With all the expansive luxury timber frame homes you see on social media, timber framing can seem way out of budget for most people. But the truth is that timber framing can be a budget-friendly option if you work with the right design team. At Hamill Creek, we have certainly designed plenty of luxury homes—but we have also designed plenty of small timber frame homes as well.
We are the ideal partner for small timber frame home builds. Our team is experienced with all types of designs, including cabins and tiny home builds. We are the best custom timber frame home builder to help you achieve your dream of a custom timber frame home that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
How Do You Build a Timber Frame Home on a Budget?
Some of the most important factors that will help you build a timber frame home on a budget include:
Work with a Knowledgeable Designer
It can be tempting to cut costs by choosing pre-made designs or trying to design them yourself. But remember, the design is the most important part of the build. If done right, it saves time, money, and costly problems during construction. A bad design can cost a lot more in the end than a good design you invest in at the beginning.
Choose Reasonably-Priced Design
The cost of materials is always changing, so it’s impossible to tell you what materials will be budget-friendly when you build. However, a reputable timber framing company will be willing to tell you at the time of your build what can be done to make the build more budget-friendly. At Hamill Creek, we only build using Douglas-Fir and Western Red Dedar. To save on the timber frame cost, a home can be built as a hybrid methodology, using timber in only the main areas, while using stick framing in the bedrooms.
Get Pre-Fabricated Components
If you can get some of your structure built off-site, it will often save you money. That’s because you don’t have to ship materials to your build site and pay contractors to come out and assemble them.
Use Standard Timber Sizes
A good designer will know your budget and design accordingly, which will include using standard timber sizes. That way you don’t have to purchase custom-made timber to complete your project.
What Places Can You Cut Costs on a Timber Frame Build?
Some places you can cut costs include:
- Square footage: The smaller the build, the less materials and time you need to build it—which is why small timber frame homes are so popular.
- Good design: A good design makes it easy to build things right the first time, while a bad design leads to expensive mistakes that are often easily avoidable.
- Standard window sizes: Custom windows are pricey, so ask your designer to use standard window sizes so you can get less expensive windows for your new home.
- Standard door sizes: You are probably noticing a trend here—standard sizes are mass-produced and therefore cheaper than custom options.
Pros and Cons of a Full Timber Frame Home vs. Timber Frame Additions
You always have the option of adding a timber frame addition to your home instead of going for a full timber frame build. There are several reasons why people choose to do this.
A stick-built home, which is by far the most common type of home built today, is the cheapest to build. It is built entirely from standard-sized lumber—think 2x4s—so it’s fast to build and the materials are cheaper than purchasing large structural timbers.
If you choose to build a standard home like this for cost reasons, you can still add a timber frame addition. That allows you to keep costs down while still getting some of the benefits of timber frame construction.
The pros of this route are that it’s cheaper and faster. The con is that it is not a full timber frame home, which means it doesn’t have that same charm.
What is the Cheapest Good Quality Wood for a Timber Frame Home?
Wood prices are changing all of the time, so what’s cheap today may not be cheap tomorrow. That being said, typically softwoods like Douglas fir and other evergreens are the least expensive woods to build with. The more of these types of timbers you incorporate into your home, the less expensive it will be.
Often, budget-conscious buyers will opt for designs that utilize more expensive timbers for the centerpieces in the home while choosing less expensive timbers for areas that are not as noticeable. Our designers can produce mockups of different designs to show you what each will look like so you can decide which construction options are right for your needs.
Let Us Help You Build a Timber Frame Home on a Budget
Timber frame homes can be built the way you want when you work with true professionals who prioritize attention to detail and your budget. Partner with Hamill Creek for your custom timber frame home needs. Get in touch with our timber frame experts today for more information on how we can assist in bringing your dream home to life.
Blog Archive / Building the Perfect Timber Frame Home: The Importance of Working with a Trusted Company