FAQs
What's the main attraction of self-build?
How popular is timber frame housing?
What are the benefits of timber frame housing?
How do I go about finding a suitable plot of land to build on?
Will I get a mortgage for a timber frame home?
I already have my design drawn up. Can Robertson Timberkit produce the kit I need?
What about building insurance? Will I get it?
Isn't there a greater fire risk with timberkit housing?
Will my timberkit home last the course?
Can RTK supply outside the UK?
What's the main attraction of self-build?
Essentially you end up with a home that suits your own requirements and which can also reflect your individuality and lifestyle. Some people do it because it can mean significant cost savings while others just want more control over all aspects of the home they live in.
How popular is timber frame housing?
A report from the UK Timberframe Association in May 2008 showed the market for timberframe housing had risen for the ninth successive year. Over 2007, the UKTFA says the market grew by 3.3%. Around 22% of all new housing in the UK is now built using timberframe with around 10% of all new homes in the UK now self-build. In Scotland, 55% per cent of new-build housing is timberframe.
What are the benefits of timber frame housing?
Well, apart from having a dream home tailored to your individual needs and taste, there's the environmental benefits of knowing the structure for your home has come from completely sustainable sources, which use less energy to produce.
You also have the excellent properties of wood as a natural insulator and soundproofer, cutting down on energy use and noise transmission.
Then there's the fact that most timber frame homes entirely conform to the latest building regulations - with many exceeding them, and there's also the fact that timberframe is now recognised as the most economical and efficient method in modern residential construction.
How do I go about finding a suitable plot of land to build on?
You can register with a reputable land sourcing service such as PlotSearch, which is operated by Buildstore, or other specialist search agencies or local estate agents. Alternatively, within the retained experience and knowledge at Robertson Timberkit we may be able to help you directly.
Will I get a mortgage for a timber frame home?
Of course. Virtually all the high street lenders provide self-build mortgages. Really, the only difference between traditional mortgages and self-build mortgages is that self-build mortgage are released in stages according to the various completed construction phases. However, lenders insist that you have a warranty or progress certificate covering the work that has been completed, issued by a professional, such as a builder, your architect or Robertson Timberkit. Bear in mind that self-build mortgages are cheaper, as you only borrow the money you need at the time, cutting down on interest payments. Remember that all financial transactions are based on their individual merits and are assessed on a case by case basis by the appropriate financial instituition(s).
I already have my design drawn up. Can Robertson Timberkit produce the kit I need?
Yes, simply contact us and we'll give you a quotation and timescale for the delivery of your precision timber frame kit.
What if I don't have drawings, don't know how to design a house and don't know the first thing about building one?
Again, contact Robertson Timberkit and use our "whole-project" support. We can work with you from start to finish.
How long will it take from deciding I want a self-build timberframe home and turning the key in the lock?
This is dependant on a number of factors, including weather and availability and reliability of tradesmen. However, in some instances it is possible to move in just 3 months after construction.
What about building insurance? Will I get it?
No problem - and under most circumstances you won't have to pay over and above typical premiums for brick and block housing. Timber frame construction is fully recognised by the National House Building Council, Zurich Insurance and the Timber Research & Development Association (an internationally respected centre of excellence for wood products). Remember that all financial transactions are based on their individual merits and are assessed on a case by case basis by the appropriate financial instituition(s).
Isn't there a greater fire risk with timberkit housing?
Like all construction materials, timber frame has to meet all the usual national building regulations, but the technical properties of wood are less affected by fire than, say, steel. Steel frames can twist and collapse at temperatures just above those at which timber will ignite. Unlike concrete and steel, timber will not melt, spall, flake, explode or buckle when exposed to fire. When wood burns it forms a charcoal layer which actually helps protect the core and maintain the strength of the structure.
Will my timberkit home last the course?
Think about this - there are timber structured homes from the 12th century still standing. In the Far East some from the 8th century are still standing.
Anything else?
Yes, always have a contingency fund to cover any unexpected expenditure. You should also always take proper legal advice at the outset and ensure you have any necessary insurance in place to cover your project period.
Can RTK supply outside the UK?
Robertson Timberkit normally only supply timber frame solutions within the United Kingdom. However, we did once supply and erect 2 timber frame homes, following an earth quake, in Japan.