Self Build Timber Frame Home

Planning

For you timber frame home, you will need an architect or designer, a timber frame company and a general contractor on your team.

Some timber frame companies offer all these services as a package or may have recommended contacts to use in your area. Selecting individuals over a turnkey package may require further coordination to bring them to work.

Timber Frame House Plans

One of the benefits of a timber frame home is that you can select a house literally off-the-shelf. This will keep your costs down considerably. It is still possible to build right from scratch to your own ideas of the lay out of your home. A plan should be developed with a timber frame in mind, otherwise it is likely to require modification to accommodate the timber frame and the variables of your site.

Finding and Architect

Timber Frame Home Choosing the right architect or designer for your timber frame house will make a significant difference in your satisfaction with the final results. Many timber frame companies offer either design services for custom homes, or have a portfolio of plans to choose from. Some offer both and even modification of existing designs.

It is best to have your designated architect or designer work directly with a timber framing company early on in the design process to avoid any duplication of services and to ensure the integration of timber framing details into your plans.

It is important to view a range of the designer's work, either in person or photographs. Contact previous clients and see what they thought - was the project delivered on time and within budget? Were they responsive to the client's needs?

If you are designing from the ground up, it is a lengthy process and one that is very personal, so it is important to get on with your architect.

Whether you design from scratch or work with a purchased plan, a thorough set of construction documents will be required for obtaining building permits and financing, and for completing construction. These documents form the basis of the contract with your builder.

Timber Frame Companies

The role of the timber framing company varies on the company and your requirements. Timber frame companies differ in the size of their operations, their style of timber framing, and the range of products and services offered. Services may include serving as a subcontractor, a general contractor or construction consultant.

You should see examples of the timber frame homes. Some of the questions to consider are:

What services and products do you supply?
How long have you been in the timber framing business?
Are you willing to consult with my designer and/or builder throughout the project?
Type of wood used? Characteristics and advantages of different kinds of wood?
Who raises or installs the timber frames?
What type of warranty is offered?
Are workers compensation insurance and the license(s) and insurance, required by our state and local governments maintained?
List of client references?