Where do you source the timber?

All our timber comes from sustainable resources in managed forests. The use of such timber is therefore more environmentally friendly than the use of other building materials.

How long will my timber framed building last?

Many timber framed buildings have lasted for hundreds of years, every bit as well as others of the same age built in stone or brick. We expect that one of our timber framed buildings, on a proper foundation, will last for many centuries with reasonable maintenance.

What about rot and woodworm?

Timber is famous for its durability against rot and infestation, and so doesn't need special treatments. Some people like to apply a wood oil (boiled linseed oil) to their timber beams to slow up the drying process, but this is purely a matter of personal choice. As wood is a natural product, we would recommend that any timber is not left standing in water unprotected. Softwoods supplied by us are pressure treated against both rot and infestation.

Will we need planning permission?

Yes, we advise that you obtain written planning permission from your local Planning Authority before the build starts. Getting permissions properly saves an immense amount of trouble later, even if it takes a little more time and effort to start with.

What about cost?

We provide a full quotation in advance. You will find the cost of a timber framed building compares very favourably with brick or stone. Our initial estimates and final quotations specify clearly what is included, and what work needs to be handled by yourself or your other contractors - these may include groundworks, roof tiling, internal works, etc. and will need to be taken into consideration in arriving at a total project cost.

How can I be sure what the building will look like on my site?

We produce a booklet of line drawings showing designs, which can be sent to you upon request. Our designers can produce a line drawing of your chosen design on a modern CAD package for a fee deductible from the eventual build cost.

What about insulation and heating?

Wood is a good insulator in itself but the insulation in all of our timber homes is designed to over-perform against all the current UK building regulations, as standard, to reduce your energy needs and save on heating costs.

Is a timber frame house as strong as a brick and block house?

Yes, just as strong and just as structurally sound.  Each structure has the benefit of computer aided calculations to prove that the frame will not only support the structure and the roof but that it will withstand windforce and all other exposure factors. 

What happens about fire and in the event of a major fire, how does timber frame compare?

Our houses meet and exceed all building requirements relating to fire regulations and are therefore as safe as any other form of construction.  A timber frame has the advantage that it would retain much of its structural stability even if it does catch fire.

Will my timber home be easy to maintain?

As an engineered timber product, made under controlled factory conditions, timber frame homes are a high quality item with an enviable post construction performance record.

The National House Building council (NHBC) has said: " NHBC inspects and insures many thousands of timber frame homes every year.  Our claims records actually show that these houses tend to perform better than masonry homes, as more of the dwelling is made under closely controlled factory conditions."