We manufacture and erect value timber frame buildings for self-builders and developers U.K. nationwide. Email your plans for a quote.
Timber Frame refers to the structural building shell only, this means the walls, floor and roof, delivered and erected to any design, size, shape.
Self Build Timber Frame Buildings. The Most Common Build System Worldwide...
Over 70% of people in the developed world live in timber-frame housing. In the USA and Canada it accounts for 90% of low-rise buildings and 65% of all new housing in Scotland. One in four new homes in the U.K and over half of all new social housing is now timber-frame (Figures from UKTFA).
Self Build Timber Frame Buildings. Better Insulation Values…
It’s a fact that timber frame buildings have higher insulation values than standard masonry structures. This typically saves 30-40% on heating bills. Depending on the insulation material used the thermal values can be significantly better than traditional breeze block structures.
Self Build Timber Frame Buildings. Environmentally Friendly…
Timber-Frame is by far the most environmentally friendly way to build. It has the lowest CO2 cost of any commercially available building material. For every cubic metre of wood used instead of other building materials, 0.8 tonne of CO2 is saved from the atmosphere. Timber is an organic, non-toxic and naturally renewable building material. Although worldwide, deforestation remains a significant issue, UK timber frame uses 99% European softwood and every year European forests grow by over 3,500 square miles (figures from UNECE).
Self Build Timber Frame Buildings. Speed of Construction…
The average timber-frame house can be constructed in five days and you can usually move in within six to eight weeks. That’s a massive saving in time. Plumbers and electricians can start work quickly and with ‘open-panel’ walls and ‘metal-web’ floor joists it’s much easier for them to lay pipes and wires, further reducing time and costs.
Self Build Timber Frame Buildings. Engineering Accuracy…
With modern manufacturing technology and computer aided design used in controlled factory settings, timber-frame structures can be measured to +/- 1mm accuracy. Apart from the obvious advantages in the integrity of your build, this also makes laying carpets and installing kitchens trouble free.
Self Build Timber Frame Buildings. Cheaper…
Although the elemental cost of timber-frame is arguably cheaper than traditional build the real savings come from the speed of construction and the simplification of trades, realistically saving 20-25% in total cost and 30-40% overall build time. Additionally you get a fixed cost from the very start, allowing accurate budgeting. In the long term you get lower heating bills, no subsidence, cracking or damp.
Loads of Advantages…
There are simply loads of advantages to timber frame, that’s why it’s the most common build system in the world. Book an appointment to see an advisor and find out more.
QUESTION: What exactly do I get with a timber-frame supplier?
Our timber-frame suppliers will manufacture your bespoke design and erect the frame on your site. This will include all the external and internal walls. Roof trusses and metal-web floor joists and often stairs. A typical timber-frame example...
QUESTION: Can timber-frame buildings be finished in Brick and Stone?
Yes. Just like breezeblock superstructures, you can finish with an outer course of brick or stone fixed with wall ties. If you want to finish with a timber cladding your simply batten directly to the timber frame. For renders we recommend render boarding fixed to battens with a skimmed finish.
QUESTION: What work is left to do?
Timber-Frame will account for about a quarter of your build, so there’s still plenty of work to finish the building. The advantage of timber frame is it makes all the subsequent work much easier. In brief you need to externally brick, render or clad the external walls, batten the roof and fit the roof tiles. Fit the windows and doors. At the same time, internally, you can be fitting the plumbing, electrics and staircases. You then roll insulation into the wall panels and close them with plasterboard lining, you may want to skim the internal walls with plaster. In many cases you’ll put Celotex insulation on the ground floor and then cover this will a floor screed. Fit flooring materials, kitchen and bathrooms, internal doors and carpentry. Finally your second fix plumbing and electrics and internal decorating.
QUESTION: Don’t buyers prefer brick and block builds?
Not when it comes to paying the heating bills! Don’t forget you can still brick finish timber-frame, there’s no external difference. The frame is only replacing the breezeblock or concrete superstructure, which is less energy efficient and gives no better structural integrity.
QUESTION: Do you construct the buildings on-site?
Yes. Each of our manufacturers will deliver and erect your building. Unlike brick and block builders who are often on-and-off site for months, depending on weather conditions and materials supply, timber-frame-buildings teams erect each building in one continuous stay, which normally takes no longer than a few weeks.
QUESTION: Can you make any design and size?
Yes. Practically any design and size, up to six storeys, can be constructed in timber-frame.
QUESTION: Do buildings conform to building regulations?
Yes, of course. Timber-frame is an engineered and tested build method that is the norm in most parts of the world. With the latest advancements in insulation and construction methods, timber-frame is leading the way towards low-carbon and energy efficient living.
QUESTION: Does Timber Frame affect my home insurance?
No. Timber Frame has a good reputation with regards to fire safety and meets all current building regulation standards. Insuring timber-framed houses is not a problem, and prices are in line with conventional home insurance. Do not confuse Timber Frame homes with Scandinavian style homes, which can prove to be more difficult to insure.
QUESTION: Will I be able to get a Mortgage for a Timber Frame Home?
Yes of course. Mortgage lenders don't differentiate between Timber Frame and masonry homes.
QUESTION: Will there be any issues with Planning permission?
No. Timber Frame is an accepted building method in all counties around the country and will make no difference to the outcome of a planning application.
JUST EMAIL YOUR HOUSE PLANS FOR A QUOTE
