Save Your Home (and Your Money): Ditch the Cheap Materials

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), almost 75% of American homes are in areas that experience earthquakes, flooding, hail, or hurricanes. That's a lot of houses, and a lot of strain on your structure. So, why do people continually remodel using materials that don't hold up under duress? Because they are cheap, of course! However, in the long run, opting for a higher grade material can mean the difference between a home that holds up under pressure and one that is demolished at the first sign of trouble.

Materials that are Worth the Mark-Up
Think hurricane resistant windows aren't worth the investment? In an article for CNNMoney.com, Gerri Willis succinctly states, "Impact resistant windows cost twice as much as regular windows. These windows are designed to withstand the impact of a standard missile traveling at 34 mph." Sounds like a good investment to us.

In areas where wildfires are a threat, maybe it's time to say goodbye to siding that burns. Fiber-cement siding is not only fireproof, but termite proof, too. Additionally, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, fiber-cement siding is one of the nation's best investments and recovered 88.1% of its installation costs in added resale value.

Flooding a problem in your area? According to the Journal of Environmental Health, "Old-technology flooring, including carpeting, vinyl tile, linoleum, and wood, is subject to severe contamination and damage after flooding and is essentially unrecoverable." What's a good alternative? Concrete flooring can hold up under incredible conditions, and when covered with an epoxy coating, can easily be cleaned up to be as good as new even after severe flooding!

Heavy hail can create a lot of damage to roofing materials, and roofing damage can cause problems like mold and rot in other areas of the house. Installing impact resistant shingles might cost a little more initially, but when your roof holds up better under stress, your whole house benefits!

These aren't the only disaster resistant materials on the market, and anyone looking to do a remodel in the near future would do well to research what events have happened in your area in the past, and what materials are now available to hold up to such conditions. Of course, you don't want to triple or quadruple the cost of your renovating on unnecessarily tough materials, but adding a little strength to your home while you build can easily pay off in the future.

Note: Aside from being safer and holding up better, you may be entitled to a reduction on your insurance premiums by installing high quality, disaster resistant materials!