Timber framed extension

bouicca21

My ex has been looking at a nice house, but apparently the kitchen extension is timber framed. He has asked the vendor to supply details of date of construction and building regs compliance. What else does he need to know? The vendor bought the house with the kitchen already there so it is possible he didn't ask the right questions at the time and won't have the answers. He says he had the kitchen surveyed and that it was declared to be fine.

The previous buyer pulled out when 'non standard construction' turned up on survey. The price is good but is this a walk away? I have a considerable interest in him making a successful purchase but not to the extent of encouraging him to make a serious mistake!

rpc

There's nothing inherently wrong with timber frame. It is a very common means of building newer houses - aside from anything else, the house is weathertight much quicker. My entire street is timber frame (early '80s builds) and I think I read that 75% of all new build homes in Scotland are timber frame. Of course, it needs to be done properly.

Is it also timber-clad? That is where things start getting iffy. If it is timber frame with brick/block skin then that is reasonably normal. I don't know if there are issues with a timber framed extension on a masonry-built main building.

The only person who can really tell you what you need to know is a surveyor.