Yearning for that Victorian-era house, or a high-tech, post-modernist apartment? The choices are endless, but each construction method has its advantages and drawbacks.
Wood-framed buildings
One of the oldest construction materials, wood is extremely versatile but also has certain limitations.
Plus: Ease of construction, material that is friendly to the environment, relatively inexpensive
Minus: Limitations on how high you can build, increased fire safety hazard, vulnerable to humidity and insect infestation
One of the oldest construction materials, wood is extremely versatile but also has certain limitations.
Plus: Ease of construction, material that is friendly to the environment, relatively inexpensive
Minus: Limitations on how high you can build, increased fire safety hazard, vulnerable to humidity and insect infestation
Steel studs
Primarily used in commercial construction, steel stud framing does away with the knots, warps, twists, splits or any of the other things that plague wood frame construction.
Plus: Heat loss reduction and tenement thermal comfort
Minus: An emphasis on thermal efficiency can lead to structural weakening and poor fire performance.
Primarily used in commercial construction, steel stud framing does away with the knots, warps, twists, splits or any of the other things that plague wood frame construction.
Plus: Heat loss reduction and tenement thermal comfort
Minus: An emphasis on thermal efficiency can lead to structural weakening and poor fire performance.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
Building homes with ICFs is gaining in popularity, and may one day become the no.1 construction method of choice.
Plus: strength, soundproofing, energy efficient, compatible with almost all home designs
Minus: Requires high level of manufacturer support, higher costs (although these may be offset by lower utility bills due to energy efficiency)
Building homes with ICFs is gaining in popularity, and may one day become the no.1 construction method of choice.
Plus: strength, soundproofing, energy efficient, compatible with almost all home designs
Minus: Requires high level of manufacturer support, higher costs (although these may be offset by lower utility bills due to energy efficiency)
Log and Timber
Experience the joy of having your humble abode handcrafted.
Plus: High degree of customization, the “cosy look”
Minus: Log homes need time to settle, but the degree to which this occurs depends on the type of material and the method of log construction used. Settling has to do with the drying and moisture content of the logs used.
Experience the joy of having your humble abode handcrafted.
Plus: High degree of customization, the “cosy look”
Minus: Log homes need time to settle, but the degree to which this occurs depends on the type of material and the method of log construction used. Settling has to do with the drying and moisture content of the logs used.
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There is a large variety of construction methods, and an even greater range of residential building styles. Current construction methods are being continually tweaked, and new technologies introduced, so stay abreast of developments.
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