and stained or tinted glass. Insulated glazed units can serve a dual purpose of being aesthetically-pleasing and are good for insulation.
Eco-friendly Material
As humanity produces 1.3 billion tons of garbage a year, it’s important for some homeowners that their renovation project does not majorly contribute to this. Eco-friendly materials are often made from recycled or discarded items and are proven to be as sturdy as their conventional counterparts. These materials are often used and produced under the philosophy of reducing waste and turning garbage into usable tools.
Recycled cork, straw, industrial steel and iron, glass, bamboo, and corrugated metal are all good materials to decorate your walls with. Newspaperwood and bark siding use leftovers and trash to create strong wood finishes.
Ashcrete and porous pavement, made from recycled glass bottles and stone, can form the foundation of your home. Plastic building blocks made from recycled garbage is a neat substitute and is said to produce 95 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than steel. Nappy roofs take tons of disposed of diapers to create neat roofing materials.
Smaller homes can be made entirely of a reused item. Used shipping containers can be welded together to create a shelter that, with a few modifications, can be well-insulated and equipped for all weathers.
When rebuilding or remodeling a house, it’s always wise to have an architect on hand to supervise the design. A homeowner may have an idea of what they want but not the skills necessary to pull the effect off. An architect can help plan what needs to be built and how materials can be used effectively.
Existing software can also help even the least architecturally-savvy person visualize the renovations they want. Planning a renovation or rebuild is the best way to save on costs and create a home that fits the homeowners’ wants, needs, and budget.
