Building your new house is an exciting new beginning for you and your family. If you're like most new homeowners, you're anxious for construction to be completed as soon as possible so you can take up residence in your home. However, it's important to take the time to ensure that your new house is fire-safe. Here are three tips to help you protect your house from fire damage:

1. Build with fire-resistant materials.

If you're concerned about the possibility of a fire, you can reduce the odds by using fire-resistant materials. Concrete is one of the safest building materials for houses due to its natural ability to resist fire. However, if you don't like the look of concrete, you can also opt for stucco or brick. Remember that fire safety doesn't stop at your walls. Windows can be hazardous in the event of a fire because the extreme heat can cause them to shatter. Choose windows that are insulated to prevent fire damage so you can rest assured that your family won't be cut by glass if there is a fire.

2. Landscape with fire safety in mind.

If you live in an area that is at risk for wildfires, you need to consider the fire hazards directly outside your home, too. According to Builder, you should plant shrubs no closer than 20 feet from your home. When choosing plants for your yard, try to choose plants that are less flammable. Acacia trees, bamboo, and fir trees are all highly flammable and should be planted at least 30 feet away from your home. Remember to prune your plants regularly to get rid of dead leaves and branches that could act as fuel in the event of a fire.

3. Consult with a fire protection engineer.

Ultimately, if you want assurance that your new home has adequate safeguards against fire damage, you should hire a fire protection engineer as a consultant. Make sure to hire your fire protection engineer as soon as possible so they can give their input on the building plans before construction gets underway. The last thing you want is to put a lot of time and money into construction only to find out the design isn't as fire-safe as it could be.

Fire safety is too crucial to be overlooked. You can build the nicest home in the world, but the best design won't matter if your home is destroyed by fire. These tips will help you build a home that's fire resistant.

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