Planning passed - Next Steps to build timber frame

bold_defender

We have planning passed on our 2 story house. We have made some decisions such as timber frame construction and as well insulated and air tight as possible, MVHR etc. I would be interested in going passive but upfront costs may prove prohibitive.

Next step is (I think) to get prices. I'm thinking of getting a TF firm to build to builders finish or something near that. I don't have the expertise to get a TF walls and roof up and then start managing all the various trades I need to get in. I haven't spoke to the architect since planning granted and while he was good at planning out our house and living spaces etc, I don't think that he has much experience with TF construction. As far as I know TF manufacturers can and will do their own construction drawings from my floor plans and elevations. Should I being going back to the architect first and getting him to do up some construction drawings for the TF firms to price on?

Should I just to ask TF firm to build me this house, with air tightness of x, roof u value of y, etc etc?

Also should I be getting an energy assessment done now? Will DEAP be enough to size any heating system if needed or should I get a PHPP done on the plans instead/also? I would like to see if or how I can achieve passive. There are two stoves in plans but just intended to be standalone wood burning stoves, no back boilers.

As you may have gathered there are lots of questions in my head. Any help appreciated as always.

Do-more

No need to get your architect to do any further drawings at this stage.

I would suggest that you talk to a few companies now and outline what you have in mind and get them to price some proposals, that won't cost you anything.

Unless you have some fundamental objection to using concrete on environmental or other grounds, I wouldn't necessarily limit yourself to timber frame at this stage, get it priced for a block built wide cavity construction as well.

Even though I am building a TF dormer at present and have built a 2 storey TF in the past if I were going to build a 2 storey now I most likely would go for a wide cavity block build.

When you have had a number of proposals you may then find that you have a clear winner or you may find yourself having to decide between two options.

Look at getting a PHPP done at that stage to either help optimise your winning choice or help you decide between two options and then optimise the winner.

Others will likely have different opinions but if I were in your shoes that is the approach I would take.

BryanF

Do-more wrote: »

No need to get your architect to do any further drawings at this stage.

I would suggest that you talk to a few companies now and outline what you have in mind and get them to price some proposals, that won't cost you anything.

Unless you have some fundamental objection to using concrete on environmental or other grounds, I wouldn't necessarily limit yourself to timber frame at this stage, get it priced for a block built wide cavity construction as well.

Even though I am building a TF dormer at present and have built a 2 storey TF in the past if I were going to build a 2 storey now I most likely would go for a wide cavity block build.

When you have had a number of proposals you may then find that you have a clear winner or you may find yourself having to decide between two options.

Look at getting a PHPP done at that stage to either help optimise your winning choice or help you decide between two options and then optimise the winner.

Others will likely have different opinions but if I were in your shoes that is the approach I would take.

Does the op go with a preformance spec or how does op compare quotes? And further to that does the op just spec ¥ values for the thermal bridges and get the timber frame guys to submit details as part of their tender? Nice one if they'll do it, but who checks their drawings? And deciphers the differences in the quotes?
most of us when purchasing anything, have a 'giving in point' and without specialist independent advice, on probably the biggest purchase the op will ever make..
@ the op IMO speak to your arch

Do-more

BryanF wrote: »

Does the op go with a preformance spec or how does op compare quotes? And further to that does the op just spec ¥ values for the thermal bridges and get the timber frame guys to submit details as part of their tender? Nice one if they'll do it, but who checks their drawings? And deciphers the differences in the quotes?
most of us when purchasing anything, have a 'giving in point' and without specialist independent advice, on probably the biggest purchase the op will ever make..
@ the op IMO speak to your arch

Ah but your biased Bryan!

I didn't suggest that the OP has to make the decision himself just that as a next step he can talk to some suppliers and get some quotes thereby getting a feel for what can be achieved and at what price.

He is naturally going to have to have further professional input, (unless he does a fclauson and does the PHPP himself).

He has already said that his architect doesn't have much experience with TF so it may well be the case that he should retain a certified passive house designer instead.