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 the basic design to the experience of the timber frame designer.

Depending on other components of the timber frame house kits, the timber frame engineer may be the only engineer needed for construction. At the least, the timber frame engineer will lessen the duties of the structural engineer of record, resulting in a lower engineering fee.

Employing a timber frame structural engineer is the employment of a specialist for a unique project. Because the project is inherently unique, prudence and good timber frame construction practices dictate employing a specialist.

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 it fresh, clean, and natural.

(5)    Homeowners playing hide and seek with their clutter? Clearing clutter out of open spaces by jamming it all into the closets won’t work. Buyers always peek around and open the closet doors! An overstuffed closet will just make them think it isn’t big enough to hold all their stuff either.

Staging a home can be inexpensive and straight forward if the homeowner will follow the basic steps of cleaning, fixing, de-cluttering, and keeping it neutral.

•  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 is a great time to get a jump start on their move and begin packing up the rest of their belongings.
•  Some say blah, the professionals say neutral. The biggest bang for anybody’s buck will be a fresh coat of paint on the walls in neutral colors. Bottom line – Neutrals sell.
•  De-personalize – which is a gentle way of saying once again to get rid of clutter. Family photos, religious statues, political items, and anything else should be removed that buyers might not be able to identify with. Just keep in mind that less is more. More room for buyers to emotionally connect with the home and imagine themselves in it. To get a house moving on the market, homeowners must be sure it is sparkling clean, clutter free, and with a fresh, neutral feel to it that welcomes everyone coming through the door.

I hope this helps you sell your house faster, stay tune I will give you 5 more tips coming in a future post.

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. Made of two layers of durable flat wood and filled with a highly dense insulating foam in between, SIPs have more or less revolutionized the timber frame building process.

Kit – timber frame kits or post and beam kits are pre-fabricated home plans and materials that come together quickly and easily. However, they can limit your options greatly and typically do not provide the same level of quality as custom timber frame buildings.

Hybrid – this type of building combines the methods of timber framing and conventional stud frame building. Depending on your home’s location, climate and budget, a hybrid building may or may not provide the homeowner benefits.

Posts – the main upright timbers that comprise the frame.

Braces – an element of a joint that fortifies the frame by resisting movement in a certain direction. Knee braces are a popular type of brace, as they incorporate very natural-looking ‘knee’ timber piece.

Crossbeams – these connect the post beams, providing stability

Joints – where two timbers or frame pieces come together. Joints can range from simple to highly decorative and include lap joints, mortise-and-tenon joints, dovetailed and pegged joints, among many others. Your designer can show you samples of each type of joint.

Truss – a rigid triangle of timbers, trusses provide column-free floor space, are typically incorporated on the top floor.

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)

•   First meeting and site visit to where you are building
•   Finalized floor plans
•   Elevations and Timber Frame Design
•   Finalize all drawings
•   Engineered plans (see below)
•   Shop or piece drawings

Engineer stamped plans are becoming more and more common as more locales are requiring new construction to be built to code standards. Designers have relationships with engineers and will deal with getting the plans to them to be approved. They will make sure the timber frame complies with local codes and is structurally sound.