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In this article, we will present you some details on how you can calculate construction materials. You will like all the information we have gathered.

The construction materials of a house are calculated based on the dimensions of each element of the construction, such as:

1. The structures of the house.
2. Walls or columns.
3. covers.
4. Sanitary and electrical installations,
5. Coatings and plastering.
6. The specifications of the
7. architect
8. Engineers who have worked on the project are essential to determine the type of material, its resistance, dimensions and components, and even
9. How many bricks in m².

Calculation of construction materials for the reinforced concrete structure

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The structures of the house are made up of a series of elements, which in this case we will describe, as an example of its calculation: reinforced concrete, columns, solid slab, joists, vaults and others. 

These parts of the reinforced concrete structure are made up of materials such as concrete from which its resistance will be obtained, given by the engineer. For example, a resistance of 200 kg per square cm, this determines the type and quality of cement, sand and stone that the concrete mix contains; likewise, for each element of the structure there will be information on the type of steel rod, its diameter and quantities. 

These reinforced concrete structures and their design are found in the structural plans of each one of the projects and their calculations and specifications in the calculation sheets attached to the project. 

Vault slabs specify the vault blocks and the amount and type of welded mesh needed to cover the slab.

Calculation of materials for the iron structure

The same thing that we explained to you in advance occurs in iron or wood structures. All constructions with these materials as raw materials will have their calculations and specifications.

In short, it all depends on the material chosen for the construction of the house in question.

Calculation of materials for wooden structure

To calculate the materials in wooden structures, it is important to specify the type of wood and its characteristics, as well as the dimensions of each part.

1. For floors and ceilings, lumber is counted according to the areas to be covered and then cubed according to lumber thickness specifications.
2. In roofing, wood is commonly used in the covering of structures, also made of wood, which are covered with tiles after waterproofing.
3. In floors, a wooden structure must be made that is installed, on a concrete floor base, to which this structure is fixed and on it the wooden planks of the floor are fixed. Everything has to be accounted for separately, with your specifications to give the final amounts of the apartment.

Calculation of materials for the walls

In the walls, it must be defined if the wall is going to be built with concrete blocks, exposed pottery bricks or worked stone. Depending on the type of construction material, this has the specification of the dimensions of the material and the type of mixture to join them in the construction of the wall.

In these cases, to calculate the construction material, the design or the way to lock these elements must be specified in order to define the quantities per square meter that is needed for each one. Also, if the material is going to be visible or not, this detail modifies the quality of the material, since it will not be able to have imperfections, which would later be hidden with the jarres that cover them.

It is very important to calculate well the construction materials.

Calculating how many clay bricks are needed to build a wall

Depending on the dimensions of the elements for a wall, whether it is pottery or cement brick, this determines the quantity per square meter of the material, taking into account the width of the wall, if the rows are double or single

Pottery bricks have different designs:

the hollow brick

It does not support loads but the weight of the same material, the holes in its design make it lighter. 

solid brick

It resists loads, with a great finish that can be used on walls with the apparent material, the dimensions of each one are exact.

the perforated brick

It has about 10% perforations in its shape, this allows the cement to penetrate when a wall or wall is being built and gives it greater resistance.

You must calculate the mortar or mixture with which the bricks are going to be glued, and calculate the amounts of cement, sand and lime that you will have, depending on the design you choose.

Calculation of the enjarres

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The materials for plastering are calculated depending on the type of plastering, and these are charged per square meter. In general, the jars are made with cement, sand, lime and sometimes plaster is added.

Prices for this type of finish range from $80 MX per square meter to $400 MX per square meter. It depends on the type and the quantities that are contracted. Do you need help with your project?
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Calculation of floor finishes

From the polished concrete on the floors to the marble. It is counted according to the square meters needed to cover the floor areas.

The type and amounts of mix are also included in the calculation, in cases where it is needed to glue the pieces together. In the case of the cement floor, the thickness and strength should be decided, in order to cube the amount of cement. In this way, you can quantify the materials that the floor has.

It is important not to forget about the dosage of concrete.

Calculate the cost and purchase of roof coverings

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On roofs, the type of waterproofing that will be used. Its duration is first determined. Either 5 years or 10 years, and its cost will depend on this. 

Calculation of roof waterproofing:

1. Waterproofing is done on a concrete or wooden roof. Always before placing any other coating and after having defined the slopes of the roof.
2. In the case of a flat concrete slab, this is calculated per square meter of roof. 
3. In tiled roofs, these already have an established slope, depending on the type of tile.
4. The quantities of tiles are also calculated per square meter. It depends on the dimensions and type of the material. Its design and installation specifications. Since they must have an overlap in their assembly.
5. Roof dimensions include eaves, ridge, and any design elements that need to be covered by shingles.

How to calculate the cost of electrical installations

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Electrical installations

1. They have as components: the pipes that channel through the walls and ceiling. The electrical conductors that are cables of different dimensions or calibre. And also, the number of outlets, and the rooms where it is located. In addition, equipment that it feeds. 
2. The calculations of the electrical installations are carried out by the electrical engineer for its design.
3. As essential accessories of electrical installation materials, there are switches, sockets and lamp holders, as well as a system of safety devices and electricity control. These are counted: some by linear meters, the canalization and the conductors; the rest per unit, specifying type, caliber, quality, brand and model as the case may be.

Now let’s talk about the sanitary facilities

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Sanitation

1. Sanitary facility, include the introduction or supply of white water that reaches the house. And the black or residual water, that is discharged into the city’s sewage system.
2. All this type of installation is handled with iron, copper and concrete pipes depending on the use, with the appropriate diameters, calculated by the professional responsible for this design. 
3. Grease traps, sump grates, visitation boxes, their designs and dimensions are also calculated. 
4. The heaters and sanitary pieces, plus their accessories, are computed according to the specifications of the models and brands chosen.

Other costs to calculate in a construction:

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It is worth mentioning that, at the beginning of the construction. The cleaning of the land, the excavation for the foundations of the structure. And the disposal of the excavation material calculated per cubic meter also enters. 

In some cases, a filling material is needed to consolidate the ground. In this case, it is specified what type of material is appropriate. And the quantity according to the design of the base to be built.

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With this information and the total dimensions of each of the parts that make up the building, you can calculate the materials that must be purchased for construction. The purchase of these materials can be staggered. Following the construction program that the responsible professional can supply to the owner. And also, depending on the type of contract, that the latter makes with the person or company that will do the construction.

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Price guide for the construction of a house

January 10, 2023The construction of a new house always brings many doubts and one of the main ones is related to the price. If you have considered building your own home, one of the first things you are probably going to ask yourself is: 

How much does it cost to build a house?It is not an easy question to answer, but from Cronoshare we are going to give you some examples to know what the price of a new construction or extension of an existing house is.Calculate your budget to build your ideal home

Indicate the square meters of the house and press the button ‘Calculate my budget’

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Your budget is:

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VAT included. Approximate budget.

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Index

• What does it cost to build a house?
  • Budget of material execution
    • What is the cost per square meter to build a house?
  • Expenses and benefits of the builder
    • How much does it cost to build the structure of a house?
  • Technical fees
    • Terrain studies
    • Basic and execution project
    • Construction management
  • Municipal licence
    • Planning licence fee
    • Tax on buildings, installations and works
  • Deed for new work
  • First occupation licence fee
  • Certificate of occupancy
  • Registration of supplies
  • Financial expenses
  • End-of-work cleaning, house furnishing and decoration
• Example of price to build a house or single-family home
• Prices in the construction of houses
  • Manufactured Home Construction
  • Modern architecture house construction
  • Construction of rustic houses
  • Construction of ecological houses
• House construction prices based on m2
• Steps when planning the construction of a house
  • Construction feasibility
  • Project
  • Budget
  • Construction Tracking
  • Permissions and licences
    • How much do licences and permits cost to build a house?
  • Search for professionals and companies
• How much do we save by being self-promoters compared to a real estate developer?

What does it cost to build a house?

In this guide, you will find an example of a budget for a construction and execution project. The budget for the construction of a house can be very variable, but here you can get an idea for when the time comes to talk to an architect.As a general rule, when talking about the 

price to build a house , experts refer to prices per square meter built, with taxes and licenses already added to the final budget.

The final budget is divided into the following expense items, necessary for carrying out the work. We are also going to show you the 

steps to build a house .

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Budget of material execution

The Material Execution Budget (PEM) includes all the costs of executing each of the expense items that appear in the project measurements.This budget is 

highly variable and depends on factors such as the surface of the house, the surface of public and private urbanization, the quality of materials and finishes, the complexity of the construction, the characteristics of the land and the construction company itself.

What is the cost per square meter to build a house?

The approximate value of the Material Execution Budget for a single-family home usually ranges between 

€750/m2 and €900/m2 of housing built. However, it is possible to find prices from €600/m2 and up to €1,200/m2. For example, when you want higher qualities or build on terrain that is complicated from a topographical point of view, the price is usually increased. Take advantage and ask for a budget without obligation to build your house.

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Expenses and benefits of the builder

It is usual to hire a construction company, since this type of company is in charge of the construction of the house.They start from the study of the plans and measurements of the project and, from there, they prepare the contract budget, which is usually 19% higher than the Material Execution Budget. The reason: includes overhead (13%) and builder’s profit (6%).In any case, a builder can take care of: foundations and structure, rooms and wall and floor coverings, lacquered doors, custom frames and cabinets, roof, chimney (optional), facade and insulation, general plumbing installation, general electrical installation, aluminum windows with RPT, power outlets in rooms, antennas and telephone, etc.

Taxes on the self-promotion of homes: The VAT applied to new self-promotion works is 10%.

How much does it cost to build the structure of a house?

One of the aspects that determines the quality of any construction is its structure. In this sense, it is not convenient to spare efforts, much less resources, when we talk about the construction of the structure of a house.Today the types of materials most used for this type of issue are:

• Concrete: It is a very resistant and effective material. It also resists fire quite well, a great advantage for the structure of a house, since it can be a way to reduce the risk of fire.
• Wood: Wooden structures also have many advantages. This material favors thermal insulation. On the other hand, they are often left uncoated, since they are aesthetically attractive.
• Steel: Structures built with this material are usually cheaper and are installed relatively quickly.

Depending on the material chosen, we have prepared a table with different prices per square meter. It should be borne in mind that these are indicative figures and that they may vary depending on each case.

PRICES OF STRUCTURES PER M2

structure type	Price
Concrete	€125/m2 – €140/m2
Wood	€185/m2 – €200/m2
Steel	€90/m2 – €100/m2

There is also the possibility of choosing a mixed structure that combines various materials (usually steel and concrete).In any case, it must be taken into account that the structure of a house includes both the foundation, the framework of beams, the pillars, the slabs, etc. As is logical, if we take all these aspects into account, the final budget will be higher.The construction of the 

structure of a house , also counting the price of the foundation, can cost 

between 300 and 400 €/m2 .

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technical fees

Technical expenses are usually classified into three types:

terrain studies

• Topographic study: Draw the exact geometry of the plot where the house is built. The price of a topographic study is between €250 and €400 depending on the situation and surface of the land.
• Geotechnical study: It gives us the characteristics of the terrain and serves to design an adequate foundation. Its price usually ranges between €650 and €800.

Basic and execution project

The architect’s fees for the drafting of the basic and execution project vary depending on two factors: the complexity and the surface of the house. Normally the fees are around 4% or 6% of the Material Execution Budget. Therefore, we can say that the fees of an architect for a single-family home amount to a figure between 4% and 6% of the PEM, although sometimes percentages higher than 15% can be established. However, this is only an estimate, and it should be specified that there are currently no scales that establish or can offer indicative prices for this type of service. Law 

25/2009, of December 22, in its article 5, pronounces on the prohibition of recommendations on fees, among other aspects. This means that, it is very difficult to establish the cost of an architect’s fees, and that it can vary greatly from one case to another.

Construction management

It consists of three trained professionals:

• Project manager (architect)
• Execution director (rigger or technical architect)
• Health and safety coordinator (competent technician)

The architect and surveyor fees for construction management depend on the complexity and surface area of ​​the home, and are usually around 

2% or 3% of the Material Execution Budget each. The VAT applied to technical fees is 21%.

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municipal license

In general we find two types of fees that vary depending on each municipality.

Planning license fee

The purpose of this rate is to control the adequacy of the project to what is established in the municipal regulations. It can be around 

1% or 2% of the Material Execution Budget.

Tax on buildings, installations and works

It is necessary to obtain permission to start the work. Around 

4% of the PEM .In addition, to obtain the building permit it is usually necessary to deposit a deposit in relation to the management of construction and demolition waste.

Deed for new work

At the end of the work, the deeds must be notarized and must be registered in the Land Registry.The fees of the notary and registrar are stipulated through tariffs set by law. The sum of both is around 0.5% of the value of the property.

First occupation license fee

The town halls verify that the works have been carried out in accordance with the project that was presented in the license application. If the final cost has varied, there may be an upward or downward readjustment of this tax.

Certificate of occupancy

It is used for the Autonomous Community to verify compliance with the habitability conditions of the home.

Registration of supplies

The most common is to have about 200 euros for each supply: water, electricity, gas and telecommunications.

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Financial expense

If bank financing is needed, you have to add the appraisal expenses (between €300 and €400), the notary and registration expenses (around 0.5% of the mortgage liability), the Tax on Documented Legal Acts (around 1% or 1.5% of the mortgage liability), the opening commission (around 0% or 1% of the loan amount) and bank interest that depends on the mortgage underwriting conditions.

End-of-work cleaning, house furnishing and decoration

Now that we have our new house we will have to clean it after the work. The same occurs with furniture and decoration, which can represent an average of 10% of the initial budget for the execution of the work.

Example of price to build a house or single-family home

• Type of housing: Single-family with 2 floors.
• Surface: 120 m2.

PRICE TO BUILD A HOUSE OF 120 M2 In Euro €

Concept	Price
Material execution budget (€800/m2)	€96,000
Contract budget (952 €/m2)	€114,240
Subtotal	€210,240
Subtotal with VAT (10%)	€231,264
terrain studies	€1,100
Basic and execution project, architect fees	€4,800
Construction management	€1,920
Technical architect fees	€1,920
Subtotal	€9,740
Subtotal with VAT (21%)	€11,785
Planning license fee	€1,440
Tax on buildings, installations and works	€3,840
Registration of supplies	€500
TOTAL	€225,760
TOTAL WITH VAT	€248,598

Now you can 

Request estimates from construction companies to find out what it would cost you to build the house you have dreamed of. Don’t wait for more! Keep in mind that to all these costs you still have to add the price of the plot, the Property Transfer Tax, the financial expenses of the mortgage, notaries, commercial registry and the furniture of the new house. In summary, we should add at least another 20% or 30% of the cost that we have seen in the table above. Continuing with the previous example, and to answer the question “How much does it cost to build a house?”, we can conclude that, as a guideline figure, in the case of a 120 m2 single-family home, the price for its construction would be around €178,700.

If the house has land, you may also want to build a pool. In this article, we discuss in depth how to build a pool and how much it costs. And, in relation to those owners who want to 

raise or build a new plant in their house , it should be noted that this article can also serve as a reference. In fact, many of the steps required for new construction coincide with the steps for building on an existing plant.

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Prices in the construction of houses

When building a house, we can choose a 

multitude of designs and types of architecture .The latest fashions in house construction show a series of clear trends that we detail below, along with an 

average price according to the type of architecture of the house.

Manufactured Home Construction

Prefabricated houses are an interesting option when you want to build a house and the process does not take long. The main advantage of this type of construction is that, sometimes, its price is reduced by up to 30% compared to new construction houses (not prefabricated). Prefabricated houses are made of materials as diverse as concrete, steel or wood.

Gauteng and the Western Cape this in second and third, with average costs of R13,330 and R13,150 per m2 – costing R1.
…
How much it costs to build a house in South Africa – Johannesburg vs Cape Town vs Durban.

Province	Gauteng
Average cost per m2	R13 330
Standard 146 sqm house	R1 945 000
90 sqm house	R1 200 000

This price can be achieved because they are houses that are assembled in factories. In this way, it is possible to save the entire structure, but the foundation is still necessary. And for its construction the same permits and legal requirements are needed. If you are looking for a budget for the construction of a prefabricated house, at Last Builders, we put you in contact with up to 4 construction companies in your area. Wooden houses tend to have lower prices than prefabricated concrete houses. In any case, the companies in charge of its construction usually offer turnkey projects.

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Modern architecture house construction

When it is decided to build the house outside the city or the urban core, there are usually fewer restrictions on the design. In these cases, you can opt for more modern styles on the facade and exteriors. The main characteristics of this type of housing are the use of spaces, the latest fashion furniture, large windows, innovative access systems, micro-cement, concrete, and neutral colours. On the other hand, it is possible to find competitive prices for houses with modern architecture, depending on the province or place of construction. As a guide, prices start 

from €112,000 (VAT included) for about 85 square meters for a house with modern architecture.

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Construction of rustic houses

In this type of housing, defined, more classic and “lifelong” styles prevail. They are houses that withstand the passage of time indefinitely, since their design is timeless. On the other hand, when using higher quality materials, prices usually exceed the national average price.

The chalets would be an example of this type of construction. The prices to build a chalet follow the same rules as for other types of houses, since licences are needed, an architect, etc. The average price of these rustic constructions is approximately 

€150,000 for houses of 100 square meters.

Construction of ecological houses

Ecological houses use materials such as wood, marble or glass to minimize the impact on the environment. And, apart from being ecological, this type of house is energy efficient and has excellent energy consumption rates. You can read more information about this type of house in our article on ecological houses. The average price of these ecological constructions is approximately 

€150,000 for houses of 80 square meters.

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House construction prices based on m2

Today, building a house can cost you between €700/m2 and €1,200/m2 taking into account building permits, fees for the necessary professionals, quality of materials, etc.

PRICES OF CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES ACCORDING TO M2

square meter	Price
House of 50 m2	Between €35,000 and €60,000
House of 70 m2	Between €49,000 and €84,000
House of 100 m2	Between €70,000 and €120,000
House of 150 m2	Between €105,000 and €180,000

Therefore, the conclusion we can draw is that a 50 m2 house can cost you between €35,000 and €60,000, while the price of a 70 m2 house costs between €49,000 and €84,000. If you want to build a bigger house, of about 100 m2, its price ranges between €70,000 and €120,000. And a 150 m2 house can cost you between €105,000 and €180,000.If you already know how big you want to make your home, the next step is 

to request a budget to build a house and contact professionals who can make your idea come true.

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Steps when planning the construction of a house

Building a house is an expensive and complex process. That is why there are a series of steps that should not be taken lightly when you want to ensure 

the best price and the best quality in the building process.You cannot assume more risks than those already anticipated. Everything has to go smoothly so that the budget does not deviate or skyrocket from the original due to errors in design, construction, etc.Nor should we leave aside the problems that may prevent the completion of the work due to bureaucratic, legal or other characteristics.

construction feasibility

Before buying the land, you must make sure that it is viable in terms of urban regulations for the construction of houses. For this, it is possible to request the advice of an architect, and it must be recorded in writing based on municipal ordinances. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities that may be required by the adjacent communities of owners and whether the land is suitable for building. The best option is to carry out a geotechnical study of the terrain.

Another very important point is to check the availability of the supply of basic services : natural gas, electricity and water supply. Also important, but to a lesser extent, would be Internet access (ADSL or fibre) and access to housing through paved roads. In addition, you have to choose the architectural style of the house and this will influence the final price of the budget. And the choice of land is also key in relation to this, since if the land is not flat, it will have to be levelled and the price of the house will become more expensive.

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projects

This is one of the initial points when starting the construction of a house, whether it is a new construction, extension or reform. Among the basic points that a 

construction project can reflect, we could highlight the following:

• Location, number of floors, elevation.
• Structure type.
• House plans.
• Materials used in construction.
• Maximum budget.

Certain details must also be taken into account, such as how many people are going to inhabit the house, or the licenses and permits that need to be obtained.With the construction project, the 

execution project is prepared, which must be completed before starting the works. It must contain all the details of the housing facilities, structures, foundations, etc.

Budget

Every would-be homeowner has wondered how much it costs to build a house; the house they have devised.The 

budget to build a house must incorporate all the elements related to the construction, including the professional fees of the interveners, the rental of machinery, the materials, the labor, the rubble 

Containers or any other aspect. You must also include the cost of licences or permits, as well as any associated taxes. Advice: Fixed prices must appear in the final budget to avoid surprises, such as an unjustified price increase in the middle of the work.

Construction Tracking

With the beginning and execution of the works you can take into account 

some tips so that everything goes in order and without surprises:

• Maintain fluid communication with the architect (partial construction calls are important).
• Know at all times the progress in the form of meters built, materials used and their cost.
• Ask for delivery notes to verify prices.
• Make regular site visits to see that everything is being built according to plan.

Permissions and licenses

This point is better left in the hands of the architects and surveyors, since they know the local regulations and associated taxes in all phases of construction of the house.

How much do licences and permits cost to build a house?

It is usually around 5% of the cost of the Housing Material Execution Budget.

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Search for professionals and companies

The most important professional that we must have for the construction of a home is the architect. His work is fundamental, and we must spare no effort in the search for him. We continue with another professional who would be the second in order of importance. In this case, we are talking about the builder, who is in charge of building the work from the plans.

If you have a trusted architect, they may be able to offer good advice on hiring a reputable construction company. From here, we can choose the rest of the professionals involved in the work: plumbers, carpenters, gardeners, painters, etc. We can also leave this selection in the hands of the builder, which will sometimes be an essential requirement for hiring him. And if you are considering 

buying an old home to reform , you can also request an estimate and find information on 

How much a comprehensive reform costs, so that you can assess other alternatives. Specifically, if you want to renovate a house, you can consult our article on how much it costs to renovate a house. Although, if the house is very old, it may be worth requesting prices to tear down the house and build a new one.

Terms to know about the construction of houses

• Technical Building Code : The Technical Building Code (CTE) is the main set of regulations that regulate the construction of buildings in national territory.
• Energy certification : Document that verifies the standard of general consumption of the house.
• Land price : Average price per square meter depending on municipalities or areas.
• Certificate of habitability : Permit that certifies that the house is habitable in accordance with current urban regulations.
• Quantity surveyor or technical architect : He deals with the drawing up of partial plans, provision of materials and economic terms in the construction of buildings. He is a certified technician.

How much do we save by being self-promoters compared to a real estate developer?

We can save and avoid real estate developer costs if we buy the plot ourselves.The 20% benefit that a real estate developer would apply to the final price of the house can be eliminated if we do this task ourselves.On average, being a self-developer saves 20% compared to the “usual” purchase through a real estate developer, so building your own home can be a good option. But it is necessary to have certain knowledge, money saved and time to do the negotiations with the different construction companies that would intervene in the work.

In this article, we will explain the list of materials used in building construction. Choosing the right materials for your project is vital. To be honest, we have covered a well researched list of materials used in building construction as follows:

• What are building material?
• 5 Main Families of building materials
• Metallic Building Material
• Organic Building Material
• Mineral Building Material
• Composite Building Material
• Characteristic And Different Types Of Building Material

What Are Building Materials in Construction?

List Of Building materials in construction

The range of materials used in the building construction industry (buildings and public works) is vast and is enriched every day, especially. New materials were created for different purposes, including.

5 Main Families List Of Building Materials In Construction

Besides having numerous list of building materials, they are five main families of building materials in construction. These are: metals, organics, minerals, composites and plastics.

1. Metallic Building Materials

Metals are ubiquitous in the world of construction today. These are the materials of choice for structure, and frames, including cladding, roofing, joinery, heating equipment and plumbing works. 

Among their strong points are the high rigidity, leaving great freedom of creation. The high resistance support loads with less material and increased durability. Thanks to the resistance, at the same time, to bad weather, corrosion, UV and even to earthquakes.

Metal products also have the advantage of being able to be recycled in their entirety. Without altering the qualities of the metal, even after several recycling cycles. Unlike most non-metallic materials,

List Of Common Metals Used In Construction

The most common metals used in construction listed as follows: steel (carbon, stainless), aluminium and copper.

Steel is particularly robust, and the frames made of this metal guarantee you a perfectly stable structure. Especially when it comes to carbon steel, generally used to manufacture beams, rigid pipes, profiles, etc.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is efficient to corrosion and does not rust. Clarity can be used in many fields, in particular for the manufacture of sheet metal or plumbing elements. Such as taps or shower columns.

Light and ductile, aluminium is the modern material par excellence. And makes it possible to produce made-to-measure elements in many colours to meet all constraints. In addition, it is resistant to weather, and efficiently used in the design of windows, doors, bay windows, as well as other elements facing the outside. Call us now, at Last Builders, so that we can help you find a wide choice of aluminium joinery.

Contrary to aluminium, copper is one of the oldest building materials, which captivates with its timelessness and longevity. Being also resistant to corrosion, it is used for hot and cold water pipes, in heating systems, but also for various architectural elements: roofing, down spouts, gutters, etc.

2. Organic Building Materials

Organic building material mainly made up of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen atoms, organic materials can be of natural or synthetic origin, but it is preferable to treat the latter separately.

Types Of Organic Material In Building Construction

The Organic materials of natural origin were the first materials to be used by humans in construction projects. Nowadays, they are especially appreciated for their lightness, their elasticity and their capacity for thermal and electrical insulation. 

They are also interesting from an environmental point of view because it is possible to produce them intelligently using renewable sources in order to limit the depletion of natural resources.

Natural organic materials are obtained from plants (plant origin) or animals (animal origin). Among the first to have been used, let us mention among others hemp, cotton or even cork which are used as insulation in the form of rolls, panels or in bulk, but also straw which can be used in the composition of some coatings, and of course wood. 

This noble, aesthetic and easy-to-work material is in great demand in construction, from the creation of the framework to exterior or interior joinery.

Among the materials of animal origin , sheep’s wool and duck feathers are mainly used. They are good thermal insulators, respectful of the environment and human health.

3. Mineral Building Materials

Scientifically speaking, mineral materials are inorganic materials that have ionic and covalent bonds. These are rocks (building stone, gravel), ceramics (sandstone tiles, porcelain stoneware, terracotta) and glass. 

These materials have been used since antiquity, and their nature has remained unchanged for several millennia. They are distinguished by their hardness and rigidity, as well as their mechanical and chemical resistance. They are ideal for heavy work.

Different Types Of Mineral Building Materials in Construction

Building stone is in particular one of the most used mineral materials in construction, even if today it is becoming increasingly rare in structural work because of its difficult implementation and its price.

Nevertheless, natural stone is still appreciated for its authentic side and its power to capture calories and accumulate them and then release them gently (inertia). 

Brick is another traditional material widely used in masonry work. Made from clay and terracotta, the brick comes in four formats: solid, perforated, alveolar and hollow, each with its own particular properties. 

Difference Between Hollow And Solid Brick

For example, solid brick is strong but heavy, while hollow brick is light but offers a poor level of thermal and sound insulation. 

Porcelain stoneware tiles are part of the ceramic family. A mixture of clay and silica with the addition of other mineral materials, pressed and fired at a very high temperature, to then be covered or not with a layer of enamel, it is one of the most resistant in the world.

Uses Of Porcelain Stoneware Tiles

 Main advantage of porcelain stoneware tiles are very widely used as a coating in modern construction or renovation because it represents a good compromise between technical performance and competitive price compared to other materials.

Do you need help? Call us for help in choosing the right material

4. Composite Building Materials

The composite material is an alloy of at least two immiscible materials:

First, it has properties that its components alone do not have. Second, it is made up of a framework, called a reinforcement, which provides mechanical strength, and a matrix which guarantees the cohesion of the structure and distributes the forces. 

Classification Of Composite Material

Composites can be classified according to the nature of the matrix: it can be resin, organic or ceramic. The reinforcements can also be different: it is possible in particular to use glass fibres, carbon fibres and even plant fibres such as hemp and flax. 

These include concrete and reinforced concrete, which shaped the face of the 20th century, plywood, used to build partitions, but also new materials, such as composite wood, made from recycled wood, crushed and mixed to a polymer resin.

Advantage of Composite Building Material

 Its advantage: a preserved wood appearance, which is moreover with good resistance to heat, humidity and termites. There are also composite materials for roofing, such as fibre cement roofing sheets or recycled composite tiles. Lighter, more flexible and robust, these materials are the guarantee of a waterproof cover for many years.

Disadvantage Of Composite Building Material

One of the disadvantages of most composites are difficult to recycle due to the presence of thermosetting polymers. 

Thus, to reduce the environmental impact of buildings, it is now possible to use biocomposites made with natural fibres from plants or cellulose, and a biodegradable matrix (e.g. PLA, poly lactic acid).

5. Plastic Building Materials

Definition: Plastic Building materials are polymers, usually mixed with additives, colourants and fillers. 

Like natural organic materials, they contain carbon, but are man-made through chemical processes. The majority of them are obtained from petroleum, and they were developed in the 20th century to deal with the shortage of certain materials of natural origin. 

Types Of Platic Materials

There are many types: thermoplastic polymers (ABS, PVC, etc.), elastomers (silicone, polyurethane, etc.), thermosetting polymers (epoxy, Bakelite, etc.), bioplastics (PLA, polyamide 11, etc.).

Uses Of Plastics In Construction Projects

Most plastics have numerous useful properties in the field of construction.

•  They are durable and resist corrosion, making them ideal for raceways and window and door frames. 
• Light, malleable, easy to handle and transport, and reduce installation time. 
• Easy to maintain and clean, so they are good floor and wall coverings, especially in environments that require impeccable hygiene. 
• Plastics are inexpensive and at the same time good thermal, sound and electrical insulators. Thus, they make it possible to design affordable, high-quality housing with low energy consumption. 
• Used for the exterior (as coating, insulation, to channel rainwater, etc.), for the interior (coatings, joinery.

Advantages Of Plastic Materials

Fortunately, plastic waste is becoming a source for construction. Through mechanical or chemical recycling, opaque PET waste can, for example, be transformed into insulation foam.

 End-of-life windows, doors, cables and pipes can be mechanically transformed into pellets and reused for the same applications. 

Recycled PVC mixed with sawdust can be used to make deck boards. In the end, by using plastic materials for construction, it is possible to fight against pollution.

Disadvantages Of Plastics In Construction

The problem with plastic material faced in most construction projects is that very little is recycled, with many going to landfill or lost to nature. 

Characteristics And Different Types Of Building Materials

In a construction, each material plays a specific role. 

Wall materials, for example, support the weight of the roof and at the same time withstand the constant onslaught of the elements. 

The materials of the openings must allow light to pass through, but they must not let through water, cold or heat. 

Filling of the walls, in addition to their supporting and protective function, must make it possible to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. 

That is why each element plays its role to perfection, it is important to choose the building materials according to their fields of use and their main characteristics.

Strongest Building Materials

Every home builder wants to build a solid house. But we must also not forget that the climate and its constraints may be different from one region to another, and the requirements concerning the resistance will not be the same either.

Thus, in a region subject to severe weather, it will be necessary to favour reinforced concrete blocks. In an earthquake zone, lighter and more elastic materials, such as wood or steel, will be preferable. 

Conversely, wood will not be sufficiently resistant in a humid environment, and cinder blocks and concrete blocks should be preferred, with anti-capillary insulation for the facades. 

As for the brick, it has excellent resistance to strong temperature variations, which makes it a suitable product for regions subject to significant heat peaks.

The Most Insulating Building Materials In Construction

When it comes to Construction projects, most conventional building materials must be associated with insulation in order to guarantee a good level of thermal comfort to the occupants of the dwelling while not wasting energy by overheating. 

Since heat loss is greater in the attic and the roof, it is these walls that should be insulated as a priority.

Two Fundamental Roles Of Insulators

A thermal insulator is a material that has two fundamental roles: it prevents the heat from entering in summer and, on the other hand, it preserves the dwelling from the cold in winter. 

For this, it must absorb very little heat: its surface temperature can indeed rise very quickly, but only change very slowly inside. Everything depends on the thermal conductivity and the thickness of the insulation.

Best Insulation Material

Among the best insulators are synthetic (polyurethane foam), natural (sheep’s wool, cellulose wadding) and mineral (rock wool, glass wool) insulation. 

Synthetic insulators are the most frequently used because they have a good cost-effectiveness ratio. 

But they are less efficient in terms of sound insulation and can be harmful to health while having a certain impact on the environment. This is also the case for mineral wools, which can also settle, which reduces their lifespan. 

Natural fibre insulation is biodegradable and has a low impact on the environment, but it can be destroyed by animals that eat it or by fungi if it gets wet. To be chosen according to the specifications!

Also note that, as the insulation sector is expanding, new insulations appear on the market regularly. These include so-called “new generation” insulation, such as single-wall bricks, insulating formwork, insulating paint, etc.

To find the insulation that best suits your needs, do not hesitate to call Last Days Builders 

Most Malleable Building Materials

Malleability is the ability of a material to deform hot or cold without breaking, and to retain its new shape. It can thus be flattened, bent, curved. Most metals and their alloys are malleable and ductile, that is, they can stretch without breaking, and are often selected for the manufacture of wires and cables.

The malleability makes it possible to obtain various shapes and aesthetic finishes. Steel and aluminium radiators can thus take on the most designer forms while the more malleable metals, such as zinc, can be used to produce roofing and rainwater drainage elements, cladding and decorations of facades.

Even for structural work, it is unwise to focus only on the hardest metals (note that the hardness of steels is determined by their carbon content), because the harder a metal is, the harder it is, even impossible, to solder.

Plastics are also very malleable: some can be heated, then shaped in the moulds and then reheated and reshaped; others may only be heated and shaped once. They are mainly used for the manufacture of pipes and tanks, as well as other elements with complex shapes.

What Are Conductive Materials?

Conductive materials are opposed to an insulator, a conductor is a material allowing energy exchanges between two systems. There are thermal, electrical and optical conductors. 

In the field of construction, it is above all the thermal and electrical conductivity that interests us, and it is still the metals that are found at the top of the table.

Copper is in fact the most used to make electrical wires and cables, while steel and aluminium are used more in heat distribution and evacuation systems (cooling).

Which materials are recyclable and the most friendly to the environment?

Today, humanity has understood that natural resources are not inexhaustible. This is why the modern house should not only focus on comfort, but also on its overall ecological impact. In this context, the use of sustainable products, non-polluting, recyclable materials takes on its full meaning.

Examples Of Preferred Materials:

These are some examples of preferred materials

• Wood, natural and renewable, with good thermal performance.
• Hemp concrete, made from hemp debris and a lime-based binder with very interesting characteristics (thermal and acoustic insulation, elasticity).
• The single-wall brick, which preserves heat in summer and allows energy savings in winter, to be used without insulation.

Things To Consider When Using Organic Materials

On the insulation side, it is preferable to use organic materials (such as straw or cellulose wadding), which are less toxic than mineral wool. As for finishes, mineral paints (lime, clay) and natural coatings will be less harmful than, for example, vinyl floors and glycerol paint.

It is also necessary to wonder about the quantity of energy necessary throughout the life cycle of the building material, that is to say for its manufacture, its transport, its storage, its distribution, its use, its maintenance and finally, it’s recycling or disposal. This is what is called “gray energy”. 

Metals and synthetic materials consume a lot of embodied energy, as do products that come from afar. The least processed products, the least heavy and consumed as close as possible to their place of production, consume little embodied energy. Solid wood will therefore be the big winner, while cinder block and brick will be the most energy-intensive.

Building a house today while having the lowest possible environmental impact is not an easy task between the need on the one hand to take into account energy and environmental issues, and on the other, not to sacrifice comfort. Traditional construction materials, known for millennia, but also the most efficient modern materials, are there to make your job easier. Just choose them carefully!

Trust your building supply store to help you

All the advisors at Last Days Builders will be happy to support you throughout your various projects. Don’t hesitate to contact them and ask for their advice. 

Let Last Days Builders visit you and give you a quotation For that! You even have the option of making an appointment for personalized support! Call now