Barns | Timber Framed Home Designs | Scandia-Hus (2024)

FAQs

Why are timber frame homes so expensive? ›

Price Difference

The main drawback to timber frame structures is the cost. Since each piece of timber needs to be precut exactly to fit, the cost of a timber frame package is more than twice the cost of the framing package of a stud framed structure.

Timeframe for constructing a timber frame house on site

In summary, the typical time to build a timber frame house – from manufacture through to construction and completion – is around 12 weeks.

Timber frame homes are environmentally friendly.

Plus, most timber frame homes use structured insulated panels (SIPs) that have many environmental benefits including reduced energy use, less construction waste, and improved indoor air quality. SIPs create a well-insulated and airtight shell around a home.

Seven specific problems with wood frame construction include fire- and wind-resistance, durability, low thermal mass, shrinkage, and compromised acoustics and indoor air quality (IAQ).

With proper construction and maintenance, timber frames can easily surpass 100 years. Many examples worldwide have exceeded 400+ years. What is the shortest lifespan of a timber frame? Lack of maintenance can shorten the lifespan to 25 years or less.

It's no different for the price of timber frame houses. In general (updated for 2024), the cost of a timber frame home and SIP package is around $150 to $170 per square foot. The final turnkey cost of a timber frame home ranges from $350 to $375 per square foot.

Cutting SIPs to run wires can be time-consuming and costly – If you don't want to cut the panels, you can cut trenches in the beams, run wires under composite flooring, or place wiring behind baseboards or interior trim. Wire chases can be created around timber sills, behind cabinets and tiling and under doorways.

The most cost-effective insulation materials for timber frame homes are fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, and spray foam insulation. Fiberglass batts are the least expensive, but they can be difficult to install properly.

External insulation is the most effective means of insulating a timber-framed wall. It can be achieved by fitting wood-fibre or other similar boards over the external face of the timber frame, taking care to seal any gaps between boards caused by the unevenness of the frame beneath.

Do timber frame houses have load bearing walls? ›

Many “timber frame” homes are hybrids. They have exposed timber framing in some areas and load bearing stick frame walls in other areas.

Timber Frame Homes Are Very Longlasting

Thanks to their carpentered joints and wood pins, timber frames also have more flexibility than stick framing. This makes timber framing more resistant to earth tremors and high winds.

Home Framing FAQs

Lumber costs range from $1 – $5 per square foot. This means that the cost of lumber for framing a 2,000-square-foot house could cost $2,000 – $10,000.

Block Construction: Concrete holds up well over time, requiring less maintenance. Block structures aren't susceptible to rot or mold as much as wood. Wood Frame: Vulnerable to moisture, which can lead to mold and rot. However, wood treatments can prolong lifespan and durability.