More and more homes are being built with timber frame structures these days, as there are many advantages of this type of property for both builders and homeowners.
Roughly a quarter of new build homes are being constructed with timber frames as opposed to brick, and here are just some of the reasons why this trend is growing in popularity.
Faster build times
Once a buyer has put a deposit down on a house, they do not want to wait months on end before they can move. Excited about their new abode, they want to be in as quickly as possible without compromising the integrity of the structure.
At the same time, developers want to build properties at speed too, as this means they can construct a greater number of homes in a short time and make more sales.
Therefore, this is one of the main advantages of timber frame properties, as they can be built quickly.
In fact, they are thought to be 30 per cent quicker to construct than brick houses, which means three times as many can be erected in the time it takes to build one brick property.
Construction begins off site
One of the reasons why the construction is faster is because it can begin off site. The prefabricated frames are, therefore, quick to install, reducing the amount of site labour needed.
Can be built in bad weather
What’s more, timber frame homes can continue to be built in bad weather conditions. As the process begins off site, this is not affected by wind or rain, while the wooden material can still be handled easily in inclement weather.
This is unlike brick constructions, which have to be delayed until conditions improve.
Can be built on poor ground conditions
Timber frame homes are currently being favoured as they can help the government reach its housebuilding target of constructing 300,000 new properties per year by the mid-2020s.
In fact, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak previously announced plans to build one million homes over the course of this Parliament, with 2.2 million residences having already been constructed since 2010.
As opposed to brick homes, timber frame houses can be built on grounds that have poor conditions. As they are not as heavy as brick properties, the foundations do not have to be as solid to support the weight of the frame.
Therefore, foundations do not have to be as expensive and there are lots more options when it comes to choosing locations for new build developments.
Cost-saving
Developers are all about producing as many properties for as little as possible, and timber frame homes are a cost-effective solution.
Thanks to the material being less expensive than brick, they are cheaper to build. What’s more, as fewer labourers are required on site and work can continue during bad weather, operation and construction costs are lower.
Property investors who are planning to sell the homes or rent them out as soon as they are complete will also be more keen on timber frame houses, as the speedy construction means they can make a sale or start getting rental income sooner.
Precise manufacturing
As timber frames are manufactured with precision, the houses can be truly exact. This means labourers are less likely to find errors in the measurements of the timber frames on site.
What’s more, rooms can be built perfectly square and level, making the house feel more uniform and symmetrical, which homebuyers find appealing and, therefore, attract more attention.
Environmentally friendly
Sustainability has become a priority for every manufacturer over the last few years, as consumers are keen to purchase environmentally friendly products that can help slow down the impact of climate change.
The good news for timber frame properties is that they are eco-friendly in many ways.
Firstly, the timber used is a sustainable material, and depending on the supplier, can be responsibly sourced.
In England, more trees are planted than are used to make timber, with Forestry England explaining this is to “ensure the forest’s life cycle continues”.
It added: “Growing and using wood helps to tackle the climate crisis. As trees grow, they remove carbon dioxide from the air and convert it to wood.”
Therefore, by using timber products and encouraging the growth of new trees, more carbon dioxide can be extracted from the atmosphere.
In fact, it is thought to have the lowest carbon dioxide impact of all building materials and is even considered to be carbon neutral. This is in part due to its carbon capture properties, as well as the fact that timber can be recycled.
At the same time, there is less material wastage, and it is a non-toxic material, so it will not release harsh chemicals into the world.
Timber frame homes are also very energy-efficient, which is not only good for the environment but also appealing to homebuyers, as it means they can spend less on their gas and electricity bills.
It is a good insulator, so heat can be trapped inside the building, reducing demand on central heating to keep the house warm. Therefore, this results in lower energy bills.
Good-quality material
Timber would not continue to be popular if it was not a good-quality material. The reason why so many homeowners are happy with their wooden frame houses is because they are durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain.
As long as the wood is of good quality, it can last decades without deteriorating.
What’s more, it is easy to look after, it provides a high level of protection from the air outside, it has good sound insulation, and the risk of a fire is no greater than for a brick house.
There is also a huge variety of design options, so buyers who are involved before the construction stage can choose the different colours, shapes, sizes and styles of the timber to create a house they love.