How long does it take to build a timber frame house?


If you’re new to self-building or a property developer looking to build more sustainably and efficiently with timber frame, you will no doubt have lots of questions.

Let’s start with why increasing numbers of builders are choosing to construct their new homes with timber frame. There are two primary reasons: Timber frame is a renewable, sustainable and eco-friendly structural material, and timber frame structures can be built more quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively.

There are many other benefits associated with self-building a home using timber frames. In addition to time and cost savings, timber frame systems made to be compliant with Part L of building regulations. They are also precisely manufactured which means less waste, and importantly, they are thermally efficient, leading to long-term energy savings.

target timber factory

Timeframe for manufacturing the timber frame for a house

To answer the question of how long it takes to build a timber frame house, we’ve outlined the typical timings based on the drawings being complete, the project being self-managed and that planning permission has been granted.

A typical timeframe for manufacturing a complete timber frame system with Target Timber is 8-10 weeks.

From the time the design is frozen and architectural drawings are submitted, a project team will be assigned and the following process

The timber frame manufacturing process

The process of manufacturing the timber frame for a typical house will include:

  • Assign timber frame design team and book manufacturing slot
  • Produce detailed design creating GA’s and sections for approval
  • Allocate all required materials
  • Assign the quality control team
  • Input design calculations for precision cutting machinery
  • Set timber cutting schedules
  • Set wall panel fabrication schedules
  • Set timber frame system pre-fabrication schedules
  • Quality inspection sign-off
  • Book transportation to site

 

Timeframe for constructing a timber frame house on site

As a full-service timber frame system manufacturer, Target Timber can fully construct a timber frame house, including wall panels and roof trusses, in under a week.

Once the timber frame is constructed it is then ready for the roof tiles to be laid and windows to be fitted, at which point the house will be fully wind and watertight and ready for the external cladding and first fixing.

In summary, the typical time to build a timber frame house – manufacturing, on-site construction and completion – is around 12 weeks.

What can you expect from Target Timber?

Having manufactured and built hundreds of timber frame systems, our passionate team is always eager to share their knowledge.

We can advise and help you with all aspects of building with timber frame including:

  • Design and drawings
  • Build programmes
  • Types of wall and floor options
  • Types of insulation and thermal performance
  • Ventilation and heating strategies
  • Types of cladding

If you have any questions about house building with timber frame systems, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – or take a look at our FAQ’s to find out more.

 

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