Why Do I A Timber Frame Engineer?
Timber frame construction remains a beautiful, though unfortunately an uncommon method of constructing a residence or commercial building. But because it remains an uncommon method of construction, the timber frame construction design is not familiar to many contractors, including many structural engineers. Not just any contractor will be qualified to handle a timber frame project.
Not all engineers, even structural engineers have the requisite training, education or experience to design or oversee the construction of a timber frame building. The stress loads of timber frames are different than those of steel or typical wood frame construction. Because timber frame construction is generally performed without hardware, the design and placement of wooden joints require a certain amount of expertise. Timber frame joints must be designed correctly to avoid shifting, settling or even catastrophic structural failure.
Indeed, the absence of steel plating and bolts from timber frame make the structural load dynamics different than post and beam construction. Timber frame construction details remain a unique method of construction. As with other construction methods, factors such as topography, temperature extremes, wind velocity and ground structure will have an effect on the timber frame structure. The timber frame engineer is employed because of a better understanding on how different designs will respond to these factors, and develop the best design for the particular circumstances.
The training and experience required for timber frame construction is recognized in the construction field. The Council of American Structural Engineers denotes a timber frame engineer as a specialty structural engineer (SSE).
It is a common practice for the timber frame contractor to engage a timber frame engineer for design and supervision of construction. Many times, the design responsibility is left to the timber frame designer, and in many cases, this is a more cost effective approach, leaving (keep on reading...)
Why Do I Need A Timber Frame Engineer?
Sold – Now You Can Build a Timber Frame
This is my second post on 5 more tips to help you sell you house to build a timber frame. It is a common problem into days market place. Hopefully these five tips can help you out.
The basics to staging a home to make it sell fast include getting it super clean, making a great first impression with curb appeal, de-cluttering all junk and personal items, and updating walls with a fresh coat of neutral paint. Are there any other inexpensive things that a homeowner can do to give them an edge over the competition? Plenty!
(1) If there is a lot of furniture or big pieces overpowering a room – they should be removed. Furniture that is going to be kept should not be stuffed into the garage. That space needs to be open and clear as well! Homeowners should store excess furniture with family or friends or rent a storage unit. If they have any furniture to donate, some local charities such as Habitat for Humanity will haul it away for them.
(2) Any leaky faucets, torn window screens, cracked tile, etc. should be repaired along with changing outdated fixtures and anything else on the homeowner’s Do It Yourself list. Otherwise the homeowner may find more time than they want in that house to complete the list!
(3) Homeowners should go lightly when cooking. Showing a home is not a good time for the strong smell of garlic, curry, or fried chicken to be lingering in the air. Grinding a lemon or lime in the disposal will help neutralize stale odors and provide a nice, fresh scent.
(4) Heavily perfumed products like scented candles should be avoided. What reminds one person of a rose garden might remind another of an in-law they don’t especially like. Scent is personal. It’s best to keep (keep on reading...)
When Do I Need a Timber Frame Designer
Even before people find themselves in the process of building a new house, they usually already have a preconceived idea of what they want their house to look like. After all, we all grew up having dream houses in our minds. We know what color we want to paint our homes, what material will be utilized, and even how many rooms the house will contain. This notion of our dream house may change over the years, as we grow older and as our priorities change. They also change when we see new architectural trends and developments.
When people decide to build a timber frame house, one of the biggest considerations is the timber frame design. Even if they already have preconceived ideas of what their dream house is supposed to look like, that idea will most likely have to be flexible, because timber frame design is very different from the designs of the houses that we normally see. Thus, homeowners are faced with a unique design dilemma. Should they allow a designer to get into the picture and help them, or will that just be an unnecessary cost? More than that, when should they get a designer? In what part of the house-building process should a designer be hired?
Designers or architects are very important in the house-building process. In fact, they actually play a key role in it. The homeowner might think that this is an unnecessary additional cost since he already has an idea of what he wants the house to look like anyway. But, designers are much more experienced in what works and what doesn’t. They are knowledgeable not only in the aesthetic aspects of the timber frame design, but more importantly in the technical aspects of it. Of course, the key here is collaboration. What a designer will (keep on reading...)
Home Staging – Little Things, Big impact
I am finding that a lot of my clients are ready to move on, but their current house has to sell first. It’s a common dilemma these days. Many people need to relocate or want to build their dream house, but haven’t been able to sell their current house in today’s overcrowded marked. “Staging” is the buzzword of the day for making sure a house stands out in this competitive market. These are a few basic, inexpensive steps to encourage homeowners to take in order to stage a home to maximize its appeal to potential buyers.
The number one tip for getting a house ready to show – Clean, clean, and then clean some more! Nothing turns off buyers quicker than a dirty house. If they see a lot of surface dust and dirt it will make them worry that what they can’t see is in even worse shape. A house needs to shine from inside and out.
First impression – there is only one chance to make a first impression so it has to count. The outside of a house has to be included when sprucing up. Trimming bushes, pulling weeds and planting a few fresh flowers will make a big difference. We also recommend that homeowners consider updating an old outdoor light fixture or tarnished house numbers and then top it all off by adding a new welcome mat.
Declutter – It may be precious memories and treasures to some, but to buyers it is just clutter getting in the way of them being able to visualize the home as their own. Having a yard sale is a great motivator for getting rid of stuff. Once people start handing over money for old junk homeowners start wishing they had dug deeper in their closets for more stuff to sell. It also (keep on reading...)
A Quick Timber Frame Tutorial
What Do You Mean, Timber Frame?
When builders and architects say “timber frame” what they mean is that the structure of an entire building or maybe just a portion of it is supported primarily by large wooden timbers that are joined with pegs or by other types of decorative joinery. Almost always, the walls of the structure are on the outside of the timber frame leaving the timbers exposed for visual effect.
Timber frames are often confused with, but are quite different from log-homes. Timber Framing is an age-old building process, and the basics have not changed much over the centuries. However, technology has made the process easier, ensuring the builder more sound structures that have increased levels of efficiency and comfort. Hybrid buildings can now include both conventional and timber frame elements, which may be beneficial in some instances.
What are the Benefits?
Beyond the aesthetics of exposed timber and open floor plans, timber frame structures enjoy a durability unmatched by conventionally-built homes. They also provide more structural integrity in the unfortunate event of fire damage, as the large timber supports are more resistant to burning completely through than the thinner cuts of wood that make up conventional building structures. Finally, a timber frame home affords the owner opportunities to use bold design statements, as timbers come in an untold number of sizes, shapes and colors.
Timber Frame Lingo
Like most specialized art forms, timber framing has a language all its own, with terms for the various tools, processes and codes. Below is a brief list of commonly-used timber frame terms to help you better understand the process. If you’re interested in learning more detailed information about the specifics of timber framing, contact us.
Timbers – the wooden beams that comprise the home’s structural frame
SIPs – structurally insulated panels, these building pieces sheath the structure. (keep on reading...)
Timber Frames – A Quick Overview
This is a quick video on timber frames and how you can get one yourself. We talk about what timber frames are, the different types of frames, the process to get a frame, the timber frame costs and your next steps in the getting a timber frame. We hope you enjoy the video and please make comments so we know what you thought of it.
(video)
Choosing a Timber Frame Designer
You’ve made the decision to build a timber frame home, or include timber elements as part of your home design. Now what? Begin by choosing a designer, either a designer employed by a specific timber frame (TF) company, or an independent home designer. While the former works for a TF company that may or may not package building services, an independent designer can provide you with plans that can then be bid on by prospective TF companies.
It is important for homeowners to select a designer that is experienced in timber frame design. If you already have a rough idea or plan in mind, take it to the TF designer and let them integrate it with a frame. You should feel comfortable communicating with your designer, and have the ability to discuss changes to the plan. The designer will be the person designing your dream home, so it is important to feel that they are connected with your vision and home needs. Try to be as open as possible about the characteristics of the home you want as well as your thoughts regarding the budget.
In general, TF designers charge by the hour, per square foot, or as a percentage of the total job. Establish early on what is included in the price of the design, as architectural drawings can be separate from TF design. Shop drawings, or piece drawings, are also generally not included in the price.
When meeting with the designers, set up deadlines according to your needs and communicate them, but do try to remain flexible in the process. It is important to remember that customizing your dream house means making adjustments in both time and money. Open lines of communication are the key to a successful building experience.
Here’s a common order of events in the design process
First meeting (keep on reading...)
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