Building materials are a major component of property value. They determine whether a construction project will be affordable and how much the final product will cost.
Inflation can significantly impact material prices, as manufacturers increase production costs to cover higher energy expenses. Additionally, stricter environmental regulations can also add to the overall cost of a project.
Durability
Durability is the ability of a material to resist damage and deterioration over time. This is a key element of sustainable construction, as building materials with higher durability reduce the need for repair and reconstruction, which can cause additional upfront costs and waste and environmental impacts. Durable building materials can also extend the lifespan of buildings, reducing embodied energy and environmental impacts over a longer timeframe.
Concrete is a durable material that can be made in a wide range of strength and stiffness. The strength and stiffness of concrete are determined by the aggregates used, mixing process, placement techniques, curing practices, service environment, and design criteria.
Wood is a durable material that can be sourced from a variety of trees and is used to construct doors, windows, cabinets, concert halls, shelves, interior decoration, and wooden sleepers. It requires less water and energy to produce, is slower to burn than steel or concrete, and is a natural carbon sink. However, wood can be prone to dry rot and is easily compromised by termites. It is also a combustible material.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of a building can be one of the most important factors when it comes to its value. However, it is not always easy to define what the concept of aesthetics actually entails. It is not simply a matter of whether something looks beautiful or not, but how it makes people feel. In other words, the definition of aesthetics is subjective and therefore can vary from person to person.
For example, Frank Sibley wrote a series of articles, starting in 1959, defending a view that aesthetic concepts are not condition-governed and require a heightened form of perception, which he called taste or sensitivity. This is a very broad way of thinking about the concept of beauty, but he does succeed in showing that it cannot be reduced to just a matter of immediacy or of being reason-supported.
The network theorist and the Auburnite agree that the aesthetic question deserves an answer sooner or later (Lopes 2018, 46). But they disagree, crucially, about whether it is possible to give a stand-alone answer to the aesthetic question.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key driver of property value for both homeowners and commercial properties. It reduces energy consumption, lowers operating costs, and helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
Moreover, energy efficiency is a cost-effective investment for businesses that can help them achieve savings and increase their bottom lines. In addition, it can improve employee health by reducing indoor air pollution that contributes to respiratory problems. Moreover, it can reduce dependence on imported energy resources, mitigate geopolitical risks, and enhance grid resilience.
Moreover, it can also help communities by increasing energy access to underserved populations and lowering the overall energy burden in those areas. It can also reduce a country’s reliance on fossil fuels, which increases energy security and mitigates climate change impacts. Finally, it can support energy equity by bringing efficient technologies and infrastructure to underserved communities that often face higher electricity prices. In short, it can contribute to a better world and a more prosperous future for everyone.
Low Maintenance
The fact that a material requires little or no maintenance is a huge plus for today’s homebuyers. This is especially true when a material is eco-friendly, preventing environmental hazards while offering a longer lifespan. For example, concrete with a bacteria called Streptomyces that produces limestone to fill and repair cracks can help prolong the life of concrete structures. This can significantly increase property value.
Buyers are also keen on understanding the long-term costs associated with a home. Energy-efficient building materials are one way to drastically reduce monthly utility bills. A low-maintenance exterior, like vinyl siding or metal roofing, is another.
As a result of inflation, the cost of building materials has been rising, pushing housing construction costs up. In addition to a spike in lumber prices, materials like concrete blocks, gypsum, and steel mill products are all near record highs. This price volatility and uncertainty about when supplies will return can have a negative impact on the housing market.
Adaptability
A well-built home is a valuable asset. It will stand up to the elements and last longer than a flimsy structure. Using materials like concrete and quality wood will boost the property value of a home. These materials are long-lasting and able to withstand the winter weather.
Increased expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic and a renewed focus on building demolition to reduce embodied carbon, resource scarcity and to avoid environmental degradation have pushed housing adaptability to the forefront of discussion. However, achieving incremental spatial adaptations is challenging and costly.
Several studies perceive housing adaptability as a user-centric action triggered by users’ attitude to accommodate change. These changes may be driven by specific motives such as addressing building obsolescence and redundancy, increasing functional performance (e.g., by embracing technological improvements), and accommodating family constellations that fluctuate over time (Lee & Park 2010; Holliss 2022). Other changes may be motivated by climatic factors such as increased air pollution or climate change effects, which can impact health and wellbeing (Pelsmakers et al. 2020). A small additional initial investment in adaptability maximises a building’s value throughout its life.