Timbercraft Timber Frame Homes - Design and Planning

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Design and Planning
Three important issues you will want to consider before beginning to design your home are:
SITE BUDGET PERSONAL STYLE
BUILDING SITE: The location of your building site and features of the surrounding landscape will influence the design and the cost to construct your home.
BUDGET: Be sure to establish a budget for your building project. Your designer can make suggestions that will help you design a home that fits your budget.
PERSONAL STYLE: When you meet with your designer, be sure to bring your wish list and photos from books and magazines that describe features you would like to include in your home.
To see how SITE, BUDGET and PERSONAL STYLE influenced the design of one of our homes, visit our CASE STUDY or continue on and read about the design and construction process step by step.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
PRELIMINARY REVIEW At the first design meeting we will gather information about your building site, your budget and your personal preferences for style and building materials. A second meeting at your building site will determine whether or not additional site evaluation is necessary. Such information might include a topographical survey, a soils analysis or some other specific geo-technical report. SCHEMATIC DESIGN The image of your new home begins to take shape as we work together to integrate all the information we have assembled during our previous meetings. The preliminary design phase is complete when the schematic floor plan and elevation sketches have been approved by you.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT The next step in design development is to elaborate the frame design and establish specifications for all the materials that will be used in the construction of your home. At this time Timbercraft can provide an estimate of the cost for the frame and panel package for your home. Now is the time to interview general contractors and seek preliminary estimates for the cost of your finished frame. If it is necessary to make changes in your plan based on information received from your general contractor, this is the most efficient time to make revisions.

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS Construction documents are the means by which the client, designer, engineer, builder and local governing bodies all communicate with each other. Once the documents are drawn, they will be reviewed by you, the engineer, and if possible the builder, to be sure that all information necessary is included. If any significant revisions are made during the documentation, Timbercraft will revise the estimate for your approval. Typically within 6 to 8 weeks, you will have a set of stamped drawings ready for permit.

BUILDING YOUR HOME Your contractor will submit your engineered construction documents to your local building department. This is a good time to order the Timbercraft Building Package. To order the frame, you will sign a contract and make the first deposit. When your deposit has been received, we will establish a schedule for the fabrication and installation of your timber frame. As soon as your building permit has been approved, your contractor will begin site preparation and foundation work. Your timber frame will be cut in our shop while the site work is going on. A second deposit on the package is due when the frame is cut and ready to ship. When the foundation and first floor deck is complete, Timbercraft will deliver the frame components and panels to the site, erect the timber frame and install the panel wall and roof system. The time required for a 2,000 - 3,000 sq. ft. home is 5 to 7 days. Panel installation takes an additional 5 to 7 days. The balance of the package cost is due when the frame and panel installation is complete. Timbercraft continues to supply construction management support to you during the course of construction.