How to Design Your Timber Frame Home to Stay within Budget

Example of a more complex timber frame that has a higher cost per square foot than a simpler design

Here at Davis Frame Company, one of the first things we do with our clients is work with them to establish a budget for their new timber frame home. In a previous timber frame budget blog post, we discussed all the elements that affect your overall budget, but we would like to focus on how the design of your new timber frame home can impact your overall budget.

Some factors in the design process to consider are the following:

• How many square feet do I want in my new home?
• Will I build a garage right away?
• How many stories do I want for my new home?
• Will I add dormers, valleys, gables or bump outs to my design?
• What do I want to use for the bent system?
• Would I consider a hybrid/partial timber frame?

All of the above are great questions to ask yourself before you start on the design of your new timber frame home with one of our in-house designers or if you are using an architect. Analyzing how much you need for square footage is key. Many clients of ours often start out with a larger footprint and then realize they don't need as much square feet in their house as they originally thought; and in turn save some money.

Also, keep in mind with a simpler house design you will typically pay less per square foot. A home with lots of dormers and corners will likely increase your overall cost per square foot.

Example of a simpler design that could result in a lower cost per square foot

One thing to consider if you are on a tight budget is a hybrid/partial timber frame. Many of our clients will incorporate timber framing for the main areas of the home such as the great room, kitchen and dining room and use conventional construction for the bedrooms. Adding less timber framing to your new home or using simpler bent system can save you money.

A great place to start looking for ideas for the design of your new timber frame home is to view our Classic Barn Home floor plans. This line of 25 pre-designed timber frame floor plans is a great starting point to gather ideas for your new timber frame home. Using one of our Classic Barn Home floor plans can save you money with the design costs for your new home.

Call us today at 800.636.0993 to speak with one of our project coordinators about your new timber frame home or addition!

Using Reclaimed Timbers for Your New Timber Frame Home

Reclaimed Timber Frame Project in PA

Using reclaimed timbers means using trees that were harvested long ago and used in buildings and barns that have been dismantled. Aside from being environmentally friendly and saving the lives of today's trees, the beauty and unmatched characteristics of these weathered timbers can give your timber frame home a truly unique look.

Reclaimed timbers are exceptionally durable as they have had a long drying process. If you choose to use salvaged timbers, our shop crew will work on refurbishing the timbers for your new project. Although using reclaimed timbers for your new timber frame is a more expensive option than Douglas fir and Eastern White Pine, it will give your new home history that is unique to your own project.

To see more photos of a reclaimed timber frame project, please visit our reclaimed timber frame photo gallery.

Whether you want to use reclaimed timbers, Douglas fir or Eastern White Pine, we can help you create the home of your dreams! Click here to read about the different timber species.

Contact Davis Frame today by calling 800.636.0993! Speak to one of our project coordinators about your upcoming timber frame project.

Energy Smart Living Workshop in Oregon

Central Oregon Timber Frame and Davis Frame Company are pleased to present a Energy-Smart Living Workshop. Come and spend the afternoon and tour this timber frame model home in Oregon and attend a presentation. See the integration of SIP's construction, solar electric photovoltaic panels and a solar hot water system to achieve comfortable living in this attractive passive solar home design.

Date: Saturday, June 19th
Time: 1:00pm-4:30pm

Location:
Model Timber Frame Home & Carriage House
67775 Cloverdale Road
Sisters, Oregon

Call homeowners Doug and Leanne Smith to RSVP 541-977-8285 or email them at timberinfo@ykwc.net.

Workshop Presentations:

• How to design & build an energy-smart/high performance home - Karen Smuland, Architect, AIA, LEED AP
  
  
• Use the sun & wind to power your home -Mark Patt, Evergreen Homes
  
  
• Solar Thermal to Heat your home -Jim Crow, Builder & Solar Thermal Installer
  
  
• Solar Electricity to Power Your Home - Jonathan Poot, Trinity Electric & Renewable Energy Installer
  
  
• Benefits of living in energy-smart home -Doug & Leanne Smith, Reps for Davis Frame Company

Timber Frame Floor Plan Feature: Classic Farmhouse 1A

Davis Timber Frame's Classic Farmhouse series is popular from our line of Classic Barn Homes. The typical farmhouse is two-story, typically with a central corridor and stair. Long farmers' porches along one, two or three sides were not uncommon. Our Classic Farm House Series was designed to offer solid comfort and lots of flexibility for the interior plan.

Classic Farmhouse 1A features a welcoming timber frame farmer’s porch that extends the length of the home’s facade, leading into a main entry hall and then on to an open living room, dining room and kitchen. The rear-entry mudroom offers a perfect place to hang coats, take off boots and store gardening tools. A half bath is also located in the mudroom area.

The second floor has plenty of room for a growing family with a large hall that can be used as a study or entertainment area, two bedrooms that share a full bath, and a luxurious master suite that features a full ensuite bath, walk-in closet and private sitting area
Contact Davis Timber Frame today to talk to one of our project coordinators! 800.636.0993