Timber Frame FAQs

Why Choose Timber Frame?

See our section on Benefits of Timber Frame Design

How long do timber frame homes last?

Timber Frame Homes are classed as "permanent structures" and last as long as masonry built homes, in some instances longer.

Will the wood rot?

No. All of the timbers used in Timber Frame Construction are kiln dried, stress graded and treated with preservatives. Timber frame houses have an equal life expantancy to block built homes.

Do timber frame houses look different?

Not unless you want them to! Most timber framed houses are indistinguishable in visual appearance from block built houses. According to a study by COFORD on Timber vs Brick homes, the difference can only be measured in terms of the superior energy efficiency and reduced heating costs of a timber framed building. Typically timber frame houses are externally clad in block or brick and look the same as any other house. In some instances, home builders may choose timber boarding, stone or a mixture of both for the external walls as part of the house design for enhanced visual effect.

Are timber frame homes fire safe?

Timber frame houses are completely firesafe! Timber frame buldings meet all the fire safety standards as layed out by the National Irish Building Regulations. Home insurance companies do not differentiate between timber frame and masonry forms of house construction. Infact, as timber frames do not bend or flake at high temperatures, a timber framed building structure loses it's structural integrity at a slower more controlled rate. Timber frame homes are for this reason considered by many to be the safest form of building construction.

Do timber frame homes cost more to insure?

Insurance companies do not differentiate between timber frame and masonry built homes.

Is it tougher to get a mortgage for a timber frame home?

Financial institutions and mortgages companies make no differentiation in their lending terms for block built or timber framed homes.

Are timber homes noisey?

Not at all. Timber frame homes offer better acoustic insulation than block built homes, and at Ramstown, all our timber frame structures are fully up to date with contemporary building regulations. Check out our silent flooring systems for more on what Ramstown Timber Frame Company has to offer in the way of self-build sound considerations & solutions.

Will a timber frame structure effect my plans to one day build a home extension?

Timber frame home extensions are generally easier to design and impliment than extensions to block or masonry built homes. As the internal timber frame wall is constructed wholly of timber and plasterboard, the mess and impact your home extension has on the current building structure is vastly reduced. Similarly internal DIY jobs are made easier due to the simple and superior fixing you can get to the timber studs.

Do timber frame homes cost more or less to build?

Timber Frame House construction costs around the same as masonry built homes. However there are many project savings to be made thanks to the speed of timber frame construction. Equally, the energy efficiency of timber frame homes can dramatically reduce your home heating costs, offering long term savings and helping to boost the resale value of your home. See our section on Timber Frame Cost Efficiency for more information.

Email your house plans to the Ramstown Timber Frame Company today to receive a free quote on your new timber frame home. Our timber home design experts will get back to you withiin just 24hrs!

What is included in the Timber Frame Kit?

Timber floor panels

External and internal timber wall panels & wall ties

Plasterboard and home insulation (see options)

Roof trusses and (or) additional roofing materials

Felt and roof battens

Timber fascia & soffit

Stairs

See our Timber Frame Kit for more details.

>> See Our Step-By-Step guide to the Timber Frame Construction Process!

Ramstown Timber Frame Company

Ramstown, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland

P: 053 9422 099

F: 053 9422 130

Email your house plans today for a free quote!