Concrete vs wood houses — which is the winner?

One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when relocating or moving is choosing your new home. There are so many factors to consider: the location, the size, the age, and, of course, the build of the house.

In this article, we’ll be focusing on the merits of moving into a concrete house versus moving into a wood house. Both materials have different strengths and weaknesses, and we’ll be exploring those characteristics.

Concrete vs wood houses…let’s get started!

The advantages of concrete homes

Advocates of concrete say moving into a concrete house offers several advantages that can’t be found when moving into a wood house. Some of these merits include: acoustic privacy, durability and energy efficiency.

The Globe and Mail says condo builders, in particular, have been pushing the advantages of concrete.

Sotheby’s realtor David Thomas, who was mentioned in the above Globe and Mail article, says that concrete tends to be a more desirable material for building homes in a West Coast climate like Metro Vancouver.

“Wood is less than ideal as a building material since it expands and contracts,” said David. “Concrete is more durable.”

And privacy is also a big issue as well.

David also said in the basement of one wood home, he could hear just about every word upstairs neighbours said.

Concrete homes are often more expensive, but advocates say these houses are usually a better return on investment. Its value does not depreciate because it is more sturdy.

Hani Lammam, vice-president of Cressey Development, said in the above Globe and Mail article this is especially true if you are moving into a condo in Metro Vancouver.

He said wood “can be durable if protected, but these wood-frame buildings don’t seem to last as long. Maintenance is difficult in multifamily settings. It’s hard to motivate owner groups to do the maintenance. A concrete building form is simply easier to maintain.”

Why moving into a wood house may be better than moving into a concrete house

Proponents of wooden homes say these houses are often more affordable and environmentally friendly.

According to Kuusamo Log Houses, wood houses are faster to construct compared with homes made from stone or concrete. They say this amounts to a “significant monetary saving.”

The next big selling point for wood is it that it is environmentally friendly.

Freshome.com, an architectural magazine, says wood is the only construction material that is carbon neutral. And this holds true even when taking hauling time intoaccount!

Furthermore, the above article also says wooden homes actually absorb and store CO2, which might even help clean the surrounding air.

Finally, it looks good!

Wood is a versatile material, making it easier for designers to get creative with it.

Wood can be painted any colour, varnished, waxed, carved, cut, glued and nailed. The end results can give it a distinct beauty.

Ask yourself what your priorities are!

So what kind of house is better? It all depends on what you want out of your new home. And it also depends on whether you plan on moving into a condominium, or whether you want to move into a house in Metro Vancouver.

Concrete appears to be more durable and easier to maintain. But it is also more expensive.

Wood is cheaper, greener, though not as hardy. But it also has its own charm.

It all boils down to what you value in a house!

Contact Ferguson Moving

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Contact Ferguson Moving and Storage at 604-922-2212 or learn more about us online today!