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Customer Questions
Our Frequently asked questions at QTF Services
If you are considering why should you choose to complete a timber frame build, QTF Services wish to make easy for you, therefore we have complied a list of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) we are asked about our Timber Frame Services. Please see our FAQ below and if you have a new question of wish to speak to a member of staff please contact us.
Why build with Timber Frame?
Timber frame buildings offers a wide scope and flexibility when it comes to house design. Timber Frame homes can be built in almost half the time of other construction methods and save home owners thousands on their home running costs. (Interested? See how) It’s largely for this reason that timber frame buildings in construction are becoming the preferred method for many self-builder, contractors and developers.
Can I expect quality and accuracy from QTF Services?
Of course! Our Timber frame homes are precision engineered in our controlled factory environment and each part of the frame is carefully cut and assembled to exacting standards and plans. The material used in our timber framed kits are from high quality Scandinavian or Canadian timber, which has dry matter content higher than that of Irish and British timber, so you can expect an excellent finished timber frame.
Is it more difficult to achieve regulatory approval for a timber framed building?
On the contrary, since timber is such a natural insulator, a timber framed build can generally achieve easier success levels than traditional masonry block construction.
Is a Timber Frame Build as strong as a masonry Build?
In almost all cases Timber Frame Homes are known to have the same strength, and in many cases will out-perform brick and block houses. As well as this, it is a structural system which is capable of supporting multi-storey construction. Well designed and erected, a timber frame kit is suitable for up to 6 floors. See the differences between timber frame builds compared to block builds in our latest blog posts.
Is it easy to tell the difference between a timber frame and conventional block and mortar house?
The main difference between these two construction methods is that the timber frame replaces the internal leaf of block work. Once the external brick work and the internal plasterboard are applied, the final appearance of a timberframed house is no different to a block or mortar built house.
Is it harder to obtain a mortgage on a timber framed house?
No. All major lenders offer mortgage finance for timber frame homes on the same terms as for other types of construction.
Is there a greater risk of fire in a Timber Frame House?
No. Timber Frame homes meet all fire standards required under the building regulations and, correctly constructed, there is no difference in fire risk to a timber frame home than to that of its masonry equivalent.
Does a Timber Frame building cost more to maintain and insure?
No. In fact, Timber frame builds provide excellent thermal and sound insulation with the benefits of home owners saving up to £1000 on annual heating costs, and 70% on overall energy costs according to UKTF. This Remarkable energy efficiency also means that houses stay warmer for longer once they have been heated. Insurance companies commonly make no distinction for either type of home. See more here: Results from NHBC reveal Timber Frame homes are performing better than masonry homes.
What is the life expectancy of a Timber Frame House?
There isn’t a definitive answer to this question. However, timber framed buildings have been around for centuries, some of our most valued historical dwellings were built using timber frame construction methods. These early buildings did not benefit from the modern preservatives used today in timber frame construction. Hence providing the building has the same level of maintenance a masonry building would receive life expectancy is no different.
Is a Timber Frame build really more environmentally friendly?
Yes. In no uncertain terms. The timber used in the UK for timber frame construction comes from sustainable forests. If you wish to se more information please read our latest article: How to build a sustainable home using Timber Frame.
Is sound insulation an issue in a timber framed house?
No. As a result of the UK’s building regulations, in most instances sound travel is no greater than that of a traditional masonry building.
Can my builder collect my frames or will QTF Services deliver them?
Your timber frames will be cut and assembled by QTF Services prior to delivery. Their modular components need special transportation, hence all of our timber frames are delivered by our team at QTF Services and handled by experienced staff. As we are delivering modules, this simplifies on-site construction and reduces material handling, minimising the risk of damage.
Do you deliver your timber frame kits to Ireland?
Yes, we cover the whole of Ireland and have completed many homes in Co. Louth, Co. Meath, Co Mayo, and Co. Donegal.
Do you deliver your timber frame kits to UK mainland?
Yes, we transport our timber frame kits to UK mainland weekly.
Do you have some questions for us?
If you have a question for QTF services which we have not addressed please do not hesitate to get in contact or wish to speak to use regarding a quote for our Timber Frame Kits please email us at [email protected].