Want a superior timber frame home? Read on for what to look for….
Any builder should be able to build you a timber-framed home, right?
When you have your heart set on a beautiful timber frame home though, all builders are not created equal. You need a builder that not only builds timber-framed homes but is a timber home SPECIALIST.
Here are 7 things to look for to ensure you get a superior timber home……
1. Do they only build in timber frames?
Or do they mostly build in double brick with a little bit of timber on the side? Do they build complete houses (first and ground floor) in timber frames or only the top story? Or do they use a variety of construction methods and timber frame is only one of them?
You want a builder that builds only in timber frame, that’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
2. How long have they been building in a timber frame?
Have they been building timber frames for years and years or only started say, a year ago? Do they have “combined” experience over multiple people who have moved in and out of the company or integral people who have stayed with the company and ensured that strong carpentry knowledge is passed through the company?
You want a builder who has been doing it for years and years (or at least their trades have been), that’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
3. How are the frames built and by whom?
Are they built from scratch on-site or are they built in a factory as pre-fab and delivered to the site? It is the owner of the company who is still on the tools as the integral trade-qualified carpenter? Or do they have teams of subcontractors led by trade-qualified carpenters?
You want trade-qualified carpenters building your home, preferably with frames built on site, that’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
4. Where does their experience come from?
Experience/qualifications gained from places where timber frame has been the primary form of construction for years (such as NZ or the Eastern states) means there is a higher chance that their timber frame building practices will be stronger. Especially if where you are building is coastal or it rains a lot and suffers from extreme weather conditions.
You want the trades they work with to be experienced in timber frame building too, from the drafter to the interior designer and everyone in between. That’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
5. Do they have quality references/testimonials from previous clients?
You want these, either written or video. Or better still, be able to speak to a previous client, to get a verbal reference. You want to know specifically about their timber framing expertise and preferably want to hear “…. an expert in their field….” and “…..the best I’ve ever come across….” etc. That’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
6. Do they have some projects that you can see?
Either on their website or in another form? Or better yet, will they meet with you and SHOW you one of their homes in progress?
You want someone who is more than happy for you to take a look at their work prior to covering it with cladding and gyprock, that’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
7. Do they use tricks of the trade, products and systems specific to timber frame?
For example, do they use windows specifically designed for timber frames or do they adapt windows designed for brick to suit? Do they use timber reveals around their windows or inferior gyprock reveals? Do they know how to use specific methods of timber frame building to increase the build integrity and insulation rating of your home to keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter?
You want a builder that KNOWS timber frames, is constantly developing new techniques specific to timber frames while still appreciating the old-fashioned art of carpentry to produce high-quality, beautiful workmanship. That’s a timber home SPECIALIST.
When you find a true timber home SPECIALIST you’ll know because:
- They only build in timber frame, it’s what they’re passionate about, they truly believe in it, they know it inside and out
- They have been building timber frames for years and years
- They are trade-qualified carpenters and their framing is consistent and of high quality (they have methods in place to ensure this)
- Their experience has been gained all or in part from places where timber frame is the primary method of construction
- They have quality testimonials from previous clients
- You can view some of their projects “on the go”
- They use products and systems specific only to timber frame building
They’re the ones that you want to build your beautiful timber frame home because they’re the ones who know how to build your home with integrity, strength and all the properties that timber frame homes are known for because they care about producing a quality home for you and your loved ones.
Any questions, please reach out. We’re only too happy to help.
