What is a kit for a timber frame build? It’s a convenient way to bundle up the house underpinnings – but it doesn’t always mean what you think, depending on whom you ask. Identifying what is and isn’t included allows you to properly compare quotes, which in turn avoids surprises on the budget.
Typical materials in a timber frame kit:
The majority of kits include all of the main structural parts created in a factory setting, for example:
Exterior wall panels (the timber frame structure, frequently with sheathing)
Load-bearing interior walls (as needed by the design)
Floor cassettes / joists (system and specification dependant)
Roof construction selected to be trusses or a roof cassette system
Drawing and structural calculation of the frame
On site delivery and erection/ installation
Different manufacturers may include things like membranes, insulation or windows/doors and some even offer a “weathertight shell” package – but not all of them so check what’s included before ordering. For more information on Timber Frame House Kits, visit a site like https://merlintimberframe.co.uk/timber-frame-kits/
What’s often not included:
Common exclusions are:
Excavating and utilities (with drainage)
Roofing (tiles/slates), guttering and external finishes
Window and doors (unless you decided on a closed-panel or shell package)
Electrics and plumbing first and second fix
Plastering, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, decorating
Fees, planning, building control, warranties and site welfare.
TIP: Get a list of inclusions/exclusions and clarify if this kit takes you only as far as the frame (stage 1) wind-and-watertight (a.k.a full stage shell – stage 2), or all dry construction is complete.
