Whether your buying or building a Timber Frame home, here is what you should know.
One of the first questions we are asked, ‘What’s the cost?’
A timber frame structure is a fixed cost solution for builders developer and first timber builders. When you choose timber frame is easier to estimate the exact cost of the build as everything is built off site at a factory there are less waste materials also. This ensures that the additional expenses that spiral when building a block built house, can now be eliminated which is a huge benefit for builders and developers. In our experience accurate costing always read well at the close of any build project.
How long will it take to build a Timber Frame house to completion?
With good communication comes good times! A Timber frame build will reduce your construction time by up to 30%, no matter what the weather the timber frame can be erected as a full scaffolding system is in place, so if you are buying a new home or building you will be ready to move in sooner than you would with a block built house,
Plumbers and electricians can begin work as soon as the Timber frame structure is up. This means these trades will be working on a house within a week of construction starting on site!
Where do we save money with a timber frame build?
If you choose to build a house with timber frame you will see many saving with the reduced construction costs.
Reduced construction costs come from many elements including:
Timber Frame kits are manufactured in an off-site factory environment, built to the exact size of your home, therefore we can be exact in the materials we need to build the home and save on wasted materials
Reduced costs from tradesmen, because it only takes on average three days to erect, tradesmen can start straight away with no hanging on.
All costs are fixed which allows for certainty of budget and greater control
What about timber frame Foundations?
Another advantage of building a timber frame house is that a less expensive foundation is required. Timber frames are engineered to exact tolerances and are strong and durable. Buildings can be achieved in areas with poorer ground conditions due to this mix of lightweight with rigidity, strength and durability.
Is there more snagging when building a timber frame house?
Any issues that could potentially arise with a timber frame kits can be eliminated before it leaves our factory meaning once it hits your site, it’s ready to be erected without concern.
Will I need to employ many trade men?
The number of personnel required to complete a timber frame structure is less that is required for other forms of construction such as brick and block built houses. The panels arriving on site are numbered and stored in sequence to ensure smooth erection by joiners. Handling is reduced as a crane is used to lift the panels from the trailer to the building site. If you are using a QTF Timber Frame kit, we can help you sort out Trade People.
What Health & Safety Requirements are there?
A full scaffolding is erected before panels arrive on site which offers all trades persons an extra barrier of safety in their working environment. Due to a reduction in waste and excess material coming to site there are less unnecessary hazards.
Quality & Consumer Confidence
Whether you are building or buying a timber frame house we recommend that you get some background information on who the company is and check out there accreditations. For example, QTF Homes are quality accredited under the NSAI Timber Frame Manufacturing scheme in principle and practice this means that there are standards set for materials quality, design and engineering quality and manufacturing process quality all of which should offer consumers greater confidence in the product which they are being supplied.
All of our timber frame kit units are built in secure factory settings in our manufacturing premises outside Newry, Co Down Northern Ireland. We use the latest CAD technology, and the accuracy of the finished timber frame panels can be measured to within +/- 1mm. This greatly reduces on site problems and makes life easier on builders.
Building Energy Rating Certificates (BER)
Mandatory energy labels (BER Certificates) have started to be introduced throughout Europe. This simply means that buildings are to be energy rated in a similar fashion to white electrical goods such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers etc. This is expected to fuel a rise in sales of timber frame buildings as they are far more energy efficient than their masonry counterparts with savings of up to £1000 a year.
Environmentally Benefits
Timber is the only sustainable renewable commercially viable building material. The production of concrete for block builds produces vast amounts of Carbon Dioxide (C02) , which has a negative impact on the environment and contributes significantly to global warming. Wood on the other hand reduces the effect of global warming by extracting C02 from the air, it is a carbon sink. All timbers used by QTF Homes manufacture comes from sustainable forests of Canada Scandinavia and other parts of Europe . As timber frame builds are superior in their energy efficiency, less fuel is used to heat them, thereby reducing both emissions & heating bills.
Suitability of Timber frame for medium rise buildings
Apartments, social housing, schools, offices, hotels, student accommodation, community and sports centres and even hospitals are all examples of the types of medium rise buildings that have been built using Timber frame. Buildings of up to at least 6 storeys are frequently built using timber frame.
Will my timber frame house have a chimney?
Yes, a real fire can be installed in a timber frame home. Timber frame is no more at risk of a fire incident than its masonry counterpart. The same building regulations apply to this form of construction.
Choosing to work with QTF Homes
If you are a Builder or developer and would like to visit our design and production facilities to discuss your timber frame project, time frames and costs, please call us now on 028 4063 2394, or simply email [email protected] to arrange an appointment. You can also send your drawings to us for a free quotation.
Our services available to you:
Site specific free quotations available to architects drawings
Timber supply only service
Full timber frame kit erection service if required
Advice & guidance on your timber frame build, design and installation
Technical support pre and post supply
Product information on timber frames