One of the most popular construction industry trends in recent years is timber framing. While the fundamentals of this building style have been around for thousands of years, innovative timber framing techniques and the inclusion of modern conveniences and materials have made these buildings extremely appealing. The fact that you can get all the benefits of modern homes combined with the natural beauty and expansiveness of traditional timber framing makes timber frame homes the ideal choice for many.
Timber frame home costs vary considerably depending on the size and scope of the project, but the fundamentals of building such structures remain similar for every build. Let’s look at the main things for contractors to keep in mind when building timber frame homes.
What Should Contractors Consider When Building a Timber Frame Home?
If you want to build a timber frame home that stays on budget and avoids many of the pitfalls that trouble newcomers, pay attention to the following:
Planning
You already have building experience, so you understand the importance of planning. However, it’s important to avoid getting overconfident about your current skills and how they will apply to timber frame projects. There is a learning curve with structural timber that can’t be avoided.
In your planning, give yourself time to work through new processes and do your best to partner with knowledgeable professionals. Pros can help you make sure your plan is realistic and save you from serious headaches.
Building Method
There’s a surprising amount of variety in timber frame construction. You can opt for a full timber framed structure or a hybrid model. Clients may want any number of architectural styles, such as barn, farmhouse, modern, and so on. Get clear about exactly what building method you will use before you start.
Material Choices
There are a variety of materials to choose from in timber construction. The type of wood you use is obviously important. There are also other possible design choices like stone or metal, depending on the aesthetic you are going for.
If you are new to timber framing, it’s advisable to seek expert guidance for your main material choices such as your structural timbers.
Site Assessment
Analyze the building site and determine what will be needed to build your structure there. This is a part of every building project, but with timber framing it’s particularly important because you have to get the large timbers to the site and any prefabricated pieces as well. Accessibility is important because it takes extra care and attention to erect a large timber frame.
Permits and Building Codes
Different municipalities have different requirements regarding timber frame structures. There are situations where it can be difficult to build a timber frame structure due to building codes, so don’t skip this part. Make certain that you can build what you want to build before you commit to a design.
Energy Efficiency
You can design timber frame structures to be extremely energy efficient. Just how efficient you make the structure will depend a lot on the client’s goals and budget. It’s important to make these decisions early so you can account for them in your design and sourcing before you start the build.
What Are the Common Challenges Faced in Building Timber Frame Homes?
If you are new to timber frame homes, you can expect to run into hurdles as you learn the building process. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. Working with an experienced partner like Hamill Creek can help you overcome common issues before they become big problems.
Some of the most common issues include:
- Timber Sourcing: Knowing how to choose the right materials for timber framing can be tough at first and getting those materials to your build site can be even harder. It’s important here to work with someone who has experience choosing and sourcing timber to avoid costly delays.
- Finding Craftspeople: While timber framing is becoming more popular, there are still only so many people who have the skills and expertise to do special tasks like classic joinery. This is another area where working with an experienced team can streamline your process.
- Choosing Materials: Some materials work better than others in timber framing, particularly when you want optimum performance in specific weather.
- Scheduling: Getting the right materials and craftspeople to the building site at the right times is an art and a science. Delays are common when you don’t have experience in this area. Effective communication and experience in these areas can improve timber frame project outcomes considerably.
Partner with Timber Framing Experts at Hamill Creek
Our team is excited to help. You already have most of the experience you need to excel at this – you just need to fine-tune your skills and knowledge. That’s where we come in. Our team can help you with the key considerations for building a timber-frame home. For expert guidance and support in your timber frame home-building projects, reach out to our dedicated timber frame specialists today and let us help you build your vision.
Blog Archive / The Durability and Longevity of Timber Frame Construction in Commercial Applications