Timber Frame Garage in Shelburne, VT

My wife and I, being newly married, set out to build our 32 x 24 cape dream home in 1998. Being young, naive, and poor we decided to do “much” of the work ourselves. Fortunately, we chose Vermont Frames/Foam Laminates who were with us all the way. The project went smoothly regardless of our lack of knowledge. Frame and panels showed when they said they would and always took our calls.

The primary heat source comes from a Monitor Inc. GF1800 Space Heater rated at 15000 B.T.U.s. We also have a Jotul 602 wood stove. The panels and the orientation of the house allowed us to use very little energy over the years. On sunny days during winter the house will heat to above 65 on the coldest days. The panels allow for that much solar/thermal gain. Also, I would emphasize how well the house performs like an adobe house even in 90-plus temperatures. If we had the money, we would have gone with higher R-value roof panels-we would highly recommend this to any buyer. They will pay for themselves quickly!! As you know this is where almost all heat is lost which has even led us to the belief that nothing should penetrate the roof (understanding the cost/benefit issues).

We still live in our cape today and are not surprised in any way that Vermont Frames and Foam Laminates are still thriving today.

Christopher and Kathleen
Petoskey, Michigan