How much difference does the material of the outside of a home actually make?

Cripps Realty
3 min readMar 27, 2024
Article by Cripps Realty

The exterior material of a home serves as both an aesthetic feature and a functional element. Beyond the visual appeal, it plays a crucial role in protecting the structure from environmental elements, enhancing energy efficiency, and influencing maintenance requirements. With an array of options available, ranging from traditional brick to modern composite materials, homeowners often wonder: How much difference does the material of the outside of a home actually make?

For instance, you have signed seco, etc., if you have stone vs brick. However, let’s simply say, for example, that you have B and Baton versus stone or B Batton compared to brick, and you have a less expensive siding than stone. They won’t really give you anything if you have two 2,200 square foot mansions and they know what happened inside of you.

To be honest, there’s not really a predetermined amount, like when someone says, “Hey, I’ll give you 20,000 more for the stone one than I will just the brick one.” Additionally, if it was similar to board and bat and required costly time, as long as the 20,000 was not equivalent to standard siding. Since the difference in price for the two won’t be significant, I would choose the less expensive option.

Protection Against the Elements:

Exterior materials protect homes from external forces like rain, wind, snow, and sunlight. Traditional brick and stone offer durability, while newer materials like vinyl siding and fiber cement offer enhanced weather resistance. The choice of material significantly influences maintenance needs and longevity, affecting the home’s structural integrity.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation:

Exterior material directly impacts a home’s energy efficiency, with insulation properties influencing heat retention and dissipation. Insulated materials like vinyl siding or fiber cement offer better thermal performance, reducing heating and cooling costs. Poor insulation can increase energy consumption and discomfort. The installation method and insulation quality also influence its effectiveness in maintaining optimal indoor temperatures.

Aesthetic Appeal and Market Value:

The choice of exterior material significantly influences a home’s curb appeal and market value. Traditional materials offer timeless charm, while contemporary alternatives cater to modern architectural preferences. Hybrid solutions combine natural appeal with engineered durability. Regional context and architectural trends also influence the perceived value of exterior materials in the real estate market.

Environmental Considerations:

Environmental consciousness is driving the focus on sustainability in exterior materials. Natural materials like wood and stone offer renewable, biodegradable alternatives, while synthetic materials like vinyl and aluminum cause resource depletion and pollution. Homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives, leading to innovation in sustainable construction practices.

The choice of exterior material in a home significantly impacts its durability, energy efficiency, market value, and environmental footprint, and should align with the homeowner’s priorities for functionality and style.

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Cripps Realty

Voted #1 Top Choice Real Estate Agency of 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020 in Barrie