Generations Timber Frames
Frequently Asked Questions

Following is a list of common questions that come up in conversations about timber frame homes. If you have any other questions or if we can provide further details, please call us 231-652-4035 in Michigan or our New York office at 518-955-9047. We’ll be happy to answer any of your questions. Whether you have a full set of home plans you want a quote for or you have general questions, the answer is just a phone call away.

1) What is timber framing?

Timber framing is a centuries old form of building which utilizes large timbers connected together with joinery and wooden pegs to create a frame structure.

2) What is the history of timber framing?

Timber framing is one of the oldest wood working crafts in the world. The earliest surviving examples from Northern Europe include houses, barns, cathedrals, and abbeys from the twelfth century. These structures were built by highly skilled craftsmen. The oldest surviving example of a Timber Framed house in the United States is the Fairbanks house of Dedham, Massachusetts, circa 1637.

3) What are the benefits of Timber Frame building?

Energy Efficiency: Timber Frames are often completely enclosed in an envelope of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s). The SIP’s will form an unbroken seal around the exterior and roof of your new home and will allow for an uninterrupted barrier between you and the elements, reducing your energy costs.

Flexibility: A timber frame structure provides an open space with no interior load bearing walls. This will allow you an open flexible floorplan AND it will allow for changes as the needs of the occupants change.

Appeal: A timber frame building embraces you with warmth, strength and beauty. In a timber frame the posts and beams soar up to the ceiling, gracefully arching in corners and spanning the length of each room they are in.

4) How much does a Timber Frame cost?

There is no stock answer. Timber Framing is the least expensive home over the long run due to it’s longevity, which is proven by centuries of continuous use from the 12th century to the present. Please visit our timber frame PRICING page for more information on how we price our frames.

5) What kind of timber joinery do you use?

We use traditional mortise and tenon joinery, secured with oak pegs. No bolts, nails or steel plates. We feel a strong allegiance to the thousand year old tradition of timber framing. Our exception is where engineering calls for additional materials for safety and code adherence.

6) Do you build my whole house?

We have, but our passion is for your timber frame. A local contractor of your choice generally oversees the project from foundation through the finish. GTF will work with your general contractor to schedule and coordinate the frame raising and SIP enclosure.

7) Can I serve as my own general contractor?

Absolutely. We have worked with many owner/builders. If you are a first timer at serving as your own general contractor, you might want to hire someone to guide you through some of the tricky parts of the project.

8) I already have a set of house plans. Can I use them for a timber frame?

Yes, most plans can be adapted to timber framing. If you do not have plans we will work with you on your ideas to come up with a workable plan.

9) What do I need to do before my frame raising?

It is the responsibility of the homeowner or general contractor to have your foundation in place and back filled, and your first floor deck completed. We can work with you to develop a timber frame deck if desired. Before raising the timber frame we may need to visit the site and/or have the foundation inspected.

10) How will you ship my timber frame?

We carefully mark the timbers for assembly and then cover them for protection. We will carefully load them onto a flat bed trailer and ship them to your site. A fork lift or crane will be needed to unload your timbers. Depending upon your location, GTF may be able to deliver your frame with our company owned crane.

11) How will you raise my timber frame?

A crane is necessary for the raising of the frame, and very effective to have on site for any other heavy lifting. We have our own GTF crane for hire. Or, depending on the site or situation, you may want to hire/rent another boom truck.

12) How is a timber frame enclosed?

The most popular method in the industry is Structural Insulated Panels (SIP’s), which can be installed to provide not only the exterior walls but the roof/ceiling system also. SIP’s let you show off your entire frame and provide you the tightest, most energy efficient enclosure you can get. They are widely used because of their speed of assembly (they can be custom precut at the factory) and their energy efficiency. Once they are complete and in place, the shingles and siding can be added to make the house weather tight and the interior work can begin.

13) What about plumbing and electrical?

Electrical chases are milled into the panels at the factory. Wiring a home enclosed with SIP’s is different, but no harder than a conventional home. Plumbing is run on the interior walls just like in conventionally built homes. Great care is taken in the design process to ensure that all mechanical systems will work properly.

14) How long does it take until the delivery of my timber frame package?

From the time the design is agreed upon and we know what we are building for you we can ship your home package (timber frame and SIP’s) in as little as two months depending on the complexity of the design. However, if time is critical, it is sometimes possible to improve on the delivery time of the process. It is important to start your planning process early in order to allow us the time we need to put the care into cutting your frame that we need to.

15) How long does it take to erect the frame and install the panels?

It averages three weeks, however, the size and complexity of the building, site constraints, and weather conditions can affect the amount of time it will take. The remainder of the construction process is the same as any conventional home.

16) What is the next step?

Contact Generations Timber Frames to discuss the many timber framing options available. If you have plans or drawings and would like an estimate on your project, email, fax or mail them to us. If you need help with a design we’ll work with you to come up with a plan to meet your requirements.

We look forward to working with you to take your new construction or remodeling project beyond your expectations. Call us at 231-652-4035 in Michigan or our New York office at 518-955-9047.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS

"We get comments like 'it feels up north' or 'fantastic old world craftsmanship'! We love it! Thanks for a great experience."

-Jim & Arlene Chubb, Michigan

"In working with Generations Timber Frames, we and our clients have appreciated their true passion for the art of timber framing as well as their ability to bring out the natural beauty in timber framing by design and master craftsmanship."

-Kevin Knibbe, Engelsma Homes, LLC, MI