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Building Materials
You've selected that perfect piece of land to build your dream home onto, you've had your custom home idea's drawn into home plans, now you need to consider what you want to build your home with. Just like everything else in life, there are low cost building materials, high cost building materials, and everything in between. It's a good idea to talk with your contractor or home builder on what options are available. The cost of building materials could increase the cost of building your home, so you need to decide on the types of building materials you want to use before you get your final bid from your contractor.
Windows
Choosing the right windows for your home is important for the look of your home, as well as the energy saving features of the windows.
Layers of Glass
Single Pane windows have very little insulating value. They provide only a thin barrier to the outside elements, and the can acount for considerable heat loss in the winter, and heat gain in the summer.
Double Pane windows improve a window's energy efficiency due to the number of glass panes in the window are doubled. These multiple layers of glass increase the window's ability to resist the heat flow both in and out.
Types of Glass
Clear Glass is the most common type of glass used in home construction. In recent years, the market for glazing has increased significantly. There are several different types of special glazing's that are available on the market that can help control heat loss and condensation.
Low Emissivity (Low-e) Glass has a special surface coating that reduces the heat transfer back through the window. These coatings reflect from 40 percent to 70 percent of the heat that is normall transmitted through clear glass, while allowing the full amount of sunlight to pass through.
Heat Absorbing Glass contains special tinst that allow it to absorb as much as 45 percent of the incoming solar energy, which reduces the heat gain. Some of the absorbed heat, however, passes through the window by conduction and re-radiation.
Reflective Glass is a glass that has been coated with a reflective film and is useful in controlling solar heat gain during the summer months. It also reduces the passage of light all year long, and also reduses the solar transmittance.
Concrete, Sidewalks, and Patios
There are a lot of different options available for your concrete, sidewalks, and patios. For the concrete there are many different finishes, and styles that are available. Some of the more popular styles to choose from are stamped concrete, stained or chemically treated concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, and many others. For sidewalks and patios you can use concrete, tiles, landscaping materials, flagstones, bricks, or other stones. It really depends on the look that you would like to achieve.
Decking Materials
There are several different options for decking material. The more money that you set aside for your building your deck, the longer the deck will last, and the better it will look.
Redwood is a popular wood choice for decking. Redwood is a naturally rot-resistant wood. If you apply a clear sealer every two years, your deck will last many years. Redwood can be purchased at most home improvement stores. The reddish hue is not suited to the look of every home, but when it does fit with the look of your home, it does have a beautiful look to it. Redwood is one of the most expensive decking materials, but the look and longevity is well worth the price. Cedar is rot-resistant, and is also strong and durable. If you leave it untreated it will weather and turn gray. It typically costs 20 percent less than redwood, which makes this wood choice a cheaper alternative to redwood.
Cypress is another rot-resistant wood. It is not as strong as redwood, cedar, or pressure treated wood. If you are going to go with Cypress wood for your decking material, it would be a good idea to consider using a pressure treated wood for the frame and cypress for the decking.
Pressure Treated Lumber is the strongest and most readily available lumber. Most pressure treated wood comes with a redish or greenish cast that may or may not weather depending on the type your purchase. Pressure treated lumber is an inexpinsive choice, but it most types may require yearly maintenance to maintain it's good looks.
Synthetic Decking Material comes in a variety of colors and surface textures. Synthetic decking requires very little maintenance. Over the last ten years the synthetic decking types that the manufacturers have come up with have improved dramatically. The pricier it gets, the better and more natural it can look. Ron Mendenhall, owner of RM Construction, is definately one of the most knowledgeable and reputable sources of information in all aspects of home construction. RM Construction is one of the best custom home builders in Eldorado County. RM Construction can be reached by email by clicking on this link, or by phone at (530) 363-2784. Let him know that the El Dorado County Home Builders website sent you.
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