A-Z of Self Build Guides Timber Frame For Your Self Build

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1. It's important to keep in mind not every carbon-neutral timber manufacturer is equal. Biodiversity is the most important aspect of tree farming, something some lumber manufacturers overlook in pursuit of the single most profitable tree to plant. Without biodiversity even the best intentioned 1 to 1 tree re-planter will eventually end up damaging the environment, of course not as bad as those who plant no trees at all, but not nearly with the ecological benefit they profess.

   Posted by Chris Builder on 12/10/2009 12:45:59

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2. From above text: "It can be used both for traditional 'log' homes and when cut for plank and bean construction" is it safe to self-build using beans>? I would have thought they lack any structural properties? Concerned, Greg Marshall

   Posted by Greg Marshall on 07/02/2009 13:45:45

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3. Loved the self build show last night 24/9/08 (I missed the very end)would be interested in more information. With Thanks Lydia

   Posted by lydia lee on 25/09/2008 09:20:37

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4. Early this year My wife and I return from our vacation in Peru and decided to purchase a section there I now would like to take my initial plans and sketches into some sort of document that a builder would be able to use. Also I am after any information or contacts from helix wind turbines producing about 2 - 2.5Kw for the property and Composting toilets Regards Dane

   Posted by Dane Lord on 15/09/2008 23:22:54

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5. First, I would recommend that you plan your timber framed house to fit the plot.Buying 'off the shelf' is not recommended unless you have unlimited space and probably resources or unless the fabricator is sympathetic to your needs and the site!.Self-building Timber framing is simple and can incorporate high standards of insulation,so go along that route if you can handle a hammer, nails and a bench saw! It is all very well desiring large glass areas but such a design is useless in many budget controlled smaller sites in GB where neighbours are close and the expense of large areas of glass can be prohibitive! The orientation of the building is not so important with the high standards of insulation which I would recommend.If your garden is on the north side and you would prefer to look at it rather than nextdoor's garage then make the house fit your requirements.Traditionally, the desired south facing has been the 'norm' but this is no longer more important than the outlook acheived.Cladding the timber framed building depends largely on the requirements of the local Planning Office and these can be rather stringent and sometimes incomprehensible! My advice is not to argue but to comply because you need to get the roof over your head as soon as and hopefully as cheaply as possible! On the exterior Timber boarding or rendering is probably cheapest or a combination of the two, but check with 'planning' before submission of the plans, they might require a finish which is extremely costly for the budget-conscious! Remember that kitchens and bathrooms cost money. Go for the cheapest acceptable and possibly upgrade later if desirable.Putting in services such as 'electrics' and plumbing are a 'cinch' with modern materials/methods. It just needs a bit of 'nowse' and input of knowledge on your part such as a visit to B&Q and 'online' sources - effort here can save 'thousands'. Anyway, you will have to have the 'electrics' checked professionally so 'go for it'!Finally, be prepared for upsets in both itinerary and finance. I would suggest a 20% contingency fund is built in to your 'plans' and if you stay below it you will have 'done well'! Choosing self-erected timber frame as the base of your construction enables you to have a real input into the project and will greatly reduce your expenses and increase your peace of mind and satisfaction.Best wishes!

   Posted by Keith Goldthorpe on 24/08/2008 21:30:13

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