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Embark on a journey of exceptional craftsmanship with us. We’ll guide you from initial consultation, through design and fabrication, to final installation, ensuring every detail of your project is executed flawlessly. When you work with us, you’re getting a team of professionals who’ve built several thousand timber frames for happy clients across the country.
The first step in working with Vermont Frames is to schedule a consultation with one of our team members to get a sense of the scope and essence of your project. This initial consultation allows us to gather enough information to provide an estimate, which, in a feedback loop, can inform your decisions on what elements to include or exclude as you work with an architect.
The estimating process begins with a review of a set of architectural plans. Ideally, those architectural plans will have been drawn with a timber frame and post locations in mind. If you don’t have plans yet, we will work to connect you with an architect who can develop them with you.
If you already have a set of plans meant for a conventionally framed home, we can work with your Architect to adjust them to effectively integrate our Timber Frame Design.
Very often, our clients are working with an Architect to develop a plan in parallel, as they seek our quote. This is ideal, as it gives us an opportunity to work with the architect before the plan is finalized, to take maximal advantage of the strengths of timber framing such as large, open-concept floor plans, cathedral ceilings, and exposed trusses – all in pursuit of your vision for your project. Once the estimate is agreed upon, we formalize the engagement with a contract that outlines the specific scope of the project and request a design fee to move forward int he Design Phase.
Whether you purchase a stock architectural plan from one of the design partners on our website or have an architect on your team with a fully customized design, reach out to us early in the process. We’ll work collaboratively to ensure your design is buildable as a timber frame. Timber framing as a building method truly rewards forethought and detailed planning. Unlike conventional building, where changes can be made midstream, timber framing involves long lead time materials to be ordered and is fabricated offsite, here in our shop in Vermont.
In the timber frame design phase, we draft our structural timber frame drawings to complement your architectural drawings. These timber frame drawings are used by our team to fabricate and install the timber frame. They show the location and size of all the timbers in the building and are critical to your architectural design team to help develop floor plans, window and door locations, foundation plans, etc. The builder, architectural designer, and client are all included in the process of developing the timber frame design.
Our Timber Frame Design Phase includes a first draft, second draft, and if necessary, a third draft, to make absolutely sure we get all the details of the frame design correct. Depending on the complexity of the project, the design may be sent to a structural engineer for review.
Once the architect, builder, and most importantly the client, are happy with the design, we ask the client to sign the drawings, signifying their acceptance of the design and formally ‘locking’ it. After the design is finalized and agreed upon, the project moves to the fabrication stage. This structured approach ensures that all elements are well-coordinated and that the final build meets both structural and aesthetic expectations. This authorizes us to move forward to the fabrication stage by requesting the Cutting Fee and ordering timbers.
Fabrication involves taking the approved timber frame shop drawings and detailing each timber according to its specifications. This includes measurements for length, width, thickness, and grade. These specifications are sent to the mill, which returns the squared and planed timbers, or in industry lingo, “Mill Rule” timbers within four to eight weeks. These timbers are then brought into the Vermont Frames shop where the traditional mortise and tenon joinery is hand drawn and then hand cut into each timber. The timbers are re-planed, sanded, and finished with oil or foundation. They are carefully marked and labeled according to the project’s requirements. This stage ensures that every timber piece is accurately cut, protected from weather and UV light, and ready for assembly on site.
The delivery process is meticulously planned to ensure efficiency on site. Timbers and SIPs are bundled, stacked, and labeled in the order they will be assembled. This organization allows for a smooth assembly process once the timbers arrive at the site. One of the most important steps for the homeowner is to ensure their site is prepared for timber delivery. This includes confirming accessibility and space for the required equipment and packages of timbers and panels. A well prepared site will be leveled, graded and graveled to facilitate the movement and setup of equipment.
This is where it gets real, really fast. Once our Foreman confirms with your builder that the foundation and deck are laid out according to plan, our dedicated installation crew and your timber frame/ structural insulated panels package show up – then the magic begins!
In one to two weeks, we’ll erect the timber frame using our own crane and then enclose it with our structural insulated panels. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show—no kidding, people often show up with their friends to watch us work. Because everything was fabricated in our facility, it goes together precisely and cleanly, with almost no waste or mess on site. By the time we pull off your job site, you’ll have a fully enclosed structure, ready for your builder to install windows, doors, and take your new home across the finish line.
NOTE: It’s important to note that job site preparedness is critical, as a messy or hard-to-access job site can dramatically slow down an installation and lead to costly delays.
Standard installations involve the full scope of designing, fabricating, and installing the timber frame and SIPs. In contrast, kit installations include all these steps but with a supervisor sent to oversee an installation performed by a third-party contractor.
The choice between standard and kit installations depends on logistics and cost considerations. Having a supervisor for kit installations is highly recommended as they bring specific tools and expertise necessary for proper assembly and greatly speed up the process. It is essential for clients to understand what is included and excluded in these installations to avoid any confusion.
The seamless coordination between our design, fabrication, and installation teams guarantees a swift and efficient process. The ultimate satisfaction of our clients is our greatest reward, knowing our timber frames will stand as symbols of craftsmanship and quality for generations.
It is important to understand the ecosystem of partners that come together to successfully complete your project. Each party has a critical role to play, most of all the Project owner, in setting out the vision, goals, and budget, for the project. Close and constant communication between everyone is crucial to ensuring a smooth and efficient building process.
We can design, fabricate, and install a Timber Frame and SIPs package anywhere from Maine to Pennsylvania within 12-16 weeks of contract signing and payment of the design fee. For projects located beyond Pennsylvania, or internationally, we offer shipping of your Timbers and SIPs. Additionally, we’ll send a senior timber framer to oversee the installation by a local crew of your choice. This ensures a smooth and high-quality installation, no matter where your site is located.
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