Why More Geraldton Locals Are Choosing Lightweight Cladding for Their New Homes
When it comes to building a new home in Geraldton, one design choice is gaining traction—and for good reason. More and more people are opting for lightweight cladding, and at Integrity New Homes Geraldton, we couldn’t be more supportive of this shift. Materials like James Hardie cladding are not only stylish and durable, but they also offer surprising advantages that many homebuyers don’t initially consider.
One of the biggest benefits of lightweight cladding is the value it brings to your build. At first glance, the materials may seem similar in cost to traditional options like brick veneer or double brick, but what many don’t realise is that lightweight cladding actually gives you more home for your money.
Let’s break it down. A standard lightweight external wall is made up of a timber frame, exterior cladding, and interior plasterboard. This setup gives you a wall thickness of around 110mm. Compare that to a brick wall—which includes the bricks themselves, a cavity, and internal lining—and you’re looking at an overall wall thickness of over 200mm.
So, what does that mean in practical terms? That extra 100mm of thickness on every external wall in a brick home reduces the internal floor area. In contrast, with lightweight cladding, you reclaim that space, effectively increasing your home’s usable interior without needing to expand the home’s footprint.
It might not sound like a big deal—100mm here or there—but multiply that by the full perimeter of your home, and you’re talking about gaining enough extra space to fit in a small bedroom or study. For growing families or anyone looking to maximise their floor plan without blowing the budget, this can be a game changer.
Beyond the space-saving benefits, lightweight cladding also offers a faster construction time, excellent thermal performance when installed with proper insulation, and a clean, modern aesthetic that suits coastal locations like Geraldton perfectly.
So, if you’re thinking of building and want to make the most of your budget, space, and lifestyle, have a chat with us about whether lightweight cladding could be the right choice for your home. At INH Geraldton, we’re here to guide you through every step of your building journey—with expert advice, personal service, and a commitment to delivering homes that are as practical as they are beautiful.
