Barratt - Timber framed - New build

Jamo574922

Hi All,

I have reserved a Barratt, new build home in Merseyside. Whilst I was aware of the fact I’ve become uncertain about the fact it is a brick faced timber framed home. 

I have no prior knowledge on this subject but the points that make me concerned as to if this is a ‘wise’ investment are as follows:

1. Are timber framed new build homes classed as a standard construction type?
2. Is there any additional concern or cost associated with insurance?
3. What is the resale value on this style of house? Does the market show a proportional trend in comparison to the standard construction builds within the UK? 

4. Have any issues been identified with both design/construction to timber framed homes built from 90s to present? 

5. It is likely that timber framed homes will become more common in the UK (and therefore widely accepted)  as they are in Scotland and the EU?

I would really appreciate feedback on the above points.

thanks to all who respond in advance,
Jamo574922. 

Doozergirl

Yes, timber framed homes are considered as standard build now.  Most large developer houses going up you can see an element of timber with brick/block outer skin these days. Barratt wouldn't be building them if they weren't.    

No insurance issues, no resale issues. 

Just get a proper snagging inspection carried out because large developers aren't exactly lauded for their attention to detail, regardless of build method.     

TadleyBaggie

We had one in the 80’s but would be wary of buying one now. It was very flexible and the floors felt like mini trampolines! 

sheramber

5. It is likely that timber framed homes will become more common in the UK (and therefore widely accepted)  as they are in Scotland and the EU?

Despite teh efforst of the SNP Scotland is still in the UK.

housebuyer143

It's like living in a pirate ship - only negative. Creaky and everytime a truck went the whole house would shake. 
I think they are considered standard construction for new builds now. 

SallyDucati

My house is timber framed built in 2017 by a small developer. 

 There have been no problems, the few that have been sold since have gone for a value that matches increases in the general market.  

ProDave

Nothing wrong with timber frame, I am in my second one.  Built properly they don't creak and the floors are not like a trampoline (brick houses also use timber floors, no difference)

So the only question, is it built properly.  And that comes down to do you trust your particular house builder to build it properly?  Plenty of examples of many of them building brick houses very badly.

Doozergirl

TadleyBaggie said:

We had one in the 80’s but would be wary of buying one now. It was very flexible and the floors felt like mini trampolines! 

80s style timber frames are not considered standard construction.  

caprikid1

Doozergirl said:

TadleyBaggie said:

We had one in the 80’s but would be wary of buying one now. It was very flexible and the floors felt like mini trampolines! 

80s style timber frames are not considered standard construction.  

It's a cheap low cost house building method that almost certainly won't have the same longevity as 100% brick built house, the question is does the price reflect that low cost construction methods.

Personally I would not consider a timber framed building. There seem to be plenty on here keen to protect their resale value.... everyone thought concrete was an ok method of construction as it was fast and quick.... but many now considered substandard due to issues. 

Why would you buy a house that you think may have issues unless there is real reason to.

artyboy

housebuyer143 said:

It's like living in a pirate ship - only negative. Creaky and everytime a truck went the whole house would shake. 
I think they are considered standard construction for new builds now. 

Hmm, my old 1600s timber framed cottage was like a rock - never any movement. Possibly more down to the overall quality of modern builds than the actual materials used?

(Mind you, it was a disaster in terms of insulation, good job energy was cheap back then...)

caprikid1

artyboy said:

housebuyer143 said:

It's like living in a pirate ship - only negative. Creaky and everytime a truck went the whole house would shake. 
I think they are considered standard construction for new builds now. 

Hmm, my old 1600s timber framed cottage was like a rock - never any movement. Possibly more down to the overall quality of modern builds than the actual materials used?

(Mind you, it was a disaster in terms of insulation, good job energy was cheap back then...)

Timber framed using slow grown uk oak, there are modern steels not as strong !. The Oak is probably close to 600 years old !