SAVE $100 
by Lauren Busser The House Designers’ Editorial Director
If you're planning to build a new home you will want to build it with the best exterior materials possible. Building a new home requires a large investment of time and money. You want that new home to last for years to come, so it’s important to select products that are durable and easy to maintain.
Our architects and designers have decades of experience helping clients design and build new homes as well as building their own personal homes. We want to help you take a rational and informed approach so that you can have meaningful and productive dialog with your contractor about your project. Here are five major exterior home products and our architect's recommendations on brands to use.
Windows
Windows are a critical component to your home’s design. Quality windows let in the light and help maintain your home’s energy efficiency.
Our architects trust Integrity® Windows and Doors from Marvin® for all their window needs. The Ultrex® finish is a strong, durable, stable, low-maintenance and efficient product that outperforms aluminum, vinyl and wood composites in virtually every category. Other windows may bend, break or crack over time, but Integrity® windows hold strong and perform under great stress without showing age or wear.
Real Stone Exterior
Love the look of a stone exterior? Whether your home is all stone or a combination, you will love Daco Stone™ Real-Cut Stone. Available in full-thickness or thin veneer, this stone siding is 100 percent natural, lightweight and easy to handle. It can be used inside as well to complement the exterior look and feel.
Entry Doors
Your front door makes a strong statement about who you are and it is one of the first things a visitor sees. A beautiful, top-quality door goes a long way towards enhancing your home’s appearance and a strong door can last for years to come. For well-constructed doors, our architects trust Therma-Tru®. Their selection of fiberglass and steel doors in a variety of configurations makes it easy to find a door that fits your home’s style.
Want to make sure that your new door fits your home's exterior perfectly? Check out the DoorWays™ App. With this app from Therma-Tru® you can mix and match door styles and glass options to create a door configuration that is perfect for your unique style. You can even take photos of the door against your home's exterior and send your favorites to your friends and family for their opinions. When you make your decision, the app also helps you locate a Therma-Tru® retailer and lets you send them all the specs you need to make sure your new door fits perfect.
Mouldings & Millwork
Moulding is a great way to bring beauty and value to your home. Moulding can be used to bring classic elegance and decorative accents to your home. Fypon® is our architect’s favorite provider of mouldings and millwork. Their durable polyurethane products come in a variety of styles and can be used on the interior and exterior to enhance your homes look. Not to mention, their closed cell makeup resists splintering, rotting, insects, mildew and warping, making it virtually maintenance free.
Roofing
Your roof is a large part of your home's curb appeal and vital to protecting your home. Selecting a great looking roof from GAF® Roofing will not only ensure your shingles look great but provide uncompromising performance. You can’t beat the lifetime warranty on their Lifetime Designer Shingles.
These five building materials represent important aspects of your new home. Quality windows and doors can help make your home energy-efficient and maintain their beauty to give your home added value.
