will work with you every step of the way.

Getting started ~
                with  your Timber Frame project

A successful building project is composed of well managed details. Here’s a good place to start before you contact Homestead Timber Frames:

         •  You own your land
         •  You have a good idea of the size and style of your homestead
         •  You have a realistic budget and funds available
         •  You have a reasonable target date for completion
         •  You have chosen a contractor to finish out your home OR
         •  You have chosen to be your own contractor

The first step in building a timber frame home is to choose a timber frame company.           
          We believe you make this decision based on three criteria:
          1.   They are located within 250 miles of your building site
          2.   They are professional in their services offered and skilled in their craft
          3.   Their personalities match yours which creates a sound working relationship

Now that you have taken care of your initial planning, it's time to pay Homestead Timber Frames a visit. You are welcome anytime but please call ahead so we can give you our undivided attention. Bring with you that shoe box full of clippings and photographs along with your notes and “must haves” list. We will listen intently as you describe your project. During this get together we will address budgets and building costs as they pertain to your project. This will allow us to give a realistic quote that falls within your working budget.

Our first official step together is to provide you with a Preliminary Design.
 

The Design Phase ~

 

Once the Preliminary Plan and your Timber Frame Package Quotation are acceptable to you, we prepare a Timber frame Package Contract for both parties to sign.  With your deposit we will provide you with Construction Plans.  We use your Preliminary Design as a basis.  Construction Plans are in 1/4 inch scale and include:

• Five sets of Architectural Plans

• Foundation and first floor deck details

• Timber frame shop drawings

• Additional section drawings as needed

• Window and Door schedule

• SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) plan and specifications

How to determine your costs ~

Typically a full timber framed home package costs 10-20% more than a conventional custom home of the same design. Costs vary depending on site conditions, selection of doors and windows, amount of plumbing in the house, exterior finishes and choice of roofing materials. Costs increase more with longer driveways and utility access.

Timber frame joinery to accommodate complex designs are considerations as well. All these issues should be discussed on the front end in order to have a realistic dollar figure in establishing your budget.

Cost saving advice for your project.
 

Scheduling and Shop Phase ~

Once you have signed off on your construction plans we assign your project a time slot in our shop schedule.  Homestead Timber Frames operates on a "first deposit" basis.  Your 10% Deposit allows you to reserve a delivery date and our production of your construction plans and our shop schedules are coordinated toward that delivery date.  Delivery of your timbers to our shop and the shop joinery takes 5 to 10 weeks depending on the size of your project.  Delivery of the completed timber frame takes place when all is in readiness on your site.

     A Timber Frame Ready Site has these characteristics:
          1.   Your home’s footings, foundation, and first floor system are in place.
          2.   You have ample space for timber delivery and staging.
          3.   You have scheduled for forklift rental and crane services.
          4.   You have electrical service and bathroom facilities on site.

Details on all specification and considerations are contained in our guidebook, "Timber Frame Raising and Enclosure Details" given to you with your completed plans.  
 

Raising Your Timber Frame ~

The most exciting day in the life of your timber frame is Raising Day!  You have anticipated this day for months, possibly years.  You have seen the vision of your home take shape on paper; now on this day you see that vision literally rise in the air and secured permanently with wooden pegs.


The timber frame crew will first assemble all building sections (bents) and peg them together on your first floor deck.  Connecting timbers will be arranged in order of installation.  When all is in readiness the crane operator will arrive on site and up she goes.  Each section is raised and secured, one section to the other.  All floor and roof members are "flown in" in turn until the timber frame structure is complete.


A straight-forward timber frame composed of four bents and three bays typically takes three to four days to assemble and one day to raise.  An additional day is required to true the timber frame and peg all joinery.

Should you have access to individuals with construction experience, Homestead Timber Frames may be able to furnish a technical assistant who trains your crew in the art of raising a timber frame. Each project is different and we can explore this option together. We share the same goals with you in that your raising be safe, efficient, and expertly accomplished.
 

Completing Your Home ~

Most timber frame home owners choose to enclose their home with Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s). This makes for an extremely energy efficient home. Some panel manufacturers provide panels with wiring chases and window openings already cut before delivery to your site. The panels go on quick and within a day or two your home is weathered in. We try to coordinate the delivery and installation of panels by the day after the frame is up. You may install your windows during this process as well.

A general contractor is usually hired to oversee the foundation work as well as finishing the home out after your timber frame is raised and panels (if applicable) are installed. While experience or knowledge of timber framing is helpful, it is not necessary. Homestead Timber Frames will be happy to meet with your contractor at the beginning of the project and supply information needed to make the work flow smoothly. Remember that construction details and specifications are to be in compliance with the local building code.

We would recommend you ask your contractor at the beginning if they are comfortable working with a timber frame company. Your construction plans will have all the necessary specifications to complete the house just like any fine custom home. If you desire timber framing to be used on the outside of your home such as porch entrances or additions to the gables, etc. this may require being built on site as the home is near completion. Your contractor may be able to do this or it may require Homestead Timber Frames to come back after a period of time. All these decisions can be made with your contractor during the initial meetings between parties.

Some design alterations can be made to the timber frame while in the shop to accommodate special considerations such as wood or stone flooring, custom windows, and fireplaces or chimneys. Your contractor and Homestead Timber Frames will try to collaborate to make the project progress smoothly while under construction. It’s important to save your dollars by creating these modifications on paper in the design phase rather than finding out later that expensive change orders are required to accommodate your taste.

If you desire to serve as your own contractor, we will work with you to determine your goals. You may consider hiring sub-contractors for specific jobs such as plumbing, wiring, or roofing. Many beautiful homes have been built by their owners and they are justly proud of the accomplishment. Either choice requires patience, flexibility, and fortitude.