Whether you’re planning a renovation, purchasing a new home, or buying with the intention to renovate in the future, understanding how a property is built is just as important as location or layout.

The construction type behind the walls can influence comfort, energy efficiency, renovation costs, maintenance and long-term value. From double brick homes to timber and steel-framed construction, each build type comes with different strengths and considerations that can shape both your living experience and future plans.

According to Michael Catalano from Catacon Constructions, there is no single “best” construction method. Instead, the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how you plan to use or evolve the property over time.

Double brick homes

Double brick and solid masonry homes are often associated with strength, durability, and long-term appeal. “Double brick is a very solid type of construction,” says Catalano. “People think or assume it is superior to other methods of construction.”

One of the biggest advantages of double brick homes is their natural thermal and acoustic performance. They tend to stay cooler in summer, warmer in winter, and offer strong sound insulation, all of which can improve everyday comfort and reduce reliance on heating and cooling.

However, buyers and renovators should also understand the challenges that can come with solid construction. “Its biggest weakness is its rigidity,” Catalano explains. “Any movement will cause cracks more easily compared to other methods of construction.” For owners planning major renovations or extensions, this can mean more complex structural work and potentially higher costs.

Timber-framed homes

Timber-framed homes remain one of Australia’s most common construction methods and are often favoured for their flexibility and renovation potential.

For buyers looking to modernise or extend over time, timber can offer significant advantages. “Timber is probably the easiest as it’s more readily available and easier to carry out on site,” says Catalano.

Timber-framed homes are generally easier to reconfigure, making them well-suited to open-plan redesigns, additions, or evolving lifestyle needs. Renovations can often be completed more efficiently than with solid masonry homes.

However, timber does require ongoing maintenance and careful moisture management. In damp conditions, timber can deteriorate over time and may attract termites if not properly protected.

“A lot of timber framed structures will put a chemical barrier around the perimeter that requires an annual top up,” Catalano notes, referring to termite protection treatments designed to help prevent termites entering the home. Regular inspections and maintenance are often recommended to ensure the barrier remains effective over time.

Steel-framed construction

Steel framing has become increasingly popular for buyers seeking durability and termite resistance. “The largest advantage is termites,” says Catalano. “Obviously, termites can’t eat through steel.”

Steel also resists warping and movement more effectively than timber, which can provide greater structural consistency over time.

However, Catalano notes that steel can be slower and more labour-intensive to work with during construction or renovations. “Things must be screwed together instead of nailed. This equates to a longer process during the framing and fix-out stages.”

While steel avoids some of the maintenance concerns associated with timber, it still requires protection from corrosion in coastal or damp environments.

Renovating and extending

One common misconception is that extensions must match the original construction type of the home. In reality, many successful projects combine double brick homes with lightweight timber or steel additions.

“It is absolutely possible,” says Catalano. “It is neither a pro nor a con, more so a choice.”

For property owners, lightweight additions can sometimes simplify construction, improve flexibility, and create a more contemporary architectural outcome.

Ultimately, Catalano believes all three construction methods, double brick, timber, and steel, can be adapted successfully. “All of them have the potential to be altered,” he says. “It really depends on the design, the cost, and the look customers or architects are trying to achieve.”

Looking beyond the surface

For buyers and property owners alike, understanding a home’s construction is essential, particularly when future renovations or extensions are part of the plan.

While styling and presentation can influence first impressions, the materials and structure behind a home will often determine how adaptable, comfortable, and cost-effective it is over the long term.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of different build types, buyers can make more informed decisions that support both their lifestyle goals and the future value of their property.