How Timber Frame Companies Handle Project Costs

Timber frame quotes can vary greatly from company to company. Knowing what to look for when comparing quotes will help you stay in control of your project and avoid any nasty surprises down the line.

What a Quote Should Cover

You want to make sure a detailed quote sets out the cost of the timber frame itself separately to the cost of erection, delivery and groundworks. Some companies operate by bundling these elements together and producing a single price for the whole job. Others will produce a detailed, itemised quote for you. It is up to you whether you prefer the former or the latter but it is definitely better for your budget if you know what you are paying for and where the money is being spent.

Fixed-Price vs. Phased Quotes

Some companies will quote for a complete price for the whole project, whilst others will quote for the supply of the frame, and then the erection of that frame. This can at first seem like the cheaper option, but it can make it very difficult to have a clear idea of your total budget for the completion of your project to be weathertight. It is always best to check how a company will price for your project, and confirm that the initial quote will cover everything that is required to complete a weathertight structure.

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Amendments to the drawings after approval (e.g. to increase the size of a window) will usually incur an amendment fee. Changes to the design after this stage can greatly impact the final cost of the project. Site access also has a huge impact on the final cost of the project. Difficult ground, narrow lanes, restricted access for deliveries, the need for a crane to erect the frame on higher properties etc. All of these can impact on the erection crew’s ability to work efficiently. Higher grade structural timber can cost more than lower grade timber but often requires less engineering detail to be incorporated into the frame.

How to Compare Quotes Fairly

We suggest that you get at least 3 suppliers to quote for your project, providing them with a like-for-like brief. Make sure you check what they are charging including VAT and what their payment terms are like. Also, check whether they are providing a structural warranty as part of the package and that it will be included in the price quoted. Only then can you compare quotes on a like-for-like basis.

Finding Suppliers

Obtain planning permission as early as possible as this can affect your quote if approval is granted for a restricted specification.