Timberframe houses

p24296

Hi, anyone built a timber frame house in N Ireland? If so, can you recommend a good company? did you have any problems getting someone to put in foundations, build outside walls, electrics, plumbing etc and has it worked out cheaper than going with blockwork or is that something that you wouldn't have considered. Any advice would be great.

WeeMo_3

we lived in a timber-framed house a few yrs back, it was very cosy in winter,
a bit cheaper to buy too.

System

Timberframe houses are renowned for being warmer that traditional build. That's true as long as your builder insulates it correctly.

We bought a new build timberframe chalet bungalow 12 years ago and couldn't understand why it was so cold. We discovered the builder failed to properly insulate the sloping ceilings in our upstairs rooms and had to call him back to correct it. I still don't think it's as warm as it should be but bar getting someone out to check how much heat is radiating from our roof we have no way to tell if there are any other uninsulated parts.

Francophile

Scotframe in Hillsborough have a good reputation.

mic200202

We just completed a timberframe last June.Think carefully about who is going to do the build work for you.If using a contractor, then make sure they have had experience of timber frame as its a different build strategy. If using subbies then same thing applies. It wont work out any cheaper in the end but should be built more quickly. Also make sure your architect has dealt with timber frame before - many who do plans out are not 'architects' as such but technicians who are used to dealing with planning issues etc. The plans and the timber frame co need to be singing off the same hymn sheet - we found probs when the plans needed to be translated by the timber frame co. Ideally, your timber frame co should be able to do a 3D design for you. Your insulation is VITAL to get right.Check to see it has all been put in correctly- a timber frame is only as good as its insulation. For windows and doors - they can be put in early in the project again make sure they have previous experience of timber frame as there are differences from normal installation.Unless you are experienced, in the current market you should get a builder to price the whole job. You can PM me if you want to ask some more.