If you are a contractor thinking about building a timber frame home, you are not alone. The rise in popularity of this classic building technique has many contractors around the world looking to add timber framing to their skillset. There are things to consider when timber framing that every contractor should be aware of—things we will cover here.
At Hamill Creek, we are experts in the timber frame home construction process. Our craftsmen have years of experience with the design process, project development, construction, regulations, and the many other facets of timber framing. If you have questions, chances are we have the answers. Please get in touch to learn more.
Vetting Timber Frame Companies
The vast majority of contractors partner with other timber frame companies to deliver quality homes on time. Of course, not every timber frame company is equal. As with any builder, some are more reputable than others.
When you are relatively new to the timber framing process, it’s important to work with companies that you can rely on. One of the great things about partnering with Hamill Creek is that you get access to our resources, including a list of companies that we know are reputable and have worked with in the past.
We know how to source timbers, find contractors with specialized skills, and other tradespeople with experience in timber framed builds.
The Design Process
One of the most important things to consider when timber framing is the design. You are probably well aware of how important it is to take your time when designing a new structure. The design process is time-consuming, but it’s time well spent because it merges your vision with reality.
The timber frame designers at Hamill Creek understand how to take the client’s dreams and goals and translate them into the real world. As you know, sometimes you run into complications. There are limitations with different building designs, potential supply chain issues, regulatory concerns, and other factors that come into play.
A good design will account for all of these things so you wind up with a structure as close to the vision as possible—but that is also something that can actually be built under the given conditions.
Types of Timbers
We are often asked, “Where can I source timber frames?” Luckily, we have extensive resources in this area. Our team knows how to source a wide variety of timbers. While availability is not guaranteed, we can often find all types of timbers, including:
- Bald cypress
- Western red cedar
- Eastern white pine
- Port Orford cedar
- Douglas fir
- Red oak
- White oak
- And more…
Construction Methods
There are many ways to build a timber frame home, but some are much more common than others. At the core, a timber frame structure is typically built around heavy timbers joined with specialized joints.
The structure uses such heavy timbers and strong joints that load-bearing walls are usually unnecessary. That allows for large, open floor plans and expansive interior spaces.
Joiner is a particularly important construction method used in timber framing. Mortise and tenon, tying joint, lap joint dovetail, scarf joint, and other joint types are possible.
Many builders ask, “What is the foundation for a timber frame construction?” Most of these homes are built on a poured concrete slab, which is relatively affordable. The right foundation type will depend a lot on the final design and the geographical considerations of the building site.
Popular Styles
Timber framing is used around the world for housing, which means there are many different styles to choose from. Some of the most popular include:
- Farmhouse
- Saltbox
- Gambrel
- Raised Cape
- Fancy Barn
- And many more….
Budget & Expectations
When determining the budget and other expectations for a timber frame build, it’s important to consider all possible factors. As you know if you have built other homes, many different things can affect the cost of a house, how long it takes to build, and so on.
Some estimates put the final cost of a timber frame home at around $350 a square foot. But timber prices are always changing.
Timelines for builds can also change significantly from year to year due to sourcing challenges and other hurdles.
The best way to get an accurate estimate on cost and timeline is to partner with an experienced builder like Hamill Creek Timber Homes.
Contact Us for Expert Advice on Timber Framing
Contact Hamill Creek today for any inquiries you may have about timber frame homes. We’re your expert partners dedicated to ensuring a seamless and efficient process in building your timber frame home.
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