A hut at the bottom of the garden or mountain chalet, wooden houses make more than one dream. The good news? This dream is much more accessible than we think. But before embarking on major projects, we tell you everything you need to know about timber frame construction. Discover 5 things to know before building a chalet.
1. Faster build time
This is one of the advantages of a wooden house. Indeed, a wooden frame house can be delivered in less than three months, while a traditional concrete house can take more than a year to build. It must be said the wooden house does not require drying time as required by concrete.
On the other hand, most of the elements can be designed in the workshop. This allows work to be carried out in the workshop or factory, even in the event of bad weather! Once all the elements are assembled, all that remains is to put them in the home!
2. The question of the budget
Long considered expensive, the wooden house is still excellent value for money. The price obviously varies according to the surface to be built but also according to the type of wood chosen. It can also depend on the type of construction site. If you opt for a turnkey construction, your wooden house will cost you around 1850€/m².
On the other hand, if you choose a house in kit or self-construction, count a starting price of 350 €/m². In any case, be aware that wooden construction will allow you to save money in the medium and long term.
3. An excellent natural insulator
Wood is one of the most effective natural thermal insulators. It is not for nothing that most habitats in the Nordic countries use it. Contrary to what one might think, wood does not expand under the effect of heat. On the contrary, it dries out and knows how to retain heat as well as coolness. However, it may fear humidity. This is why you should not skimp on the choice of insulation at the level of the frames. In the same way, a good ventilation system is absolutely essential.
4. The choice of wood species
For the choice of species, it all depends on your budget and your expectations as to the aesthetic appearance of your future home. Naturally, it is better to favor a quality species for the most durable construction. We think in particular of Douglas fir, Red Cedar, or even Larch, which are more resistant over time. But in any case, be aware that without a finish, the wood will tend to gray over time. Beyond good maintenance, you can paint your wooden house to give it a shine. Use a micro porous opaque paint for a result that lasts.
5. Maintenance of a wooden house
For all the reasons explained above, it is in your interest to maintain and protect your wooden house if you want it to last as long as possible. To do this, don’t forget to apply a coat of stain to your wooden frame. Prefer a microporous stain in the aqueous phase to let the wood breathe. Renew the operation every four to six years!
Looking for help?
For all your custom home needs, Contact Global Design and Build. With over 3 decades of experience in the custom home industry, they are here to make all your dreams a reality. They have created a legacy by building their clients’ dreams from the ground up. Serving the GTA, they offer a turnkey service that doesn’t cut corners or sacrifice quality.
They are here to give you the home of your dreams and help you every step of the way when it comes to building the said dream home. So, why are you waiting for? Call them today and make all your dreams become a reality with the help of their team of experts.
