Oakmasters UK : FAQ : Building an Oak Frame
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Where do I start with my self-build?
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Is building an oak frame time efficient?
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Can a wooden frame be made to look like a masonry house?
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Do you need planning permission for an outbuilding?
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How do you transport a finished building?
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How long will an Oak framed building last?
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Will building entirely in Oak limit my design options?
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How much input will I have?
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Is self-building an Oak frame cost efficient?
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How can I find a reliable builder?
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Q: Where do I start with my self-build?
A: Planning permission should be your first port of call. Without it your entire project could grind to a halt. All new builds require local authority approval and it is vital to know the limitations and pre-requisites that will doubtlessly be imposed before proceeding.
Whilst searching for a plot make yourself aware of the local planning policies. You purchase should not be finalised without ensuring that planning permission has been confirmed.
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Q: Is building an oak frame time efficient?
A: Oak framing can be 30% quicker than other modern construction methods. This is because so much of it can be assembled off site. Once the groundworks are complete a two storey oak frame can be assembled and weatherproofed within a week.
Additionally Oak framed garages and buildings can be manufactured in kit form and assembled with great accuracy.
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Q: Can a wooden frame be made to look like a masonry house?
A: Yes and No. Usually the attractive posts and beams of an oak frame are clearly visible within the living area of the construction. However a timber-framed house can be clad in brick, stone, render or timber and its external appearance need give no visual clues as to the structural building system. Equally a masonry built house can be clad in feature timbers, such as Tudor Cladding or decorative Ceiling Beams to simulate traditional timber construction.
People tend to opt for the warmth and beauty of hand-wrought oakwork to be visible in their home, but it is not obligatory.
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Q: Do you need planning permission for an outbuilding?
A: Traditional oak-framed outbuildings can become part of an existing home or exist in their own right and can often add more value to the property than their construction costs suggest.
In gaining planning permision to build, the strength and durability of the materials used could prove a factor in the final decision, so Oak is often a wise option.
Anything over 30 sq meters in base area or over four metres in height will probably require planning permission. Smaller buildings may require it if they are near a boundary or, for example, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Providing the correct planning consent is obtained oak frames can be built anywhere in the world. Indeed, it is often easier to obtain consent for an attractive, green friendly oak structure than it is for any other type.
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Q: How do you transport a finished building?
A: Oak components can be easily transported to remote locations as they are generally fairly light and easy to transport, and are assembled in kit form which means they can be flat packed.
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Q: How long will an Oak framed building last?
A: Oak is naturally a highly resilient material which resists corrosion, parasites and decay very well. Historic British architectureis a testament to this. In addition it burns extremely slowly and has a low rate of conductivity which renders it safer than concrete in the event of a fire. Moreover, if subjected to flood damage an oak framed building will dry out more quickly than other forms of construction.
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Q: Will building entirely in Oak limit my design options?
A: Oak frames can be fashioned to all sorts of specifications. They are used in bridges, houses, outbuildings, conservatories, garages etc and have a multiplicity of different uses. The modular nature of an Oak framed building allows it great flexibility and versatility from a design perspective.
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Q: How much input will I have?
A: This depends very much on how much time you are willing to give up. If you opt to become your own project manager you are likely to reduce your costs but will almost certainly need time off work.
Alternatively you can employ a specialist to take on the job for you, or spread the workload amongst your contractors. Oakmasters, for example, are able to organise working drawings, plans and building regulations for you.
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Q: Is self-building an Oak frame cost efficient?
A: Yes. An Oak-frame self-build can be highly cost effective since you are actually buying a property at cost price. Most of the work done will be free of VAT since this is viewed as a new dwelling. As a result few people spend more than their home is ultimately worth.
However costs will fluctuate, so when planning your budget it is wise to allow yourself around 15% leeway in case of complications or changes of plan.
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Q: How can I find a reliable builder?
A: Make sure when on the lookout for a building contractor that you obtain several quotations, and remember that cheapest is not always the best option. It is often wise to entrust the job of sub-contracting to your chosen builder as it is likely that they will have reliable contacts in the industry.
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