Timber Frame House

Timber Frame House A self build home can be constructed of several different materials but the most common are brick and block, or timber frame. The difference is seen not just on the outside but on the inner wall construction too. For example, if you go with a standard type timber frame home, it would be comprised of a sheathing board, waterproof membrane, vapour barrier, structural timber frame, and plasterboard inner lining.

For the insulation, this would be added between the uprights of the timber frame. The density of the insulation would depend on the size of the frame. However, if you were going with a brick and block home, the inner part would be made of aggregate block with an inside lining of plaster. In this case, the insulation is added in the cavity. As you can see, there are differences with the main one being the way in which the loads of the house are taken.

Now, when people get involved with a self build, they want security, stability, and good sound and heat protection. Take sound as an example. Depending on where you plan to build, you could be near a busy highway or in an area where there is a lot of noise. When choosing insulation, weight is very important in how much sound protection you will have. If you have concrete walls, they will stop some of the sound wave vibration whereas plasterboard would not.

You would also need your timber frame home to be airtight. The tighter the home the less noise you will hear. Therefore, while you want thick, quality insulation, you also want a home that is nice and tightly sealed. Another consideration when choosing the type of home is the time in which it will take to build. If you were not in a hurry, then a block and brick home would be fine but in addition to style and affordability, a timber frame home also provides a quicker turnaround. In fact, if you were working with a good designer and builder, you could have the home built in about 12 to 14 weeks. On the other hand, a brick and block home would take between 18 and 20 weeks.

The advantage to a timber frame house is that around week five or six of the construction phase, this home would already be both watertight and wind tight. That means while bricklayers are working on the outside of the house, work can also be done on the inside, which helps cut back the time involved. The key to a beautiful, sound timber frame house is being organized and having good management. Just remember that with a timber frame house or any self build, you need to take plans to the council to ensure planning permission is not required.

Now, as far as price, the cost between a timber frame and brick and block home are not too spread out if the minimum building requirements and regulations are considered. However, the way you would notice a difference in cost would be based on plot, labour, and build route. As an example, if you want to go with high thermal insulation for a timber frame, you would not be spending much money but if you needed to block out cold and noise as you would with brick and block, then you would have to pay more for higher quality insulation.

Another huge consideration is the amount of interest being paid on the loan. Since a timber frame house can be built much quicker than a brick and block home, you would not end up paying as much interest, thus the savings. Additional savings comes into play if you had to rent a house or apartment during the build or store furniture. In other words, the faster you get the self build completed, the less money you spend. Therefore, a timber frame home is generally less expensive all the way around.

- James M

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