Many people automatically assume that “luxury home” is a fancy way of saying “expensive home.” While it is true that most luxury homes have a higher than average cost per square foot, the price tag is but one component of a luxury property.

Some additional defining characteristics of a luxury home include prime views, privacy from the bustle of everyday life, and top-notch quality of construction. While views and privacy are dependent on a number of factors that are often out of the builder’s hands, quality of construction can be universally guaranteed, thanks to the healthy selection of innovative building materials available on the contemporary market.

As a result, when constructing a new home for south Florida’s affluent demographic, consider some of the following luxurious building materials that are sure to catch buyers’ attention.  

Insulated Concrete Framing

Every August and September, Florida residents hold their breath. No matter how good the homeowners’ insurance, it can never truly replace what is lost during a hurricane.

To combat this threat, many contractors in storm-heavy regions of the country are framing their homes with insulated concrete tilt up panels. Not only do insulated concrete forms create an airtight barrier that better resists the high winds and heavy rains of a hurricane than do more traditional wood panels, but they offer a number of additional benefits that are particularly appealing to south Florida residents, including:

• Elite thermal mass that helps reduce the need for air conditioning during the hot Florida summers
• Eliminate the threat of mold and insect infestation
• Flexible set times that make possible any number of designs and future renovations

Steel Log Siding

Just as new homes should be framed with the most durable products, the best house siding in south Florida will be equally adept at resisting strong winds and heavy rains. While stucco that loses its treatment will readily absorb water and lap siding runs the risk of getting lifted during times of high winds, steel log siding is essentially storm-proof for at least 50 years, all while coming in a variety of designs to suit the aesthetic desires of any homeowner. 

Bamboo

It may seem far-fetched to consider bamboo a luxury material, but it is becoming increasingly popular in a society that places a high emphasis on sustainability. Bamboo floors rival even engineered hardwood along many important lines, such as natural appearance, ease of cleaning, and durability. However, bamboo crops are some of the most rapidly reproducing of any plant species, helping reduce the deforestation risks associated with the manufacture of slow-growing timber sources.  

Decorative Crown Molding

Crown molding may seem like a minor feature, an insignificant strip between the wall and ceiling, but it makes all of the difference in converting a space from mundane to luxurious. If you do choose to go with the aforementioned bamboo floors, there are a number of chic farmhouse crown molding ideas, such as Pacific Coast hemlock and natural wood, that can provide a more finished, spacious feel to a luxury home.

Storm-Resistant Driveways and Sidewalks

According to Steve Lyon, a Houston home remodeler, No matter how elegant the interior, a home will never reach luxury status if its streetside view causes passersby to shudder. Therefore, it is essential that all outbuildings be given the proper attention and that the landscaping be meticulously maintained.

Furthermore, the sidewalk and driveway must be designed in a way that heavy storm runoff does not wash away the underlying earth, causing the concrete to shift, crack, and collapse. As such, innovative pre sloped trench drain systems can be especially appealing to a luxury market, as they can help manage the flow of water during times of heavy rain, ensuring the curb appeal of the property remains pristine. 

Conclusion

High-quality construction is one of the most important components of a luxury home. To this effect, there are many innovative products on the market that can make any new home extremely appealing to a luxury market. By choosing any of the aforementioned luxurious building materials, affluent buyers in the south Florida market are sure to take notice. 

Skylar Ross is a contributor to the Innovative Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Skylar is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.