Building a custom is an exciting and challenging task. You'll be faced with many difficult decisions throughout the entire design and build process. One of which is choosing the best materials for your custom home. 

With so many different options to pick from, narrowing your choices to a select few can be challenging. Often builders or architects will provide you with a list of recommended materials and suppliers, but even then, the decision can be tricky. That's why we've put together a list short list of things to consider when choosing materials for your custom home.

Style of Home

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing materials for your custom home is the style of your home. You'll want to pick materials that highlight the architectural design of the house. For example, if you're building a Mountain Modern home, choosing a mix of stone and wood accents will help emphasize the simple, modern style of architecture. 

On the other hand, traditional materials such as circle sawn flooring and timbers help highlight the classic style that timber-frame style homes are known for. Whatever type of home you choose, sticking to the traditions of that style will help it feel harmonious throughout. 

Location

The location of your build should also influence your material choices. Using the natural landscape as inspiration will help the structure blend with the surrounding environment, making it feel like an extension of your home. 

This philosophy was the inspiration behind Marks Lumber's circle sawn Douglas fir material. Owner Steve Marks strove to produce natural finish products that embraced the beauty and wildness of the surrounding landscape, creating a unique "Montana-look" that compliments any Montana home. 

Quality

While style is often the driving factor when it comes to material choices, quality is also a key element to consider when choosing materials for your custom home. Unlike some spec or off-market homes that may have cut corners on material choices, building a custom home gives you the unique opportunity to assess the quality of materials before you make a decision. Using quality materials provides peace of mind, knowing that each material you selected is exactly what you're looking for in terms of both style and quality. 

Energy Efficiency 

Other than style and quality, choosing your building materials also means you get to consider the efficiency of those materials. Your material choices can have a positive impact on the energy efficiency of your home. For example, choosing wood siding or paneling can help you save money on your energy bill since wood is a natural insulator and is considered one of the most energy-efficient siding options available. 

Environmental Impact

Nowadays, it is essential that we consider the environmental impact of our decisions. This is especially true when it comes to building a home. Researching suppliers and learning about the environmental effects of different building materials is necessary to help determine the best material for yourself and the environment. 

Wood is an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious, as manufacturing produces substantially fewer greenhouse gases than concrete and steel alternatives. Additionally, wood sequesters carbon until it rots or burns, helping offset carbon emissions throughout its entire lifecycle. 

Searching for materials for your custom home? Contact Marks Lumber today to learn more about how our circle sawn siding, timbers, lumber, and flooring is an excellent choice for any custom home design.