Is this timber framed?

dodgy

Hi,

We've some houses being built near us which I'm guessing are timber framed.

They seem to be built to roof level out of some kind of wood covered with green sheeting, and then bricks built around that once it's up to roof height.

I'm assuming this is what a timber framed house is? My question .. I'd always understood these were a bit questionable when it came to mortgages and insurance, so why would a big developer (Charles Church) be building these houses this way? Have things changed? Is there a reason why this is a good way to build perhaps?

They aren't even cheap - 250k+.

BitterAndTwisted

Why do you think timber-framed houses are less mortgageable then any other kind? They've been building them for centuries and most of them are still standing now.

Doozergirl

If it were timber framed, you'd very clearly see the timber frame as it was being built.

It sounds a bit like SIPS - structural insulated panels although I've not seen them being used, only in magazines. You'd put bricks etc over those. The Building Control requirements for house building are changing to make houses more environmentally friendly.

Whatever it is, for a major housebuilder to be using it, it's going to need to be mortgageable by mainstream lenders!

jennifernil

Absolutely no problem getting a mortgage on a timber frame house, or insurance, we have had our TF house for 22 years now.

Only if the house is also timber clad will there be a problem, as this is considered to be more or a fire risk, and as uncommon in UK is also more difficult to mortgage.

dodgy

Interesting, thanks very much for the replies.

I wasn't actually looking to buy one, more curious why they were building them in this manner.

Gwhiz

dodgy wrote: »

Interesting, thanks very much for the replies.

I wasn't actually looking to buy one, more curious why they were building them in this manner.

Speed is main reason. Get a water tight structure very quickly so not so much delays from the lovely UK weather.

googler

Speed and reduced build costs = More Profit for the builder.

There's a tmber-framed block of flats not too far from me. I watched them build it from ground to 3rd floor level, and by the time they'd built it full height, there wasn't a hint of any steel or brickwork.

Then we had a REALLY bad rainy spell, and it looked as though the wood got thoroughly soaked. After that the pallets of 'Non-structural brick' arrived, and it started to look like a real building.......

I shudder to think what kind of rot will develop in the woodwork if they haven't dried it out before building over it...... perhaps some expert engineer can tell us?

Doozergirl

googler wrote: »

I shudder to think what kind of rot will develop in the woodwork if they haven't dried it out before building over it...... perhaps some expert engineer can tell us?

It would almost certainly have been pre-treated. We wouldn't even put a joist into a house if it hadn't already been treated. Then it won't matter if it gets wet a couple of times.

ILW

Is there any official projected lifespan of one of these timber framed buildings?

missile

ILW wrote: »

Is there any official projected lifespan of one of these timber framed buildings?

I know some which were built before I was born are still in very good condition and I expect they will be there long after I am gone.

knitknack

Well, there are still plenty of timber-framed (usually oak) medieval houses around!