Your Ultimate Guide to Building a Timber Frame Home

Are you looking to do a self build using timber frame? Here is a guide on the dos and dont’s.

There is an increasing demand for timber frame homes due to their aesthetic appeal, sustainability and energy efficiency. This blog will cover all the dos and don’ts of doing a self build timber frame home.

Lets begin on the planning of your timber frame self build

It is important to be realistic with the budget that you have available. The cost of a standard timber frame house in the UK can vary per square metre depending on what’s required for the build. It is also useful to plan for any hidden expenses that may crop up in the process. 

Secondly, you’ll need a design plan – whether that’s a custom design or a pre-designed plan which can come at a small fee. You may also want to take into account whether you would like to have architects and engineers involved in the build and to consider this cost in your budget.

Have you found a suitable plot of land for your build?

Next in the process, which you may already have in mind, is finding a plot of land. Consider the location and local climate, as timber frame homes can perform differently in certain environments. You will need planning permission, ensuring the land can be approved for timber frame construction. You can check local regulations and zoning laws, it is best to do this early on to avoid restrictions further down the line. 

It is important to consider the ground conditions of where you are planning to build, you will need to conduct a soil survey to assess whether the land is suitable for building on. Additional foundation work may be required so you would need to factor this into your budget. Finally, we recommend confirming the availability of essential services such as water, electricity, sewage and internet and when they can be installed. Land without utilities can lead to further costs for later installation once it’s already been built on.

The self build process

We have provided a step by step guide of where to begin with a self build timber frame home.

There are many things to carefully consider when beginning a self-build timber frame house. Beginning at the design and planning to weatherproofing and managing the build. We’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1. Design and Planning: It is best to have detailed design plans. You will need to think about things like the number of rooms and bathrooms and any specific design elements you require.
   2. Foundation Work: First of all you will need to get planning permission before you begin the build, you can ask your local council about this. You must meet local zoning laws and it is important to consider things like the quality of the soil, site accessibility and the proximity of services around.
   3. Buying your timber: Carefully choose a timber frame manufacturer with experience in producing high quality frames, trust us it’ll be worth it. Most timber frames are prefabricated off site which ensures precision, it can be delivered to the site on the agreed date once the foundations of the land are ready. 
   4. Weatherproofing: Consider what insulation, cladding, and roofing options you need. 
   5. Interior Work: This involves electrical work and plumbing. We recommend running the wiring and plumbing throughout the building before the internal walls are sealed. 

Final Checks and Compliance: Ensure everything meets building standards. You’ll need a building inspector to ensure everything meets building standards. They will issue you a completion certificate confirming the building meets all regulations.

What are the costs to consider for a self build?

Costs of a self-built timber frame can vary depending on the specifics of your build. Inevitable costs include things like materials, labour, design and permits. It is important to think about how you can save money in the long run, you can do this through considering how energy efficient your build is going to be, this can help contribute to low maintenance costs in future, resulting in long term savings. We can’t stress enough to plan for those unexpected costs that may occur too.

The common challenges you may face doing a self build

It is inevitable that there will be challenges that you will face during the process of your self build. Weather is a common delay, extending project timelines. There may be issues with a supply chain and materials may not always arrive on time due to a number of factors. Throughout the whole process, make sure you’re keeping on top of your budget and always check you’re sticking to local building regulations. It’s not all doom and gloom, it will take time and patience with your build and there will be lots of wins along the way and it will be extremely rewarding at the end once completed!

So why choose timber for your self build?

Opting to use timber for your self build home has numerous benefits, including design flexibility, energy efficiency and longevity. The process requires careful planning and attention to detail, from choosing the materials to problem solving issues that may arise, we are here to offer our expertise along the way so don’t hesitate to contact us!