Timber Frame Facts

Well, the election is over.  We can all go back to our “real” lives.  Whether you are pleased or dismayed with the outcome, life will go on.  We will, of course, have to get over our addiction to the pundits and polls.  That may be difficult, but we will be more productive once we take that step (or that 12 step program…if there is one).

What we can do is stop waiting for the other shoe to drop, stop waiting for someone to tell us that things will be better…or worse.  We can move forward…boldly.

There are good reasons to build today.  With the slowdown in construction, finding a builder may be easier, finding tradesmen who want to work is easier, interest rates are down, and construction loans are available.

David and I are taking advantage of this slow down and are building our timber framed home.  We have already seen economies and savings.  It is working for us.  We are seeing savings of ten percent and more in our budgeted costs.  This is a significant savings.

So step out there.  Build that home or vacation retreat and enjoy it now, not later.  You’ll be glad you did.

I did say quiet…the hammers aren’t hammering much, the power tools are still, the construction trades are slower than they’ve been in many years.  The advantage goes to the you.  There are talented carpenters, masons, plumbers, and electricians ready to work.

Two purposes are served.  The first is the opportunity get some very competitive pricing by utilizing the available labor.  The second opportunity comes to the tradesmen/tradeswomen who can continue to work.

David and I are stepping forward.  We see this as an excellent time to build and our home will be out of the ground in a couple of weeks.  We are finding the proposals we’re getting are competitive and we are pleased to be able to reach out to these tradesmen.

Step back and look at where you are and where you plan on being in a couple of years.  Building while there are available contractors may be your best choice.   Building now, and building a smaller, sustainable, energy efficient home will no doubt serve you well.

The Goshen Timber Frames ‘ Team worked hard this Memorial Day.  They raised this beautiful pavilion at the Bridge Park in Sylva, North Carolina.

With community support, the Downtown Sylva Association made this happen!

Assembled Trusses Go Up!

Cupola Tops It Off!

Green Building, in it’s new and sometimes abused persona, is not really a new concept.  It has always been important to use resources wisely, to build with the materials at hand, and to conserve energy.  New technology has helped us to achieve some of these goals, but if we look back, we see that many before us have built green, without all the hype.  Adobe homes protected Native Americans in the Southwest from sweltering heat, wattle and daub homes used materials at hand to build shelters, skyscrapers built in the late 1800′s made use of urban space.  So while architects, designers, and builders today would like to take credit for this movement, they are truly just making the public more aware of the importance of building green

 A  Goshen Timber Frames home was chosen for the cover of Residential Design Build’s latest issue.  The feature article “Vacation Homes: Family Affairs” by Chuck Ross explains the differences in designing vacation homes as recreational homes and as vacation/retirement homes.  Ross spoke to builders nationwide, including the folks at Goshen.  The magazine is a trade magazine, but offers insights to anyone considering building a vacation home.  Additional photos of Goshen homes are included in the article.

Goshen Timber Frames is pleased to announce a Memorial Day raising for the Bridge Park Project pavilion in Sylva, North Carolina.    This frame will serve as the centerpiece of the new Bridge Park which will be home to the farmer’s market, festivals, and all sorts of events in downtown Sylva.

The pavilion came together nicely as the Goshen team  trial fit it in their shop.  Photos were passed around at the Monday night meeting in Sylva’s town hall.

This will be a great event to attend.   Fun will be had by all!

We attended the Timber Framer’s Conference in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho last week.   With 300 or so timber framers and many timber frame companies and timber frame suppliers represented, it was worth the trip.  The Timber Frame Business Council’s Trade Fair was well attended and proved to be a good place to explore the options available for materials, tools and software.

Jerry Rouleau presented a couple of great seminars that, as always,  energized the attendees.   Some of his topics are “Gotcha’s” and others are “I knew that, but didn’t know that I knew it”.  He offers fresh ways to present information and reminds us that it’s all about the client.  If you get a chance to hear him speak, don’t miss out.

The Timber Frame Business Council’s member meeting was an opportunity for members to voice concerns and offer suggestions and for the Board to give an update on the new initiatives and work in progress.  New Executive Director Pam Hinton was introduced to the members.  She’s already working hard to make sure that everyone knows that the timber frame industry is as green as it gets and that working with a member of the TFBC is a big plus as you plan and build your project.

We are proud to be part of the timber frame community.   You’ll not meet a group of more dedicated people.  Here at Goshen Timber Frames our team of talented designers and craftsmen just “get it”.   What a pleasure it is to work with both timber framers all over North America and to work with our own team.

Had an interesting conversation with a local banker this morning.  We were discussing the gloom and doom reported daily by the media.  The R-word (recession) dominates the headlines.  He reminded me that there has never been a better time to build.   Rates are down, materials are available, labor is available.

Building a timber frame is an investment now…and long term.  A timber framed home, wrapped in insulated panels,  will save thousands upon thousand of dollars in energy savings for years to come.  Not only will you have a home of exceptional beauty and character, your cost to heat and cool it will be minimized by the energy efficient structure.

Today is the time to build.  Take advantage of the interest rates and don’t look back.   Have that home.  Preserve our resources.  Save money.

Goshen is adding another timber framer to their team.  This is an excellent opportunity to join a group of talented, dedicated timber framers.  Four day work weeks and great benefits complete the picture.  Don’t call, but do email bonnie@goshenframes.com if you are interested.

There is more to a timber frame home than meets the eye.  Make sure that the home package you purchase meets all of your needs.  Some contractors are comfortable raising and enclosing a frame.   Some are not.  If your contractor has never installed a frame package, you might want your timber frame company to either raise and enclose their package or send field advisors to assist.  Most companies will work with you to accomodate your particular needs, but work this out early in the process, before you sign an agreement.