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Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you based?
We are based in Caernarfon, North Wales.
How do you calculate the square meterage of a building?
When we talk about the square meterage of a house we are referring to the number of square metres of usable, internal floor space it has across all floor; also known as the Gross Internal floor area (GIFA). This would not include unconverted loft space for example.
Do you offer a full turn key service?
Not currently. What we can do is take you from a bare site to a fully weather tight building. We also work with and can recommend all of the contractors you might need to finish your project.
Do you supply timber frames or panel builds as kits?
No, given that the installation cost is generally so small in relation to the overall cost of the project, we do not deem it worth the risk! A lot of technical knowledge and skill goes into installing our structures correctly.
The access to my build plot is difficult, can you make that work?
Being from north-west Wales we understand all about remote sites and challenging access (it describes almost every site we have ever worked on!), whether your plot is half way up a mountain or on a narrow street (or both) it is surprising what we can achieve. Most off-site manufacturers will want to send everything to you in one go using an artic. We are able to take a much more flexible approach; we work with a variety of local contractors meaning we can opt for the most appropriate delivery and erection vehicle for any given job.
How do you charge for your work?
We can provide you with a ballpark figure based on a square metre price over the phone. Thanks to our integrated design and build team and off-site construction system, if you choose to work with us we are able to provide accurate prices, as opposed to just estimates.
Can you offer me a good price?
We cannot necessarily claim to be the cheapest option, however we do aim to be the best value. We strive to make our pricing fair and transparent. In order to keep our work affordable we seek to cut wastage rather than quality. We are happy to work with you to find the most cost effective solutions to your requirements and we understand the need to work to a budget. However we feel it is our duty to take the long view, working to make buildings that will last centuries not decades and that will retain their value and usefulness for as long as possible.
Where do you source your materials?
We are committed to sourcing all our materials as locally as possible. We work closely with local sawmills who provide us with high quality home grown timber. For our eco-SIP panels we use natural insulating materials made from cellulose and wood fibre. The sheet materials we use are primarily supplied by Medite; their Smartply products are formaldehyde free and manufactured to the highest specification in the industry. We are unable to source fixings locally, so instead we focus on sourcing the best quality – ensuring our buildings last as long as possible.
How do I know if I need planning permission?
If you call us for a chat we can talk you through the basics of planning. Smaller works such as porches etc, often fall under permitted development, whilst larger builds will always require planning. If there is any doubt we can recommend local planning consultants or architects who can take you through the process in full. Read Welsh Government’s permitted development guide for more information.
Do you work nationally?
Yes. However, we are able to work most efficiently when working on jobs local to our workshop in Bangor, north Wales. With this in mind, we have elected to limit the range of services offered to customers outside of a 45 minute drive time radius of our Bangor workshop. Within 45 minutes we can offer a more complete building service, including superstructure, foundations, windows and door fitting and exterior finishes. Outside of the 45 minute drive time zone, only superstructures and design services are offered. This policy helps our staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance and improves the environmental credentials of our work.
Do I need to treat my timber frame or cladding?
Not if you don’t want to. Where relevant we will always seek to use naturally durable species of timber, the longevity of which will not be notably improved through treatment. These timbers will outlast the treated non-durable alternatives.
We may treat internal timbers with Borax (sodium borate), a colourless, non toxic salt derived compound which acts an effective anti-fungal treatment and will prevent mildew growing on fresh timbers whilst they dry.
For external timbers, if you want to preserve the fresh colour of the wood we would advise using an oil based product with UV filters such as Osmo UV Protection oil extra 420 (though you will need to wait for the timber to dry out a bit before applying it as it won’t absorb into fresh cut timber). Alternatively it is fine to let it weather naturally – it will gradually fade to a silvery hue.
For internal timbers you may wish to consider a number of decorative finishes such as liming oils, stains, paints or wax, but none are necessary.
I already have a design, can you work with that?
We are happy to consider any pre-existing design you may have, and will work with you and your chosen specialists (architects, structural engineers, etc) to integrate our build system. However the earlier we are involved in the design phase the smoother this process will be.
Do you supply a Frame Only option?
Yes, we can supply anything from a single truss, to a full roof system through to an entire house frame. We routinely work on a range of projects including renovations, extensions and new builds.
Do you supply Panel builds without a traditional timber frame?
Yes. We offer a sturdy stick framed construction which comes with all the benefits of a high performance off-site construction at a more affordable price point. We can also offer a hybrid option where elements of traditional frame are incorporated into a stick frame build.
Is it difficult to get Planning Permission for a Timber framed Building?
No. Because our timber frames are enclosed within the building they can be finished to conform to whatever the local vernacular may be.
What materials can I use to finish my timber building?
Our timber frames are compatible with most building styles. We supply our own eco-SIP system, but our customers use our frames with a whole range of other materials, from hempcrete to strawbale to brick. We are sensitive to the requirement for buildings that are in keeping with the rest of a property and the wider local vernacular and we understand the constraints that planning may impose on a project.
Is my timber frame likely to move and crack?
Yes! This is part of its charm. Timber is an organic material, no two pieces are the same and it will change over time. However, our experienced carpenters understand the ways in which timber behaves and will mitigate and harness those traits.
In traditional timber framing we use large section green timbers that shrink as they dry, tightening round the joinery and making the frame even stronger. For glazed projects we use a direct glazing system which means no matter how much the timber moves the glass will not be affected and the building will remain weathertight.
You may see cracks open up in timbers as they dry and settle but rest assured these are only cosmetic and will not effect the structural integrity of the frame. We are happy to talk you through what to expect and show you examples of how timber can change so you can decide if it is the material for you.
Is there a particular fire risk associated with timber buildings?
Large section timber beams actually perform better for longer in a fire than the equivalent steel supports do. The timbers will only char whilst steels will distort and fail, making timber the surprise safer choice. Light secondary timbers will burn, however the insulation we use has been demonstrated to prevent structural failure of our stick frame system for over 90 minutes, in spite of being made of paper and wood!
Do you use CNC technology?
Never. All our joinery is hand cut by our skilled carpenters. Because wood is an organic material with endless variations we don’t believe that an automated system can ever be as good as a human one. We also believe in the importance of sustaining and supporting craftsmanship and investing in people and jobs.
Not sure where to start?
Our design team will talk you through the process from beginning to end.