Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked when considering Timber Frame construction. The questions have been broken down into the relevant professional sectors.
1. Building & Construction
Q: How will it affect my overheads?
A: Buying the whole superstructure in one package means a vast reduction of time and effort in your purchasing department, while your accounts department has only to deal with a small number of invoices for the Timber Frame package instead of a multitude of accounts to cover the masonry equivalent.
Q: Is fire an issue?
A: No. Timber Frame meets all current binding regulations. Furthermore, independent tests have shown timber outperforms other structural materials like steel or concrete in fire; instead of a tendency to buckle and collapse, timber chars predictably, allowing a slow and controlled loss of structural integrity.
Q: Are guarantees or insurance a problem?
A: No. Timber Frame construction is recognised by the NHBC and Zurich Municipal for guarantee purposes. Steve Birt of the Association of British Insurers says: “Insurance companies generally draw no distinction between modern Timber Frame and brick and block construction, provided the external roof covering is also of tiles, natural or mineral slates or concrete.”
Q: Are Timber Frame houses quiet?
A: Yes. They conform to, or exceed, current Building Regulations. BRE stated: “If all dwellings had sound insulation as good as that measured in party walls of Timber Frame dwellings, the problems of noise from neighbours would be greatly reduced.”
Q: Will our customers have mortgage problems?
A: No. But don’t just take our word for it. Tony Armstrong, Director of Corporate Relations at Northern Rock plc said: “As a lender, we do not differentiate between Timber Frame and any other standard form of modern property construction.”
Q: Will our customers be happy?
A: Yes. Their Timber Frame house will look like any other house. But it will be warmer, with reduced bills, and lower maintenance.
Q: Can our customers still do DIY jobs?
A: Yes. Pictures and shelves can be hung using plasterboard fixings. Heavier items can be supported by fixing into the studs.
2. Housing Associations & Local Authorities
Q: Does Timber Frame offer savings?
A: Yes. With the right management systems, overall costs will be lower than using brick and block. And lifetime costs will be lower thanks to lower heating bills and reduced maintenance.
Q: Is fire an issue?
A: No. Timber Frame meets all current building regulations. Furthermore, independent tests have shown timber outperforms other structural materials like steel or concrete in fire; instead of a tendency to buckle and collapse, timber chars predictably, allowing a slow and controlled loss of structural integrity.
Q: Will there be mortgage problems?
A: No. But don’t just take our word for it. Patrick Sawdon, Head of Professional Services at the Halifax Valuation and Surveying Services said: “Halifax takes the view that properly constructed Timber Frame housing with a suitable external cladding is equally as good as housing which is built in brick or block and we make no differentiation in the lending terms offered on either form of construction.”
Q: Are Timber Frame buildings quiet?
A: Yes. They conform to or exceed current Building Regulations. BRE stated: “If all dwellings had sound insulation as good as that measured in party walls of timber frame dwellings, the problems of noise from neighbours would be greatly reduced.”
Q: Are guarantees or insurance a problem?
A: No. Timber Frame construction is recognised by the NHBC and Zurich Municipal for guarantee purposes. Steve Birt of the Association of British Insurers says: “Insurance companies generally draw no distinction between modern Timber Frame and brick and block construction, provided the external roof covering is also of tiles, natural or mineral slates or concrete.”
Q: Will your customers be happy?
A: Yes. Their Timber Frame home will look like any other. But it will be warmer, with reduced bills, and lower maintenance.
