Types of Houses in Residential Construction and Building Materials that You May Require

Are you looking to invest in your dream home but don't know what type of house or material base to go for? Here’s a breakdown of different types of residential buildings and commonly used building materials to help make your decisions in an informed way.

What is a Residential Building plan?

A residential building can be any type of structure made for the purpose of habitation by people. For example, a residential building can have one home or multiple units in a single structure. All residential buildings begin with a layout plan, which contains all the specifics pertaining to room sizes, ventilation, power lines, water flow, safe zones, etc., and ultimately, the type of materials to construct with. The layout plan will provide a safe and lasting residence when completed correctly.

What are the different types of houses?

Here are the most common types of houses in India:

• Bungalows: Standalone homes with one or two floors. They offer privacy and outdoor space. Easy to modify as per needs.

• Apartments / Flats: Multi-storey homes inside large buildings. Common in cities with limited land. Share walls and services with other units.

• Villas: Bigger than bungalows, with lawns or private areas. Found in gated colonies or suburbs. Designed for comfort and style.

• Row Houses: Built in a line, with shared side walls. Often compact and budget-friendly. Ideal for plotted communities.

• Farmhouses: Homes on large rural plots. Used for living or weekend breaks. Often surrounded by open land.

• Traditional Homes: Found in villages or old towns. Made with local materials like mud, stone, or bamboo. Designed for weather and climate.

What are the materials used in construction?

Here are the most used house construction materials in India:

• Bricks: Used for making walls. Clay bricks are common, and fly ash bricks are eco-friendly. Both are strong and fireproof.

• Cement: Binds concrete and plaster. OPC and PPC are widely used. PPC is better for homes due to its water resistance, and OPC is preferred for its quick setting time.

• Concrete: Made from cement, sand, and gravel. Used for slabs, beams, and columns. Provides strength and structure.

• Sand: Mixed with cement to make mortar. Also used in concrete. River sand is the most preferred.

• Steel: Gives strength to concrete. Used in beams, columns, and foundations. Helps the building hold shape during movement.

• Stone: Strong and weather-resistant. Often used in rural homes, boundary walls, or decorative fronts.

• Wood and Bamboo: Used in roofs, doors, and windows. Common in village homes or eco-houses. Needs care to avoid termites.

• Glass and Tiles: Glass is used in windows and modern designs. Tiles are used on floors, walls, and roofs.

Pick materials based on strength, cost, and how they handle your local climate.

Factors That Influence Material Choice

Before picking a building material, consider these five points:

1. Soil: Weak soils need stronger foundations and concrete support.

2. Climate: Wet or humid areas need damp-proof materials.

3. Cost: Bricks and fly ash are cheaper. Stone and glass cost more.

4. Location: Local materials reduce transport costs.

5. Sustainability: Fly ash bricks and bamboo contribute to reducing waste and carbon emissions.

6. Seismic Zone: Ductile detailing of reinforced concrete frames is essential in earthquake zones.

Choosing wisely can cut costs and improve the life of the building.

Final Thoughts

The materials required for each home vary. What suits one home may not work for another. The materials you use to build a house should be appropriate for your design, the location, and your intended living arrangements. Start with a well-defined residential building plan, stick to the fundamentals, and select materials that are appropriate for the area.