Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have design services?
Yes, we can provide complete plan development and design services starting with your rough sketch or conceptual idea.
Will you act as general contractor for the whole house?
We prefer to co-ordinate the entire project to minimize any aggravation you as the customer may experience when having to deal with more than one contractor. However for those who would like to do some work themselves we can provide the foundation, Timber Frame where applicable, and framing getting it to the lock up stage.
What qualifications do you have to work on my project?
We have been building new homes and cottage for 30 years and are members of the Manitoba Home Builders Association, The New Home Warranty Program of Manitoba and are Certified Master Builders.
Are your homes energy efficient?
With the climactic region that we build in it is very important to ensure that all of our projects are energy efficient. We use the latest technology for the building envelope and heating and cooling systems to provide a comfortable home that minimizes operating costs.
Do I need special plans to build a Timber Frame?
Most conventional home plans can be modified for building as a Timber Frame. It is best to first determine your needs and basic layout and then use the Timber Frame to enhance that living space.
Can a portion of the home be Timber Frame with the balance being conventional construction?
Building a Hybrid home that combines the beauty of the Timber Frame with the cost effectiveness of conventional construction is gaining popularity. We use a conventional framing method to enclose the Timber Frame so the two methods work nicely together to provide greater flexibility of design and pricing.
Does a Timber Frame require a special foundation?
No. Timber Frame homes can be built on any type of foundation style. The only requirement is that it is designed and engineered to support the frame.
What type of wood do you use for the Timber Frames?
Many different species can be used including pine, fir and reclaimed or recycled fir depending on personal preference and budget considerations. We primarily use pine and fir for their natural beauty and availability in our geographical area.
Do the timbers in a Timber Frame crack or shrink?
Because most frames are cut from green lumber, cracking or “checking” is common as the timbers dry and only serves to enhance the character of a Timber Frame home without affecting it’s structural integrity. Reclaimed or recycled timbers however have been reclaimed out of existing structures and are often 50 – 100 years old. As a result they have already completed the drying process and these frames will not crack or shrink any further.