The Process

Design is an interactive process between the owners, architects/designers, timber framers, and contractors. Whether residential or commercial, basic steps need to be taken to ensure the timber frame structure meets your requirements. The following steps should be taken with any timber frame project. If you would like a more in-depth detail guide of the design process, visit the Timber Framers Business Council web site, particularly the booklet Building a Timber Frame Home- A Clients Guide.

Two Step Process

We craft homes and deliver them all over North America as well as internationally. We have developed a 2 step design process that allows flexibility with the appreciation that different regions require specific considerations. This process easily allows the participation of other local professionals such as architects and engineers as may be required or desired.

• A review of site details or the site plan ( if one is provided )
• A review of sketches and / or floor plans that you provide
• A site visit if practical
• A house design and timber frame design created from information provided
  will include;

- floor plans
- elevations
- timber frame design
- consultation and provision for 3 sets of revisions
- estimate costing for timber designed

2) The Technical Design

Once the conceptual design process is complete, estimate budgets can be formulated and decisions can made to carry on the process. During this stage the technical design work can be carried out by your local contractor, architect , house designer or we can provide you with this service. The following services are provided during the technical design to complete the plans ;

• Technical cross section plans of
  - insulation
  - sheathing
  - roofing
  - exterior finish details
  
  
• Foundation plans which include wall details
  - footing details
  - connecting plate details
  
• Window schedule
• Consultation and Provision for 2 sets of revisions
• Material specifications
• Preliminary engineering review
• Provide costing of timber frame designed
  

Generally the pricing of our frames run between $25.00 - $40.00 CAN per square foot
delivered and erected. Some variables in the costing are ;

• species of wood
  
• complexity of design
  
• location
  
• engineering costs

We are very pleased to work with homes that have already been designed or to work with architects and house designers to assist with the timber frame design. We contract this service out separately which includes the following;

• Review and design of timber frame from designs and plans provided
• Contract includes consultation time with architect, designer or builder
• All CAD drafting time as required
• Client consultation and provision for 2 sets of revisions
• Preliminary engineers review