What are the benefits of using timber frame for self-building?

If you’re reading this, you’re likely to be one of a rising number of people who recognise that building your own home is far more cost effective and satisfying than buying a conventional new build.

Self-building allows you to design a home for your needs and for the way you want to live – ask any self-builder if they are happy with the outcome of their project and 96% will say yes.

Choosing the best structural material for self-building

Timber frame is the number one choice of structural building material for self-builders and we can show you a wide range of projects that will inspire you.

As one of the most trusted timber frame manufacturers in the UK, we’re we can help you at every stage of your build. Let’s start by outlining the wide-ranging benefits that timber frame offers self-builders.

Timber frame luxury house

The benefits of using timber frame for housebuilding

Timber frame is a sustainable environmentally friendly building material

  • Timber is a sustainable material: 90% of all wood consumed in Europe is sourced from European forests. The forests that Target Timber source from grow by 3,500 square miles each year and our products come with a full chain of custody
  • 99% of UK timber frame is European softwood. Like all timber, it is organic, natural and non-toxic
  • Timber has the lowest C02 of any building material – every timber frame home saves around 4 tonnes of carbon dioxide
  • The total carbon sequestered in Europe’s forests is over 9.5 million tonnes
  • Only older trees are harvested because they have absorbed high levels of carbon which will stay contained inside the timber for life.

 

Timber frame cottage

The practical benefits of timber frame for self-building

  • Time saving is one of the biggest benefits of building with timber frame – it can reduce build times by up to a third
  • Timber is a highly effective thermal insulator; it keeps the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing energy bills. It also has better sound insulation on external and internal walls
  • Timber frame wall panels carry the loads on the building to the foundations, whilst the outer cladding provides decoration and weather protection e.g., brick, stone, timber, tile or render
  • Timber frame is a dry form of construction; there is no drying out period so no drying cracks which are common in wet construction
  • Inclement weather can seriously delay conventional builds, whereas timber frames are manufactured off-site so can be brought to site and constructed in days in all weathers
  • Once the timber frame is up, the programme of following trades is easier, saving time and money
  • Timber frame offers better accuracy and finish, and allows you to design in exposed beams and unique features.

Benefits of using a timber frame system manufacturer for self-building

  • A reputable manufacturer will work with you and your architect giving you complete control and flexibility over design and function
  • The timber frame comes complete with all of the materials required; walls, internal walls, floor joists, floor deck, insulation, fixings
  • Target Timber frames are designed and manufactured off-site and delivered to site in just 8-10 weeks
  • A house shell and roof structure can be fully erected in under a week by timber frame installers
  • Off-site fabrication reduces site build time, labour, waste, noise and pollution
  • Converting timber into a useable building material takes far less energy and much lower pollution that alternatives such as steel, concrete and brick
  • Waste wood from your project can be used for design features or as fuel.

We hope we’ve shown you why self-building with timber frame is so beneficial. The ease of construction, the flexibility with design, the beauty and strength of the timber, all help to ensure that your experience of building your own home is one that will bring you happiness and peace throughout your lifetime.

For more information, please get in touch, or send us your plans via our online form. We can then provide you with specific information for your build and an estimate of costs.

 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

We would love to hear about your project. Whether you have full architectural plans, outline sketches or you would simply like to find out more about timber frame and our range of services, please get in touch by completing the form below or by calling us on 01403 782 600.

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