Imagine this: You’ve moved into your dream home and it’s perfect. Every surface gleams and every hinge swings smoothly.
Yet fast forward five years and the doors have sagged, the paint is peeling, and the deck has splintered. Instead of relaxing, you’re spending weekends on Major Repairs and thousands on replacements.
It happens more than you might think.
Your builder saves a few dollars by using lower-grade materials. And you end up paying the price in money, time, and frustration.
The truth is, quality materials are one of the smallest costs in your build – and one of the biggest determinants of how well your home ages.
Here’s why spending a little more now will save you a fortune (and a lot of headaches) later.
Reason #1: You Won’t Have A Major Repairs Every Few Years
The difference in cost between cheap hardware and architectural-grade stainless steel hinges is minimal, but the difference in lifespan is massive.
Think about commercial spaces, for instance. Offices use heavy-duty hinges because doors are opened thousands of times a year.
Your home’s doors face the same movements, plus changes in moisture and natural settling.
It’s not worth taking shortcuts. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to be forced to replace all 30 internal and cupboard doors (plus hinges) within five years.
Lesson: Choose durable fittings once, and you won’t be paying for them twice.
Reason #2: Invest Once, Enjoy for Decades
Many homeowners worry about the “extra” cost of quality – but in the context of your total build, it’s tiny.
Take paint:
- Low-grade builder paint: One thin spray coat ends up worn and marked within 2 years.
- Three-coat system: Leads to rich, even coverage that’s easy to clean and lasts a decade or more.
The difference is just a few hundred dollars, but it means no early repainting bills and a home that still looks new years later.
The same applies outdoors.
- Timber fascia and gutters: Need regular repainting and are vulnerable to rot.
- Metal or composite options: Require minimal upkeep, and deliver a long lifespan.
Tip: Look for composite decking, stone countertops, and other low-maintenance materials that keep your weekends free and your home looking pristine.
Reason #3: Build a Low-Maintenance Home That Looks New Longer
High-touch areas like taps, toilets and handles need to work flawlessly for years, so it makes sense to invest in quality. The same applies to toilets. Opt for low-quality and you can be faced with constant maintenance issues, especially when parts are discontinued.
And when it comes to kitchens, stone or engineered countertops resist chips and stains far better than laminate.
Bottom line: In high-use spaces, investing in quality is worth every cent.
And be sure to choose reputable brands with proven track records. That way, if you ever need replacement parts, they’ll be easy to find – and your home won’t suffer from premature wear.
Reason #4: Avoid the Regret Most Homeowners Feel Within 5 Years
It doesn’t matter if it’s warped doors, splintered decks, peeling paint, or fittings that give out after just a few years – if you ask most builders, the most common call they get from disappointed homeowners is the same:
“Can you replace this?”
These problems aren’t “bad luck.” They’re the predictable result of materials that were never built to last – and they’re expensive, messy, and disruptive to fix.
The good news? They’re entirely avoidable. Choose materials that are designed for the long haul, and you won’t just prevent repairs – you’ll protect your home’s beauty, value, and livability for decades.
As the saying goes: Buy cheap, buy twice.
Checklist for Selecting High-Quality Materials
If your builder can’t tick all of these boxes, think twice before signing:
- Doors & Hinges: Stainless steel or architectural-grade for durability
- Paint: Three-coat system for lasting colour and protection
- Decking: Composite or tile for low maintenance
- Fascia & Gutters: Metal instead of timber
- Countertops: Stone or engineered surfaces over laminate
- Plumbing Fixtures: Reputable brands with available parts
- Balustrades & Stairs: Metal, glass, or composite for minimal upkeep
The Smart Choice Pays for Itself
When you’re building or renovating, it’s easy to focus on the upfront price. But the real question is: What will this cost me over the next 10, 20, 30 years?
Choosing high-quality materials isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about saving time, money, and frustration for as long as you live in your home.
Do it right the first time, and you’ll enjoy a home that looks and feels new for decades.
Get to know the expertise of Adams Building, setting benchmarks in construction quality. Proudly collaborating with APB, MBA, and Wunderbuild.
