•  Getting Started
•  The Design Program
•  Determining Your Costs
•  Scheduling and Shop Phase
•  Raising Your Timber Frame
•  Completing Your Home

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 your new home's size and style
         •  You have a realistic budget
         •  You have a reasonable target date for completion
         •  You have a 'short list' of contractors 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 offer excellent design services
          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. During your visit we will discuss timber choices and finishes, building styles and techniques and discuss your timber frame project.

Once you are satisfied that we are a good fit with you and a good choice for your project, we roll up our sleeves and take our first official step together—that of designing your new home.

Structural Insulated Panels:

Along with your Timber Frame Production Package Quotation is a quote from our Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) manufacturer (if applicable). You may desire SIP’s to enclose the entire home, roof panels only, or wall panels only. The Structural Insulated Panels are a separate part of our product offering. Our SIP’s give you an
R-24 in the walls with a 4” panel and an R-40 in the roof with a 6 1/2” panel. You and your contractor should discuss the pros and cons of using SIP’s. Once you are satisfied with your Architectural Design we send your drawings to the SIP manufacturer and they very quickly provide you with a quotation.

Please request our Planning for Structural Insulated Panels Bulletin for more detailed information.

Once we have completed your Residential Architectural Design Package together and you are comfortable with the quote for your Timber Frame Production Package and SIP package costs, we prepare a Timber Frame Production Package Contract for both parties to sign. This contract will outline the scope of the work to be done in our shop, a payment schedule, the owner's responsibilities to be accomplished before the timber frame arrives at your site, and an estimated raising date. We then prepare your Detailed Construction Drawings and Timber Frame Shop Drawings.

Detailed Construction Drawings are used by you and your contractor to construct all of the conventional elements of your new home.
Detailed Construction Drawings include:

• Foundation Plan, Details, and Sections
• Floor Plans fully detailed and dimensioned
• Floor and Roof Framing Plans including sized load bearing members
• Dimensioned Elevations (Front, Left, Rear, and Right)
• Window and Door Schedules using brand and model information you supply
• 3-D Exterior Views from all perspectives
• Building Sections denoting wall heights, roof pitches, and building materials
• 3-D Timber Frame Drawings from all perspectives

• All Timber Frame Assemblies with timber lengths, heights, and widths
• All individual timbers listed with nomenclature for accurate assembly
• Locations for any electrical boxes and chases installed in timbers
• Timber Frame joinery details showing mortise, tenon, and pegging particulars
• Locations and art for any desired carvings and edge treatment on timbers
• Timber Finishing specifications

Typically a full timber framed home package costs 15-25% 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 Residential Architectural Design and a Timber Frame Production Package Agreement has been initiated, we allocate a time slot in our shop schedule for your project. Homestead Timber Frames operates on a "first deposit – first serve" basis. Your deposit allows you to reserve a delivery date that accommodates your building schedule. Our production of your construction plans and our shop schedules are synchronized to meet your delivery date. Delivery of your timbers to our shop and the shop joinery takes 3 to 12 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 your Detailed Construction Drawings.

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 be 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 or two is required to true the timber frame and peg all joinery.

At this time, the SIP’s should be on site and the installation crew ready to apply the pre-cut panels onto your frame. Average panel installation for a medium size home takes 3-5 days.

Completing Your Home ~

Many timber frame home owners choose to enclose their home with Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s). This makes for an extremely energy efficient home. Some SIP manufacturers provide SIP’s with wiring chases and window openings already cut before delivery to your site. The panels go on quick and within a week your home is weathered in. We try to coordinate the delivery and installation of SIP’s by the day after the frame is up. You may install your windows and exterior doors 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 SIP’s (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 Detailed Construction Drawings 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 exterior gable trusses, etc. this may require being installed on site as the home nears 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 should 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 who are justly proud of the accomplishment. Either choice requires patience, flexibility, and fortitude.

An excellent book you may find helpful is Designing Your Dream Home by Susan Lang (2008). This book goes into great detail in covering the design stage, interviewing for contractors, and choosing cabinetry, appliances, and hardware.

Please call or email for more detailed information on our products and services.