What You Need to Know About Building Materials Before Starting Your Construction Project

building materials

You can start a building project for your dream home, a business place, or a multi-unit development. It’s an exciting journey.   But you need to make a big decision before you lay the first brick: which building materials to use. This decision could make or break your project.

This blog will tell you everything you need to know about building products so you can make choices that are smart, efficient, and will last.

What you need to know about building materials

The materials used to build something are what make it strong, safe, long-lasting, and nice to look at. Construction isn’t just about design and engineering.  

The right choice affects:

  • The structure’s durability and strength;
  • The project’s cost and schedule;
  • The structure’s energy efficiency and comfort;
  • The structure’s impact on the environment;
  • Maintenance and long-term performance.

Choose the right materials for your building if you want it to last. This is true whether you’re an architect, a builder, or a homeowner.

Types of Building Materials You Usually Use

Let’s talk about the main types of building materials first, then we’ll talk about how to choose them:

1. Stone and cement

Build with it to make beams, columns, slabs, and supports.   The mix amount, grade, and time it takes to cure all play a big role in how strong concrete is.

2. Bricks and blocks

You can choose from AAC blocks, concrete blocks, red clay bricks, and fly ash bricks.   Each one is insulated, heavy, and lasts a different amount of time.

3. Steel and Extra Strength

If you want to use TMT bars, mild steel, or structural steel for building support, they must all meet or beat IS safety and ductility standards.

4. Wood and wood

This is what floors, doors, and furniture are made of.   What kind of wood it is (teak, pine, or sal), how it was aged, and how it was handled for termites all have an effect on its quality.

5. Glass

For walls, windows, and fronts.   Choose based on how clear it is, how well it keeps heat in (double-glazed or coated), and how safe it is (toughened glass).

6. Tiles and floors

Tile, stone, wood, or vitrified flooring can all be helpful, depending on the purpose, style, and budget.

7. Paints and finishes

The outside and inside of a house should have different types of paint that can stand up to the weather.   Paints with less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are better for you and the earth.

8. Things used for roofs and waterproofing

Pick based on the weather, the type of building, and the slope to avoid leaks and keep the temperature comfortable.

Some important things to think about when picking out building supplies

These are some important things to look for in building supplies before you buy them:

1. Quality and following the rules

Make sure that the things you use have an ISI mark or are certified.   Low-quality goods may be less expensive at first, but they could lead to structure issues or safety issues in the long run.

2. Fitting in with the weather

It should be fine for the weather where you live.   In hot places, AAC blocks are great for keeping heat in, while in damp places, some types of wood get bigger.

3. Being able to last

Things like fly ash bricks, recycled aggregates, and low-VOC paints that are used in building can be good for the environment and get green certifications.

4. Cost vs. Time Spent

Using cheap materials might save you money at first, but it might cost you more in the long run to fix things and keep them in good shape.   Look at the life-cycle cost before you decide what to do.

5. Time and availability to finish

If you can, get your goods from nearby stores to save money and make sure they are always available, especially if you need custom finishes or fittings that were brought in from another country.

6. How well-known the seller is

It’s best to buy from well-known sellers who offer clear warranty terms, good paperwork, and support after the sale.

Having trouble getting building materials

Even workers with a lot of experience have to deal with these issues:  Prices that aren’t clear; fake or copied brands; delivery times that aren’t always the same; quality that changes from batch to batch; it’s hard to work with more than one seller to coordinate

This is where ArQonZ comes in. It helps you take an idea and turn it into reality.

How ArQonZ makes it easier to buy building supplies

ArQonZ is India’s first building ecosystem that uses AI.  For builders and property owners, it makes it easier to find, compare, and check building materials.

How do we help?

Instant Quote Generator: Just upload your BOQ or need list, and you’ll get quotes right away from approved providers that are all the same.

With an e-negotiation platform, you can talk to different sellers without letting them know who you are.   Get the best deal every time.

Certified Supplier Network: We check all of our suppliers carefully for quality, safety, and how well they deliver.

Keep digital copies of approvals, test reports, and invoices so that engineers, clients, and sellers can all easily communicate with each other.

All projects can be seen on one dashboard. The flow of goods and purchases can be managed from a single, simple screen, no matter how many homes you’re in charge of.

How to Pick the Right Building Materials to Make Your Project Last

Because building technology is changing so quickly, there are now new building materials on the market, such as self-healing concrete, insulated panels, precast concrete, and fiber-reinforced plastics. Things go faster, are better for the earth, and are better all around with these new ideas.

You should not only choose the right material for the job, but it is also an investment in the long-term value of your project.

Last Thoughts

What makes something strong are the choices you make while building it, and the tools you use are the first step.

It doesn’t matter if you’re building a house, a business center, or a government project. Everything that comes to your site should be:

Verified, okay, able to be tracked, and fit for the job

ArQonZ is here to make sure you never have to choose between being free and high-quality.

Want to use technology to buy building supplies in a smart way?   
Find out how we can power your next building project from start to finish at ww.arqonz.com.

15-Min Daily Discipline: Smart Billing and Inventory Practices for Building Material Suppliers

For building material suppliers, success doesn’t just depend on how much material is sold — it depends on how well transactions are tracked, payments are collected, stock is managed, and investments are made. In a market where buyers range from individual homeowners to professional contractors and builders, it’s easy for receivables to get delayed, and unsold inventory to pile up.

Image courtesy: Tallysolutoins.com

Track Receivables: Who Pays, When, and For What

Create a Receivables Register — manual or digital — with four key columns:

  • Customer Name (Builder, Architect, House Owner)
  • Material Supplied + Date
  • Amount Receivable
  • Expected Payment Date

Each day, check:

  • Who owes money
  • How old the bill is
  • Whether a payment follow-up is needed

Mark customers who pay late often — this helps in deciding whether to give them credit next time.

Understand Who Buys What (and How Often)

Different customers behave differently:

  • House Owners: Buy in small lots, prefer cash or instant UPI payments, and focus on price and personal attention.
  • Builders/Contractors: Buy in bulk, may delay payment (15–60 days), but give regular business.
  • Professionals (Architects/Engineers): Don’t always pay — they influence the purchase decision. Build relationships but track whether they bring actual orders.

Maintain a Customer Profile List:

  • How often do they buy?
  • What materials do they prefer?
  • How quickly do they pay?

This helps you prioritize your service and credit terms smartly.

Track What Sells — and What Does Not

Maintain a Daily Stock Movement Log:

  • What came in?
  • What went out?
  • What stayed?

Once a week, mark:

  • Fast-Moving Items – Cement, steel, bricks, plumbing parts, wiring
  • Slow-Moving/Non-Moving Items – Niche tiles, designer fittings, outdated brands

If something hasn’t moved in 30 days — it’s a warning signal. Ask:

  • Is there demand in the market?
  • Should I offer discounts to move it?
  • Should I stop restocking this?

Don’t keep what doesn’t sell, even if the profit margins seem attractive.

Be Smart with Payables

Just like receivables, maintain a Payables Tracker:

  • To which supplier do you owe?
  • How much?
  • By when?

If you collect payment faster than you pay vendors, your business stays healthy. Avoid giving away long credit periods to customers when your own suppliers demand quick payments.

Negotiate credit terms that match your cash cycle — e.g., if builders pay you in 30 days, request 45-day credit from your vendor.

Daily Discipline: Take Stock Every Day

At the end of each day:

  • Check payments received
  • Log new sales and delivery entries
  • Review pending collections
  • Check fast and slow movers
  • Verify supplier dues

This 15-minute daily habit will give you clarity, control, and confidence.

Staying Ahead: How Building Material Suppliers Can Adapt to Changing Industry Needs

The world of construction is evolving rapidly. While staples like cement, steel, and bricks remain foundational, the materials and methods used in building are undergoing a quiet revolution. To stay relevant and profitable, it’s no longer enough to just stock what’s been selling for decades. Suppliers need to read the signals of change, adapt their product portfolio, and align with the new directions in construction.

Gharpedia.com

Why Building Material Needs Are Changing

  1. Innovation in Construction Technology
    Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is no longer experimental. It’s being used to construct homes, offices, and even emergency shelters. These technologies use specially formulated concrete mixes, polymers, and recycled materials, which demand a different inventory.
  2. Rise of Modular and Prefabricated Structures
    Prefab construction has grown due to its speed, quality control, and reduced on-site labor. These methods rely on lighter, high-performance materials that are easy to transport and assemble — such as light-gauge steel, engineered wood, and composite panels.
  3. Demand for Sustainability and Efficiency
    Green buildings and energy-efficient homes are no longer niche segments. Builders increasingly ask for low-carbon cement, fly ash bricks, solar roofing tiles, reflective paints, insulation materials, and recycled aggregates.
  4. Evolving Buyer Expectations
    Architects and house owners are more aware and design-conscious. They look for finishes and textures that blend aesthetics with performance — leading to demand for decorative concrete, designer tiles, composite claddings, and more.

Does the Product Portfolio Need to Change? Absolutely.

If suppliers continue to sell only traditional materials, they risk becoming obsolete or being sidelined in future-forward projects. Expanding the product portfolio is not just an option — it’s a strategic necessity.

How to Build a Future-Ready Product Portfolio

  1. Understand the Market Signals
    • Attend trade expos, architecture summits, and civil engineering conferences.
    • Subscribe to industry magazines or digital platforms that highlight emerging materials and methods.
    • Talk to your clients — ask them what new materials they are exploring.
  2. Segment Your Customers
    Not all buyers are the same. Some builders focus on affordable housing; others specialize in luxury villas or commercial towers. Create product clusters that suit these segments:
    • Basic segment: Traditional cement, iron bars, red bricks, pipes.
    • Innovative segment: AAC blocks, fibre cement boards, waterproofing membranes.
    • Green segment: Recycled aggregates, solar panels, reflective coatings.
  3. Partner with New-Age Manufacturers
    Reach out to startups and niche material manufacturers who produce 3D printing mixes, bio-based bricks, or rapid-assembly panels. By becoming an early distributor, you can create a unique value proposition.
  4. Invest in Training and Demonstration
    For newer products, provide sample installations, demo kits, or videos to help clients understand the application. Conduct workshops for architects and civil engineers to build trust in these products.
  5. Manage Inventory Smartly
    Don’t discard traditional materials overnight. Instead, blend old with new, allocating a percentage of your storage and marketing to new products while continuing to serve core requirements.

In construction, materials shape possibilities. For building material suppliers, the future belongs to those who can spot trends, embrace innovation, and guide their customers toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable choices.

By realigning your product portfolio, you not only future-proof your business — you become a valuable partner in building the next generation of homes and infrastructure.

Wired for Life: Solving Home Electrical Problems with Smart Planning and Sustainable Choices

Our lives today are powered by electricity — quite literally. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, electricity supports almost every task: lighting, cooking, cleaning, entertainment, communication, and even mobility. With the rise in the number of appliances, gadgets, and smart systems in our homes, our power consumption is steadily increasing. This makes it more important than ever to not only have a safe and efficient electrical system but also one that is sustainable and aesthetically integrated into our living spaces.

Common Electrical Wiring Problems in Homes

Many homeowners face frustrating and even dangerous issues due to poor electrical planning. Some of the most common problems include:

  • Lack of switchboards or power outlets where needed — forcing the use of unsafe extension cords.
  • Excess switchboards cluttering walls — leading to confusion, dust accumulation, and poor aesthetics.
  • Overloaded circuits in kitchens or bathrooms where power-hungry appliances like microwaves, geysers, and washing machines are often run on the same line.
  • Improper earthing or outdated wiring — risking electric shocks or fire.

These issues usually stem from poor MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) planning during construction or renovation. Proper MEP implementation ensures not just safety, but also convenience and long-term efficiency.

Best Practices for Electrical Planning

To avoid wiring woes, it’s essential to follow these MEP best practices:

  1. Plan for Present and Future Needs: Consider the layout of each room and the kind of appliances or devices that will be used. For example, the kitchen should have separate lines for heavy appliances, and the bedroom should have accessible charging points near the bed.
  2. Avoid Overcrowding Walls: Instead of placing too many switchboards randomly, group switches by function and hide them in cleanly designed panels. Modular switchboards can blend seamlessly into interiors.
  3. Use Quality Materials: Wires, switches, sockets, and MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) should be sourced from reputable brands to ensure safety and durability.
  4. Ensure Proper Earthing and Load Balancing: This is crucial for both safety and longevity of appliances.
  5. Consult a Licensed Electrician: DIY wiring is dangerous. Always rely on a certified professional to execute the plan.

Energy Efficiency Starts with Smart Choices

In addition to wiring safety and aesthetics, households should also think about energy efficiency. Opt for:

  • LED lighting over incandescent or CFL bulbs.
  • 5-star rated appliances for refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, and water heaters.
  • Smart home systems that automate lighting and air conditioning based on occupancy and time of day.

These steps not only reduce electricity bills but also contribute to a greener planet.

Making Homes Both Smart and Beautiful

Electricity shouldn’t just be functional — it should also fit beautifully into your home. Concealed wiring, designer switch plates, motion-sensor lighting in bathrooms, and under-cabinet lighting in kitchens can all enhance the visual appeal and functionality of a space.

As electricity becomes more central to our lives, the way we wire and power our homes must evolve. Thoughtful planning, energy-efficient products, and a focus on safety and sustainability can transform a house into a smart, stylish, and future-ready home. Whether you’re building from scratch or renovating, let your home wiring reflect not just your lifestyle — but also your values.