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.

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.