...and talk to several contractors. We are getting ready to build a small house in Maine and the guys we have talked to can do both post and beam and stick built. There are pluses and minuses to each. We haven't quite decided which to go with.

Timber frame is really nice, but it tends to cost more and from what a friend who did this for a massive addition on his 250 year-old house tells me, the contractor is *really* important. Be sure you work with someone who will take the detail care necessary. He said the difference in cost between using a top contractor and materials was 10-20% more than other bids he got.

As for plans, be sure to see what the builder may have. A lot of them have designs they've used before and can adapt them to meet your needs. We'd looked at all the plan books (not all that useful), but got the real idea for what would be best for us out of an article in (I think) Fine Homebuilding. We showed it to builders and one had a similar design he'd done and showed us a house he'd built. He can do it stick or P&B and we are modifying the design to fit what we want. A good builder will work with you on this.

There are a bunch of books on working with contractors and getting what you need. Head to the library or bookstore and see what you can find. And if you are inclined to do some work yourself you can save a chunk of dollars, too.

IMHO, it's important to use a builder you can "partner" with--someone you'd want to have for dinner or a housewarming party after the place is built. You're in VT, so I think you know what I mean.

Good luck and keep us posted.

• OT: Timber Frame Homes?, SeeVTSaab, Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:32:47
  • Thanks all for the excellent info,, SeeVTSaab, Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:03:02
  • Recommend and links, Chris Ludwig, Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:32:20
  • I had to do a search on that terminology., Mike in Anchorage, Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:55:53
    • Hand in hand I suppose with our state bird ...., SeeVTSaab, Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:32:10
      • And I thought you meant you didn't like that house..., Noel, Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:56:53
        • Kinda see it ..., SeeVTSaab, Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:56:53
          • Logs..., Noel, Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:21:49
  • Keep your options open..., Noel, Sun, 23 Sep 2007 07:24:49 <-- Viewing This Message
  • TF will likely be more energy efficient, BrianG, Sun, 23 Sep 2007 05:25:32
  • Re: OT: Timber Frame Homes?, andym, Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:19:57

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