Whether you’re a budding self-builder or a housing developer who wants to build future homes with timber frames, learning how to compare timber frame quotations is essential.

Asking a timber frame manufacturer for an estimate of costs for say a 4-bedroom house will give you just that – an estimate.

The cost of timber frames will vary due to many factors including the design of the property, the size and number of floors, the type of roof truss required and other design features.

Quotations for timber frame packages can consist of just the timber frames and fixtures, or they can include the timber frame house design and the installation of the timber frame structure.

Helping you compare costs for timber frames

If you’ve read our Guide to Choosing a Timber Frame Manufacturer then you’ll already have a shortlist of reputable suppliers. The next stage is to ask for written quotations for your timber frame project.

Here are our top tips for comparing timber frame quotations that will help you avoid hidden costs or missing items. Our Guide to Comparing Quotations for Timber Frames provides more detailed and valuable information.

Provide detailed information for an accurate quotation

Before asking any timber frame manufacturer for a timber frame quotation, provide as much information as you can about the project, such as:

Dimensional drawings, floor plans and elevations (including all internal walls and openings)
Location and site plans
Groundwork information
Planning permission (if applied for)
Whether you require timber frame design service
Whether you require timber frame installation service

Closely compare timber frame package details

Start by asking for quotations from STA-accredited timber frame manufacturers – preferably STA Assure Gold members.

The STA (Structural Timber Frame Association) carries out independent annual quality audits of the members’ timber frame products, processes, as well as on-site quality and safety standards.

Are they like-for-like details?

It may sound obvious, but if you are comparing ‘like-for-like’ quotations for timber frame systems, the details need to be closely checked such as:

Stud details for walls and doorways
Sizes of load and non-loadbearing walls
Type of floor deck including joists and air barriers
Wall panels, wall cavities and applicable vapour control layers
Wall panel insulation (essential to comply with Building Regulations)
Wall cavity barriers and party wall fire & smoke barriers
The inclusion of all fixings

Compare timber frame delivery and installation details

A timber frame quotation should also include details about delivery schedule and if required, installation costs including crane hire, waste disposal.

If timber frame installation is required, the quotation should include the cost of the erection of the entire structure including roof trusses.

Furthermore, check if the quotation includes in-transit insurance and fall arrest for installers.

At Target Timber we pride ourselves on our reputation for producing top-quality timber frame products and total transparency when it comes to timber frame costs and quotations.

Our expert team will answer any questions and if you do choose us to be your timber frame manufacturer, you can be sure that we will work very closely with you at every stage of your exciting project.

Download our detailed Guide to Comparing Quotations for Timber Frames for more detailed information.

Alternatively, please get in touch by calling 01403 782 600 or send us a message or details of your project via our online form.