We have three favorite words to share as you begin to explore building your timber
frame home. Plan. Plan. Plan.
The first part of the planning process is educating yourself. The Internet has made
this step much easier than it was in the past. Most timber frame companies have a
web presence with photos. Some have floor plans for your review. While many or most
work on selling timber frames, some answer questions and provide information about
the building process. With just a little surfing, you can find out more in a day or
two than you could pre-www in many weeks of reading and talking.
The second step will be to talk to people from some of these companies. Reach out
to them and have a conversation about your project. This will give you a better feel
for how they work and how they communicate. Ask questions and, if they don’t have an
answer handy, ask them to get back with you.
After you’ve completed these two steps, whether over a number of days, weeks, or
months, the next step will be easier. You’ll have the tools you need to choose a
timber frame company that you’d like to work with as you move forward.
The advantage of choosing one timber frame company before you begin your design-
build process is often overlooked. As you begin to design, having your team in place gives
you flexibility to make changes in the preliminary stage. The savings add up quickly.
So move forward. Just plan, plan, plan. These steps will help you to have an excellent
and wonderful journey as you design and build your new home.
By Bonnie Pickartz