Timber Frame Spec

Hi all,
I'm just about to start my build (220 sq meter, story & half at the front, two story back, 45sqM garage) - will be getting quotes for the foundation very soon. So before I start getting quotes from all the timber frame companies, I'd like to ask all those who have built or is in the process of building a timber frame a few questions.....

1. What company did you use and were they ok to work with? Would you recommend them?
2. Cost?
3. Insulation - what kind and how much in external, internal and ceiling?
4. Garage roof - did you get it from the TF company?
5. Extras - did you get their doors, stairs, etc?

All other TF info would be much appreciated


Thanks,

Hi eire1977
I'm 2/3 thru my TF house up here in Donegal. Walls are tacked awaiting skimming. The frame itself is supplied and fitted by a Belfast company called ADvanced Timber Craft Ltd who specialise in one-off houses. The main specs of the house were:
*220 mm studs done at 400mm centres with 9mm particleboard on outside
*all internal walls 140mm
*50mm aeroboard fixed to outside of frame
*internal sheathing of intello membrane with cellulose pumped in between studs
*cross-battons on internal surface to create service void and this is then filled with 40mm hemp. then plasterboarded
*first floor I-beam system
*warm roof

All of the above supplied and fitted. Sterling low at the moment (alas not when I purchased!)
I would recommend however to go with 600mm centred studs as you get more insulation and less thermal bridges.

I also was tempted to go with HanseHaus but too expensive.

BabyBuilder, thanks for the info. Do you have any idea what U value you'll get with that spec of insulation? How much extra was it to get the list above fitted? What are the advantages of the I-beam system? Thanks for the 600mm center tip - will consider it.

babybuilder..

that spec would be excellent if the aeroboard was swapped with a woodfibre board.
Your hemp, cellulose and intello membrane allows moisture diffusion out through the construction, (prefect breathable construction!!) but when it gets to the aeroboard, its trapped. This will cause a build up in these areas and as you have no cavity will severly increase risks of mould fugus etc and may compromise the structural stability of the timber work.

Does that system have a BBA cert?
What finish will you be applying to the external of the cement board?

sydthebeat said:

that spec would be excellent if the aeroboard was swapped with a woodfibre board.

Click to expand...

Syd,
What spec of woodfibre would you recommend? I had just intended to use as much Rockwool as I could, in both internal and external walls..... good idea or bad idea? Never even considered insulating outside of the frame but it makes sense. How weather proof is woodfibre (i.e. whilst block work is going up) ?

All info welcomed.
Eire1977