 What is post and beam construction?
Post and Beam construction is a centuries
old, time-tested method of framing that uses wooden posts and beams as the basis of its
structure. In today's modern post and beam homes, a series of large vertical timbers
(posts) and horizontal timbers (beams) are carefully joined together using mortise and
tenon joints. Each joint is fit together by hand and secured with a wooden peg, which
makes it tight and permanent. The exterior shell of the building is then built around the
outside of the frame, leaving the frame itself exposed inside the building. In post and
beam homes, wood is more than just a structural element; it also serves as a visual focal
point. Some manufacturers join their frames with iron plates and bolts. Obviously, that
takes less time -- but the lasting elegance of our joinery makes the extra effort more
than worthwhile.
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What is the history of post and beam construction?
In the Middle Ages, large vaulted churches, palaces, theaters
and other structures were being built throughout England, France, Germany and Holland --
and Post and Beam construction was at the core of these buildings.
When America was first settled, post and beam became one of
the most popular building techniques. Until the Industrial Revolution began, many of the
most exquisite and enduring homes and public buildings in the U.S. were built using post
and beam. And many barns continued to be built with post and beam well into the 20th
century.
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Is post and beam similar to log cabin
construction?
Only in the sense that they are both made of wood. Post & Beam
homes, more specifically timber framed 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 most conventionally built
'stick' homes.
Another difference is in the appearance. While log cabins are always
rustic looking, timber framed houses can be rustic or contemporary looking both inside and
out, depending on how you finish the interior (i.e., wood paneling, painted drywall).
Lastly, exterior maintenance on a timber framed home is comparable
to a conventionally built home; however, a log home requires frequent maintenance.
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What can be built using post and beam
construction?
Most Timberpegs are built as complete
homes, but building hybrids (mixing timber framing with conventional stick built
construction) is possible as well. Additionally, Timberpegs have been designed and built
as townhomes, condos, commercial buildings and offices, barns, ski lodges, club houses,
churches, libraries, museums and even a bell tower.
View photographs of many different styles at
Timberpeg. Or view some of our
standard plans.
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Do you provide just the frame?
Not usually. Our components and details are carefully selected and
engineered to work together as a complete building system. We offer several optional
components and can handle other selected materials and custom details as part of the
Timberpeg package.
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What is included in the Timberpeg package?
The Timberpeg package includes the following:
- A well detailed CAD-prepared blueprint
- A full mortise and tenoned post and beam frame
- Interior finish for the exterior walls and roof
- Sub-floor/ceiling decking between levels
- Insulation for exterior walls and roof
- Any required blocking and strapping
- Hand-split cedar shakes (or an alternative) for roofing
- Clear cedar siding and trim
-
Andersen High
Performance or Loewen Heat Smart windows &
exterior doors
- All fasteners
- On-site instruction for assembly
Basically, everything needed to fully enclose the frame in an insulated, weather-tight
shell is included.
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How many different styles of Timberpeg homes are
available?
Infinite! Our design catalog contains
over 50 floor plans and styles -- but they are only a starting point! Because of the
versatility and flexibility of building with timber framing, there are virtually unlimited
possibilities. We can work with you to design the home of your dreams.
See the vast variety of photos at
Timberpeg.
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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 $/sf as the basis is very inaccurate. 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 3,000 sf 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%-40% 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 $200,000
might be expected to have a total building cost in the $500,000-$650,000 range. That translates to a typical finished
cost of $170-$210/sf for our Timberpeg houses in the
local area.
Depending on your choice of finishes, you can easily drive this to
$230/sf.
To learn more about
estimating the cost of your new Timberpeg home, visit
Determining Your Costs.
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How much would it cost to prepare
"study" drawings for my home?
In most cases, we will provide you with sketches of floor plans and
elevations for your project. "Ballpark"
pricing is done at this stage. Upon your approval, these sketches will be sent to
Timberpeg Design Services with your deposit of $4,000 for more formal, preliminary CAD
drawings of your home. We can provide a firm quote for the package after these are
prepared. After a contract is signed, final frame and erection plans are prepared and a
loading date is scheduled to coordinate with the builder.
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How long does it take to build a Timberpeg home?
In general, it can take about 14-20 months -- from an initial meeting through the various stages leading up to
the move-in date. Since each situation is different, this should be considered a general
range only. Please contact us for more details about the
process involved in completing a Timberpeg home.
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Who will build my Timberpeg home?
Fortunately, Timberpeg Carolina is a design and build company. If
you are building in the Lake Norman area, we have
several experienced Timberpeg builders. Otherwise, if your property is not in the area, we will assist you in finding local
qualified builders. Could be a builder you've heard
of or one we can recommend. We have a lot of experience with
first time builders as well. We will educate them on the Timberpeg product and guide them to a
realistic estimate of the hours needed to assemble the Timberpeg components.
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Does Timberpeg provide financing?
No, the best rates are found locally. We can refer you to several
banks and mortgage lenders in the area that offer competitive rates and that understand
our building system and payment schedule.
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