Top Questions to Ask a Timber Wall Framing Supplier
Unlike other wall framing materials, timber restores a sense of connection to the environment. However, it is essential to choose the right timber-framing supplier to gain all the benefits that timber wall framing has to offer. Here are critical questions to ask a potential timber wall-framing supplier.
Are Timber Frame Designs In-House or Outsourced? -- Hiring an independent timber wall framing designer is an appealing option for most aspiring homeowners. However, the services of an independent designer can be quite expensive. Moreover, you have to look for a supplier who can cut timber pieces according to a designer's plans. A supplier with an in-house design team is a better option because the cost of their services -- design and cutting -- is manageable. Additionally, you save a lot of time on a construction project because a framing plan moves directly to a cutting team immediately a design team is through with their work.
What Are the Waste-Prevention Strategies in Place? -- When building with timber, it is critical to avoid unnecessary waste as much as possible. It is because waste in timber framing adds to the overall cost of a construction project. One way to establish whether a timber-framing supplier is serious about preventing waste is by visiting their workshop and observing their operations. Notably, the staff on a workshop floor must use the 'measure twice, cut once' rule. The strategy helps to avoid measurement mistakes since they are a significant contributor to wastage in the timber milling process. Another approach for minimising wastage is optimum value engineering (OVE). The more waste prevention strategies a supplier has put in place, the lower the cost of a construction project.
Do You Incorporate Hybrid Timber? -- While timber wall framing is relatively cheap, the number of load-bearing walls expected can quickly ramp up the cost. It is because load-bearing timber walls must be strong enough to withstand sustained loads for an extended period. Therefore, most suppliers recommend hardwood beams for such applications. However, these are relatively expensive. Therefore, the right supplier understands that customers have varying budgets and will provide different timber wall framing options. For instance, structural plywood is a cheaper alternative to hardwood beams and offers the same load-bearing qualities. Therefore, hybrid timber gives customers on a tight budget better options without necessarily compromising on the structural integrity of their walls.
To learn more, contact a timber wall frame supplier.