What Builders & Developers should know

Costs
The timber frame system is a fixed cost solution for builders and developers for either a supply or supply and erect package (we advise that you get the kit erected by the ITFMA company that you are supplied by). This ensures that the additional expenses that spiral as a building progress can be eliminated. Accurate costing always read well at the close of any build project

Speed of construction
Building in timber frame can reduce your construction time by up to 30%, no matter what the weather the timber frame can be erected as a full scaffolding system is in place before kick off Plumbers and electricians can begin work as soon as the Timber frame structure is up. This means these trades will be working on a house within a week of construction beginning on a building all this results in a greater return on investment.

Foundations
The advantage of a lightweight construction method means that a less expensive foundation is required. Just like a human skeleton, timber frame is engineered to precise tolerances and is strong and durable. Buildings can be achieved in areas with poorer ground conditions due to this mix of lightweight with rigidity, strength and durability.

Snagging
Any issues that could potentially arise with a timber frame can be eliminated before it leaves the factory. As it is a dry form of construction there is no requirement for drying out time, there is less risk of shrinkage and lower callback rates.

Productivity up while staff numbers are down
The number of personnel required to complete a timber frame structure is less that is required for other forms of construction, the panels arriving on site are numbered and stored in sequence to ensure smooth erection. Handling is reduced as a crane is used to lift the panels from the trailer to the building. More units can be built, with less staff in a shorter time period.

Health & Safety
A full scaffolding is erected before panels arrive onsite which offers all tradespersons an extra barrier of safety in their working environment. Due to a reduction in waste and excess material coming to site there are less unnecessary hazards. Timber frame sites are far tidier and therefore safer than other sites.

Please click here to download the HSA timber frame erection guidelines for a two story semi detached house.

Quality & Consumer Confidence
All ITFMA members are quality accredited under the NSAI Timber Frame Manufacturing scheme in principal and practice this means that there are standards set for materials quality, design and engineering quality and manufacturing process quality all of which should offer consumers greater confidence in the product which they are being supplied, As units are built in state of the art factory settings using the latest CAD technology, the accuracy of the finished product can be measured to within +/- 1mm. This greatly reduces on site problems and makes life easier on bricklayers who are facing the building. Importantly there is also less reliance on wet trade skills at a time when there is an apparent shortage

Building Energy Rating Certificates (BER)
Mandatory energy labels (BER Certificates) are being introduced as a result of the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive read more on both commercial and residential buildings throughout Europe. Simply, buildings are to be energy rated in a similar fashion to white electrical goods such as fridges, washing machines, dishwashers etc. This is expected to fuel a rise in sales of timber frame buildings as they are far more energy efficient than their masonry counterparts. This should be a used as a sales pitch for your buildings and developments over the masonry competitor.

Environmentally Benefits
Timber is the only sustainable renewable commercially viable building material. The production of concrete produces vast amounts of Carbon Dioxide (C02) , which has a negative impact on the environment and contributes significantly to global warming. Wood on the other hand reduces the effect of global warming by extracting C02 from the air, it is a carbon sink. All timbers used in ITFMA timber frame manufacture comes from sustainable forests of Canada Scandinavia and other parts of Europe . As timber frame houses are superior in their energy efficiency, less fuel is used to heat them, thereby reducing both emissions & heating bills.

Suitability of Timber frame for medium rise buildings
Apartments, social housing, schools, offices, hotels, student accommodation, community and sports centres and even hospitals are all examples of the types of medium rise buildings that have been built using Timber frame.

Buildings of up to at least 6 storeys are frequently built using timber frame. A copy of the Multi-story timber frame building a design guide can be got through our office, e-mail us.

Chimneys
Yes, a real fire can be installed in a timber frame home. Timber frame is no more at risk of a fire incident than its masonry counterpart. The same building regulations apply to this form of construction. Read more about chimneys available from our Associate membership base, these are all agrément certified for suitability of use.