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Is timber framing similar to log cabin construction?

Only in the sense that they are both made of wood. Timber frame homes use squared timbers that are cut from logs. These timbers are joined and erected to produce a frame. The exterior shell that is built around this frame is much more airtight than a log cabin. In fact, our timber framed homes have higher insulation values than conventionally built (or stick) homes.

Another difference is in the appearance. While log cabins are always rustic looking, timber framed houses can be rustic or casually elegant looking both inside and out, depending on how you finish the interior (i.e., wood paneling, painted drywall). Even when casual elegance is your preference, the straight lines of Timber frame design give a more refined and craftsman-like appearance.

Lastly, exterior maintenance on a timber framed home is comparable to a conventionally built home; however, a log home requires frequent maintenance.

What "green" features does TIMBERPEG® offer?

We offer a multitude of green features for our homes well beyond the standard energy efficiency of a timber frame home. While timber framing was recently named among the top eco-friendly trends in building, we strive to offer additional products and services to help the environment and increase the efficiency of our homes. We choose only the finest products for our homes such as certified timbers, energy efficient SIPS and low-e windows. When possible, our Douglas fir comes from blown-down or small lot cuttings and our eastern white pine from local producers. Although most of our buildings use new wood, recycled timbers from older, demolished structures are available on request. Douglas fir timbers are available certified for chain-of-custody as coming from well-managed forests adhering to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards in accordance with the principles and criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Can TIMBERPEG® design and manufacture an Energy Star® home?

As an Energy Star Partner, Timberpeg Carolina knows how to ensure your  home is properly designed and constructed to meet the strict standards to become an ENERGY STAR® certified home. In general, A TIMBERPEG® package naturally lends itself very well to certification as many of the components and construction tightness will help you easily achieve points towards ENERGY STAR®, LEED®, and the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Guidelines.

How do I design and build a Green home?

Because we are a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Green Professional (CGP), we will educate you and lead you through the process to ensure your new home is properly designed and constructed to meet the strict standards to become a Green Certified home. Energy Star is just one of the components of building green. Building a green home is much more integrated than just the installation of a couple of green products. It's actually the blending of water efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environment, material efficiency and site design to create an integrated system - your green home. The good news is that you are halfway there by just using the TIMBERPEG® building system - quality and proper green material selection, sound proven building practices including architectural details, energy efficient wall and roof enclosure systems.... Let us lead you in becoming Green.

Do you offer products from sustainable forests?

We are extremely proud to source our timber products from vendors who offer a variety of components from sustainable forests.

Are your homes Energy Efficient?

All TIMBERPEG® homes are very energy efficient with built-in energy savings. A continuous insulation system and high-quality millwork contribute to high energy efficiency. With structural insulated panels (SIPs), you can expect a substantial reduction in energy needs compared to those of a conventionally built home.

For additional information, read an editorial which TIMBERPEG® has permission to duplicate and distribute. It appeared in Wood Design & Building, Summer 2004 issue. In short, it provides results of a comparison of the life-cycle environmental impact of three, duplicate buildings constructed of steel, concrete and wood. And over the entire life-cycle, wood and hence timber framing, is one of the few or only building materials that embodies the ”big three” qualities of the ultimate sustainable material, that of being recyclable, biodegradable, and renewable. It fits the concept of low environmental impact from cradle to grave like no other material.

How do TIMBERPEG® homes compare in price to conventional homes?

In most cases, a TIMBERPEG® home costs about the same as a custom, high quality, conventionally built ('stick') home of the same energy efficiency. However, it is difficult to compare the cost of a "stick built" home to that of a TIMBERPEG® home because using a single basis such as $/sf give an incomplete comparison. It does not take into account such things as the unique aspects of the design (e.g., vaulted ceilings, lots of windows, use of premium building materials, etc.) The site location and lot features factor into the cost of construction as well. A steep heavily wooded lot is harder to build on, thus more time and money for construction. It also fails to account for how the house is finished once the framing is complete. For example, a 3,000sf home could have $13,000 of kitchen cabinets and countertops. Or it could have granite countertops and custom cabinets that cost more than $35,000. This $22,000 difference would equate to a $7.33/sf increase. A better way to estimate the final cost is to use the cost of the TIMBERPEG® package as a basis. Generally, most owners spend approximately 30%-35% of their building budget (excluding the lot) on the TIMBERPEG® package. So an averaged size house (3,000 sf) with a TIMBERPEG® package price of $210,000 might be expected to have a total building cost in the $600,000-$700,000 range. That translates to a typical finished cost of $200-$230/sf for our TIMBERPEG® houses in the local area. If your tastes are more in alignment with “only the best and most expensive finishes,” the cost could be closer to $260/sf.

To learn more about estimating the cost of your new TIMBERPEG® home, visit Determining Your Costs.

Why do you prefer to sell a complete package?

We are able to deliver a much higher level of quality and value to our clients by providing a complete package, not just a timber frame. Our components and details have been carefully selected and engineered to work together as a complete Building System. We offer several optional components and can accommodate other selected materials and custom details as part of the TIMBERPEG® package. You want to avoid substituting an inferior product which can compromise the whole system.

How do I begin?

It all depends on what questions you have. Contact us to discuss your questions and see what makes the most sense for you - meet at your site, meet at your house, or visit a TIMBERPEG® home.