Q: I have a plot and a plan, what’s the next step?
A: We need to secure a licence and several permissions, which is normally done via the architect who drew the original plans. Once the paperwork is in place, we take over and our engineers provide all the structural calculations. Our designers then generate factory drawings and site erecting details. We erect the superstructure – i.e. Sole Plates, External Walls, Internal Walls, 1st/2nd floors (including boarding) and Roof Trussed Rafters.
Q: Is Timber Frame (TF) cheaper than Brick and Block?
A: Yes, the cost of meeting the new building regulations using traditional materials and labour is very high in comparison with TF.
Q: How long does it take to build a TF house?
A: If project managed correctly 12-14 weeks to occupation. We have had clients do it within 8 weeks start to finish.
Q: Why do you use so much insulation in a hot country?
A. We need to keep the heat out in the summer and keep it in, in the winter. TF acts like a Thermos Flask and keeps fuel bills low.
Q: Can I self-build using TF
A: Yes, this is a very popular method of providing a low cost quality build home. Once the Timber Frame superstructure is erected the rest is fairly simple.
Q: Can I have rooms in the roof space built in?
A: Yes, we can supply ‘attic trusses’ which are engineered to do this and can be formed at build stage or later at any time.
Q: Can I get funding or a mortgage on a Timber Frame property?
A: Yes, no problem! Lenders do not differentiate between TF or Traditional building, as long as it meets their criteria and has all the papers intact.
Q: What about Insurance?
A: Again this is no problem as TF meets all the regulations required by insurers.
Q: I live in a bungalow, and need more space, is it possible to put another floor on top, rather than move to a larger house?
A: No problem, we have converted several bungalows to 4/5 bed detached houses, quickly and economically.
Q: What about fire risk – isn’t wood liable to burn?
A: No, wood chars and does not burn. It is safer in fire that Concrete or Steel. By applying internal boarding you can guarantee 30 or 60 mins fire resistance and all timber frame must comply with UK Fire Regulations and those of Eurocode 5.
Q: What about Earthquakes?
A: Timber Frame is engineered Earthquake Resistant Design (ERD) and has proved to be the safest and most damage resistant building method in earthquakes.
Q: Can I have a local stone finish on my house?
A: You can have any finish you like e.g. brick/stone/render/wood as long as the local authority agree.
Q: How can you tell if it is a Timber Frame house?
A: You can’t! You have probably stayed in a TF hotel or visited friends in a Timber Frame house, you only notice how quiet and comfortable they are when you live in one.
Q: My house design shows a basement, will I have to use concrete up to ground level?
A: Not necessarily, there are various systems that can be used to enable 100% TF on the project.
Q: What about Woodworm and Termites?
A: All timbers used are pressure impregnated with boron based preservative/fungicide/insecticide and are immune to attack.
Q: My house in Spain always feels damp in Winter why is this?
A: Traditional Spanish homes do not have outer leaves or cavities nor do they have insulation. Air-borne vapour from showers, boiling water, breathing etc. condensates on the cold walls and this turns back to water.
Q: Do TF houses have this same problem?
A: No, because there is no cold areas inside the building for the vapour to be attracted to. TF also has a damp course, a damp-proof membrane in the floor and internal vapour barriers all built in to prevent damp problems, which traditional Spanish homes do not have.
Q: Are Timber Frame houses cheaper on fuel costs than traditionally built houses ?
A: Definitely, in UK it is estimated that a 30% annual fuel saving is average, this would be much higher in Spain because of the limited need for air-con.
Q: How do I find a price for my idea or project?
A: Call us, we will discuss the matter with you and let you have a guide prices and options. We are here to help and will advise without obligation. If we can help – we will.
Q: If I self-build who do I turn to if I have a problem?
A: Once you have ordered your house from us you have a 12 hr 7 day contact who will help you. We don’t leave you when your frames are erected, you can rely on us throughout the project. If we can deal with your query by phone, there is no charge and if you want us to attend site a fee is agreed with you prior to arrival.
Q: I don’t live in Spain. How can I build there without flying out every week or so?
A: We do that for you. We agree a project management fee with you and supervise the work. We email you every week with a progress report and send photographs of your project. Your money is paid to us in stage payments and stays in our account until a tradesman or bill is due to be paid. We do not pay out a single penny without your permission.
Q: Can you provide external walls thicker than 140mm? I want to add more insulation.
A: We can provide any size or configuration to a clients specification. It is not necessary to increase the size of the walls to up rate the insulation though. There are several ways of achieving this depending what your aim is. Our standard insulation spec is Rockwool 150 + Plasterboard + 140mm stud and 9mm OSB, 50mm Cavity and 100mm external skin. This will give you a U-Value of 0.27 W/m2K. Substitute one of the many thermal/sound boards now available and the U-Value drops. It is possible to achieve an almost Zero level, although the costs will be high. NEVER be tempted to place insulation in the cavity, this can cause all sorts of problems with damp bridging, and defeats the main aim of free air-flow.
Q: Once the frame is erected is the roof watertight?
A: No it is not, TFIS erect the roof superstructure for you and the Roofer then completes the Tiling/Slating. An average house takes about 5/7 days to erect and then once the roof is completed, and Windows/External Doors installed (another 3/4 days) you have a completely sealed envelope and internal work can commence immediately.
Q: Must I provide a crane? If so what type?
A: Not always, but if a Crane is needed a “City” or mobile is hired for the two or three days. Large sites will of course have a static crane for multi-movements.
Q: Can you explain “complete the installation to NHBC and TRADA regulations”?
A: NHBC is a UK Building Warranty, a type of insurance that underwrites any building defect for the first 10 years. On completion of the engineering/design process our engineers issue a Certificate HB353B. An NHBC inspector will visit the site during the course of construction, to check that all is well. On completion (sign-off) NHBC will issue a full certificate. Spain has a similar system called a Decenal and the obras or works are inspected by independent OCT inspectors. TRADA lays down several rules, standards and guidelines and all these can be seen on www.trada.co.uk
Q: Can you explain “complete the installation to NHBC and TRADA regulations”?
A: NHBC is a UK Building Warranty, a type of insurance that underwrites any building defect for the first 10 years. On completion of the engineering/design process our engineers issue a Certificate HB353B. An NHBC inspector will visit the site during the course of construction, to check that all is well. On completion (sign-off) NHBC will issue a full certificate. Spain has a similar system called a Decenal and the obras or works are inspected by independent OCT inspectors. TRADA lays down several rules, standards and guidelines and all these can be seen on www.trada.co.uk
Q: What if my site has limited access an cannot accept a 14m lorry?
A: This is not a problem. The reason we specify a 14m artic is because this is the meconomical way to deliver a house kit, and obviously the driver must be able to get out of the site and in UK it takes ages to agree road off-loading, and obtaining paperwork with the local authorities. If we know that a 14m artic is not possible or practical we will make other arrangements for transport. In Spain we are used to delivering to the top of mountains. On one occasion, access was so poor that we used a local farmer who took the components up bit by bit in a tractor and trailer!
Q: What is “Robust Detail”?
A: This is a UK government run company who issue certificates for building components that pass various tests concerning Resistance to the Passage of Sound. It also specifies how walls and floors must be
constructed to meet the sound levels dictated by the UK Building Regulations Approved Document E. All TFIS kits meet and beat the prescribed levels, therefore sound testing is not required for our products, and you know that your home will be comfortable and quiet, even in apartments with tile
A: This is a UK government run company who issue certificates for building components that pass various tests concerning Resistance to the Passage of Sound. It also specifies how walls and floors must be
constructed to meet the sound levels dictated by the UK Building Regulations Approved Document E. All TFIS kits meet and beat the prescribed levels, therefore sound testing is not required for our products, and you know that your home will be comfortable and quiet, even in apartments with tile