A well-built new home is more than square footage and finishes. The wide range of high-quality materials behind the walls affect your comfort, energy bills, safety, and long-term value.
Why it matters: Besides adding value to your home, high-quality materials also added to the quality of your life.
What’s Ahead: NewHomeSource talked with some of the largest homebuilders in the country about the building materials they use, and how those materials make their homes the best choice.
Insulation
High-quality insulation keeps your home comfortable and energy efficient.
Look for insulation rated R-13 in walls, R-38 in attics, and R-19 in floors. Builders like D.R. Horton use spray foam insulation.
Better insulation helps maintain indoor temps during outages.
Ask where insulation is used and what rating it has.
Poor insulation costs more in the long run and is tough to upgrade later.
Windows + Doors
Energy-smart openings make a big difference in safety and savings.
Choose low-emissivity (Low-E) windows that block UV and reduce heat transfer. Beazer and D.R. Horton are two builders that use low emissivity windows.
Ask if storm-rated windows come standard in weather-prone areas.
Exterior doors should be insulated and fit tightly to reduce air leaks. ThermaTru insulated fiberglass doors from D.R. Horton are the gold standard in exterior doors.
Builders like Beazer test for air gaps with blower door tests.
Lighting
Smart lighting cuts costs and adds polish.
LED bulbs use less energy and last longer. Many builders including D.R. Horton use LED lighting throughout new homes.
Quality fixtures enhance your home’s style and reduce the need for extra lamps.
Work with your builder to pick lighting that fits your look and budget. Check standard and upgrade options.
Smart Home Features
Connected homes are easier to live in. Leverage the power of technology in your new home.
Look for smart locks, doorbells, thermostats, and sensors.
These boost security, convenience, and efficiency including automated home maintenance.
They offer an increased ability to age in place for older homeowners.
KB Home and other builders offer customizable smart home packages.
Exterior Finishes
What’s on the outside protects what’s inside.
Ask about exterior wraps like Dupont Tyvek used by Beazer to block weather and improve energy efficiency.
Wider walls and added sheathing can reduce wear and boost indoor air quality.
HVAC Systems
Clean air starts with a solid system.
HVAC affects indoor air quality, energy use, and comfort.
Builders like Richmond American, Beazer, and KB Home offer EPA Indoor airPLUS homes.
Ask if your builder provides upgraded systems for better filtration and airflow.
Plumbing
Water-saving fixtures help your wallet and the planet.
KB Home uses WaterSense-rated faucets, toilets, and showerheads
to reduce waste with an estimated savings of up to $500/year.
ENERGY STAR dishwashers also cut water use.
Bottom line
High-quality materials make a new home more efficient, healthier, and easier to maintain. Ask your builder what’s behind the walls. It’ll save you money and stress for years to come.
Smart material choices don’t just improve your home – they improve your life.
Sanda Brown
After graduating in 2016 from The University of Texas with a degree in English, Sanda Brown became a content writer for the BDX with a focus on website copy and content marketing. At the BDX, Sanda helps write and edit articles on NewHomeSource.com, writes website copy for builders, and manages a team of freelancers that work on additional content needs.