If you are ready to move forward with your new timber frame home, the first step will be developing your timber frame home plan. You’ll be working with someone from the timber frame company you’ve chosen or with an independent designer or architect. You’ll ask many of the same questions, but if you are working outside of a timber frame company, you do need to ask if the designer or architect has any heavy timber experience. This can greatly affect the efficiency (and cost) of your new timber frame home.
Will you be working directly with the designer or will there be others involved? A team effort works well. Each member of the team (and you are the key member of the team) brings insight and experience. Do the designer and the rest of the team (the person who sold you the timber frame) work from the same location? Can they easily exchange ideas and information?
Who will own the copyright to the plan? Typically the copyright will belong to the company who is doing the design and you will have the right to build the home once. If you expect to own the copyright, this must be negotiated up front.
Can you build the timber frame with another company (if you are working with a design/build firm)? This varies greatly across the industry. At Goshen Timber Frames, clients can take the design to another company once they have paid for the plan and the proper release is signed. Some companies will not transfer the right to build.
If you are building from a distance, is the company prepared to provide you with electronic files, online meetings, and shared folders for you, your contractor, and any other suppliers? This is critical to a smooth design process unless you live close to the designer/builder.
Can you purchase a plan at an online plan service and adapt it to work with timber frame construction? The short answer is “yes”. The long answer is that some plans work well and others don’t easily become timber frames. If you do want to purchase a plan from outside the industry, work closely with your timber frame plan designer to determine whether the plan will work as a timber frame and how the timber frame will be incorporated into the plan. It usually works better to work with a stock timber frame plan in that case. Custom design is always an option and should be considered if you don’t find a plan that can be easily revised for you.
Will the plans meet your local building code? The designer/architect should work closely with an engineer registered in your state to make sure that the plans will meet/exceed all applicable codes. At Goshen, we work with an engineer who is registered in every state. All Goshen timber frame designs are overseen by an engineer who is experienced in timber frame and structural insulated panel construction.
Will the design fee be hourly, a flat fee, or is it part of the timber frame package? This is an important question. Design fees can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
These are just a few of the questions that you should consider or ask as you move toward designing and building your timber frame home. We’ve developed our design/build process to work well for the homeowner. At Goshen we believe in the team experience and understand the importance of making sure that the plans work for the individual. Communication is critical and the Goshen team excels in communication.
Just remember this home will be around for centuries and Build Boldly!
The three R’s in the decades old sustainable living code – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – can easily be extended to include another “R” or even two. Making “responsible” choices is yet another step in the right direction. Decisions we make daily impact much more than our daily walk. Small decisions have long term benefits. Decisions we make on a larger scale can bring both short term and long term benefits.
When we make responsible choices as we build, we protect the environment. Timber frames (designed to fit the land and to be energy efficient, built with sustainable materials) make building responsibly much simpler than most building methods.
Tim Wall shares his insight on yet another “R” in an article in Discovery News. ”Reconsider could become the fourth R in the mantra…” in Tim’s view. This article explains that wooden structures become storehouses of carbon. The facts are there, it’s just up to us to make wise choices.
So whether the 3 R’s expand to include “Responsible” and “Reconsider” is up to you as you plan your new home. A timber frame home will help you to move in the right direction and will serve you well.
Tags: energy efficiency, green building, green building products, healthy homes, sustainability, timber frame, timber frame homes, timber frames, timber framing
Designing your new home may seem intimidating. And truthfully, it can be. There are so many decisions, large and small, that will impact your life. We’ll look at some of the most important decisions. Once these decisions are made, you can move on to less stressful decisions.
- Your home needs to work with the local vernacular. It shouldn’t be a cookie cutter replica. It should complement the other homes in the area, but definitely not be identical. The contrasts should lend to it’s individuality. Not only will this keep your neighbors happy, it will help maintain the value of your home. No rambling brick rancher belongs in an area of lodge-style or craftsman-style homes. The neighborhood should have character and a variety, but don’t go too far afield.
- Choose a style that makes you happy. An aesthetically pleasing home will make you smile each time you arrive home.
- Your home should “live” exactly as you live (your rooms should fit your lifestyle). If you enjoy the outdoors, be sure to incorporate porches and decks. If you need quiet space, an away room, office, or a small nook that will let you sit quietly is important. If you are a gourmet cook…or just enjoy cooking…you won’t be happy with a small basic kitchen. Think about how and where you spend your time when you’re home. Design for you…not for the Jones or a trend you’ve seen in a magazine.
- Work with a designer or architect who will listen. Even if you are revising a stock plan, at the end of the day, it should reflect your tastes. Architects and designers have skills far beyond the average homeowner. They know what works and what doesn’t, but they should help you to develop your plan to work for you. Don’t get lost in the process.
- Make a list of the most important elements you want to include. Keep it short and specific. This is a “choosing your battles” type of decision. If these items are important, be willing to give on other components that make these key elements work for the design and the budget. You may need to downsize to keep a complex roof line that you find charming. Or you may need to have a smaller home so you can spend more money on your outdoor living spaces. Try to keep the list short and be flexible on less important (to you) items.
So build, build boldly and design with your heart and your head.
Thank you for letting us share our tips with you, Bonnie Pickartz.
Tags: design/build, green building, hybrid home plans, Owner/Builder, Timber Frame Design, timber frame house plans, timber frames
When building your timber frame home, it’s important that you consider your site first and foremost. Your land will define your timber frame. From looking for land to evaluating a site, there is no step more critical to your building process.
Several years ago a guide called “The Mountain Home Guide” was published. We felt that it was important enough to post permanently on the Internet and maintain the site where you can read it or download the PDF version to read off line. This little booklet offers insight into the steps you should take when considering a piece of property. While it was written for the mountains, most of the information works no matter where you’re building. 
Timber frames are meant to sit lightly on the land. Because they are sustainable and energy efficient, they are the perfect choice for a home that will last for generations. If you chose the land for your site wisely, you will be well served.
The Mountain Home Guide offers common sense advice on many of the key decisions you’ll make as you buy and develop your homesite. We offer it as important reading you’ll need to do before you purchase your land and as you move forward.
And wherever you build, remember to Build Boldly!
Tags: Construction Costs, daylighting, design/build, energy efficiency, green building, healthy homes, small homes, sustainability, timber frame, timber frame homes, timber frames, timber framing
Summer is almost here and you’ll want to make the best of the all the season has to offer. I’m sure you’re well past your spring cleaning and want to be proactive about getting outside and about bringing the outside in, so we’ve brought together a few suggestions that will help you to make your summer more enjoyable…whether you live in a timber frame home or not.
1) Hang a bird feeder and keep it filled. The hummingbirds are especially fun to watch.
2) Clean and repair your outdoor furniture. A little paint (maybe in a new color) and some new (or recovered) cushions will give your outdoor space a great new look.
3) Adding a clothesline will allow you to reminisce and to have the sweetest smelling linens imaginable. Not only will you save money, but you’ll enjoy the time spent hanging out the laundry.
4) Put a chair and table or a glider in your garden. Tuck it into a quiet spot and make it your quiet place. Take a book and retreat to your own spot when life is hectic.
5) Add some new lighting and sound to your outdoor space. Some soft lights and a speaker or two will make you want to stay outside longer. Look at some of the solar lighting options at your local home store.
6) Rearrange your furniture to take advantage of the views to the outside. The fireplace was a great focal point during the gray winter months, but the explosion of green and color gives you a ringside seat as nature paints the outdoors.
7) Consider adding an outdoor room. Of course, a timber frame makes a wonderful outdoor addition. That’s a shameless plug for Goshen Timber Frames , but a great way to enhance your outdoor space.
So step back and leave behind the winter. Step into summer with the intention of enjoying every day. Slow down, take a deep breath, and relax.
Tags: timber frame addition, timber frame homes, timber frame porch, timber frames
The prospect of building your new timber frame home can feel daunting. There are so many decisions to make. Working with the right timber frame company and hiring the right contractor are two of the most important choices you will make. Your timber frame company will guide you through the design process and will cut your timber frame, raise, and enclose it. The contractor will be responsible for the permits, subcontractors, and all other building materials.
The most common contracts you’ll find in residential construction are lump sum contracts and cost plus contracts. There are variations of both and each have advantages and disadvantages for both the owner and the contractor. As you interview contractors, you should discuss the type of contract that they work with and what options you have. Most contractors are pleased to have the opportunity to work with timber frames and the timber frame company should be willing to discuss the project with the contractors you are interviewing.
The lump sum contract is sometimes called a stipulated sum and is the most basic of contracts. The contractor agrees to build the home to the specifications as defined by the plans for a fixed amount. You will need a fully developed set of builder’s plans prior to moving forward with a lump sum contract. The builder will bid the project based on the scope of work and the specifications agreed upon.
Advantages
- The cost is agreed upon at the beginning of the contract.
- The project should move forward quickly because material selections are made well in advance.
Disadvantages
- If material selections are not carefully specified, the contractor has the option using materials and methods that meet the minimum options specified.
- Because there is a risk to the contractor, the contractor’s fee will include money to cover this risk.
- Change orders can be costly and difficult.
The cost plus contracts are available in more than one format and offer flexibility. Typically, the contractor will work up an estimate to build the home, including allowances for fixtures, flooring, appliances, lighting and other items. The two most commonly used cost plus agreements are cost plus a percentage and cost plus a fixed fee.
Cost plus a percentage has been one of the most common contracts for many years. With this contract, the contractor charges for all direct and indirect costs plus a fixed percentage.
Cost plus a fixed fee is becoming a more popular version of the cost plus contract. The contract is based on estimates provided by the contractor and a fee based on those estimates is calculated and agreed upon. While the material and labor costs may change, the fee is set and isn’t impacted by the owner’s decision to upgrade materials, fixtures, or appliances. While minor change orders may not impact the fee, significant changes may fall outside of the fixed fee agreement and a separate fee charged by the contractor.
Advantages
- There is no reason for the contractor to use materials that meet only minimum specifications.
- The contractor can work with a lower margin than with a lump sum contract.
- With a fixed fee, the owner has more control over the total cost of the project based on his/her choices.
- With a fixed fee, the contractor has more incentive to move the project forward to completion more quickly.
- The owner can take advantage of the builder’s discount on materials.
Disadvantages
- Cost plus a percentage can lead to overspending and a longer build time by the contractor in order to increase his fee.
- There is no guarantee of the final cost.
While we’ve only addressed the most common types of construction contracts there are variations that may work to your advantage. You can negotiate either a bonus or a penalty (or both) to bring the project in on or under time and budget. No contract is set in stone and the details should be worked out well in advance of signing the agreement.
So move forward carefully, but when you build…build boldly.
If you’d like some sample contracts, just give me a call at 828-524-8662 or email me at
bonnie@goshenframes.com .
Thanks for joining us here, Bonnie Pickartz
Tags: Construction Costs, design/build, timber frame homes, timber frames
Multi-generational housing has always been easy for timber frame homes. With no bearing walls, the space is flexible and with open spaces, it is much easier to be accessible. As families are motivated to live closer together, whether by economic challenge or lifestyle change, secondary suites or “granny flats” offer an opportunity to turn a single family home into a primary and secondary residence.
Whether the new space is built to bring aging parents closer or to give younger family members their own place to live, there are many options to expand. A basement suite, garage conversion suite, detached cottage, or an addition to an existing home all offer the chance to grow your space.
If you’ve always wanted to build a timber frame, but love your location and your home, this is the opportunity to build an additional cottage or to add on to your home with a timber frame. Timber frames provide the flexibility and, when enclosed in structural insulated panels (SIPs), energy efficiency.
With forethought and good planning, even local code officials and home owner associations can be approached to allow for these spaces. Better use of everything from water to sewer connections and…less lawn to soak up resources…offer compelling reasons to add that space to an existing built out lot.
So, think about a granny flat and when you build…build boldly.
Just think about it…Bonnie Pickartz
Tags: aging in place, Construction Costs, design trends, design/build, hybrid home plans, Kit Homes, small homes, sustainability, Timber Frame Design
As you begin the design/build process, you’ll talk to one or more timber frame companies about building your timber frame home. How those conversations go will often determine which company you work with as you move forward. If you..or they…aren’t asking the right questions, you could miss an opportunity to work with a great company or you might end up with a company that might not work well with you.
1) Educate yourself. Your initial meetings will go much further if you’ve spent some time on the Internet educating yourself about the timber frame building process, styles of timber frames, and the difference between timber frames, log homes, and conventionally framed homes. This will help you to better understand their answers in the “timber frame” context.
2) Narrow down the companies you want to consider to two or three. You might send off an exploratory email or make a call to a few more to help you narrow down your choices. There are great timber frame companies all across the country. Each one has their own “package” and business model. The differences may be subtle or blatant, but if you look at too many, you’ll only be confused, not better served.
3) Don’t be intimidated or insulted if they ask about your budget somewhere in the early conversations. They aren’t doing you a favor by making you think you can build more home than you can afford. Be frank and be willing to listen to them when they tell you that you can build within your budget, but you’ll need to make some tough decisions if you are trying to build more home than the budget will sustain. However, if their focus seems to be on your budget and time frame and not on you and your project, you might want to think twice.
4) Build with someone you would like if you met them outside of the timber frame context. Designing and building a home can be stressful. If you are working with someone that you can communicate with on a very personal level, then you are ahead of the game.
5) Make sure that they have a system in place to share plans and work in progress with you and your builder. Whether it is by emailing PDF files to you as updates are made or having web meetings or phone calls, determine what works for you and go with a company that is can keep things moving forward easily.
All of that said, just move forward confidently and when you build…build boldly…Bonnie Pickartz
Tags: Construction Costs, design/build, green building, green building products, Hybrid Homes, Owner/Builder, post and beam construction, timber frame, timber frame homes, timber frame house plans, timber frames
Our timber frame open houses and seminars last year were a great resource for those in our area. But this year, in addition to continuing our Franklin seminars and open houses, we’ve responded to requests that we offer webinars to educate and inform even at a distance.
We’ve partnered with local professionals who will answer questions and provide information on topics like heating and cooling, engineering and site issues, budgeting for, and decorating your timber frame.
So join us, either here in Franklin or online for one of our events this year. The first webinar, “Designing Your Timber Frame Home” takes place on March 31st and space is limited, so sign up now . Our first open house of the year will be on April 1st, no fooling. Don’t miss it.
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Tags: design/build, education, Open Houses, Seminars, Timber Frame Design, timber frame homes, timber frame house plans, timber frames, Webinars
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