There are many routes through the design process before you even get to the point of commissioning a frame. At Castle Ring Oak Frame we will try to find the best way that benefits you and your project.
A word of caution. It is advisable to involve the timber framer in the design process as early as possible, to avoid designing a building that is incompatible with an oak frame, thereby resulting in costly delays and costly redesign. Otherwise you run the risk, if you have already applied for planning permission and building regulations, that it may be too late. There are basic rules when applied to timber frame design which ensure, among other things, that the floor layout doesn’t clash with the structure.
You may have the beginnings of the tiny seed of an idea, or a fully conceived project with an architect on board and full planning permission.
If you are in the early stages, and depending on the scale of the project (i.e. whether it needs planning permission or not) we may be able to direct you to a suitable independent architect or architectural draughtsman with timber frame experience, who can help with planning drawings and building regulations. Close liaison during this phase of the design between yourselves, the architect and the timber framer is critical to ensure you end up with something you like, that is buildable, and affordable!
Of course you can always dispense with an architect completely – take a look at the Castle Ring story to see what can be achieved.
We are naturally happy to collaborate with your chosen architect – just remember that generally speaking, the sooner you talk to us the better.
Frame cost
As soon as the basic design is sketched out, Castle Ring Oak Frame will be in a position to estimate the overall price of the erected frame. This price will include the frame design, detailed frame drawings, 3D modelling, structural calculations, fabrication, delivery, crane hire and raising costs.
If at this stage you are happy with the provisional quotation and wish to engage us to design and build your frame, we will undertake the detailed frame drawings and 3D modelling.
The design of the timber frames will be dictated by many factors such as floor layout, light, choice of roof trusses, budget and personal aesthetic and will result in a detailed frame drawing in which every timber is dimensioned and every joint chosen carefully to do its specific job − anything from a simple mortice and tenon, to a complicated scarf joint.
The contract:
Approval by yourselves of the frame drawings and 3D models will effectively begin the contract and we will invoice you for a deposit.
Payment terms are:
- 30% deposit – to reserve workshop space and order timber
- 40% payment on completion of fabrication prior to delivery
- 30% payment on completion of frame raising