FAQ's - The Questions You Should Ask

Building a home is a big step. Before you start you should ask yourself many questions. Do not take your decision too lightly. Remember, the choices you make today could affect you and your family for generations.

In order to help you assess the viability of the self-build home option, using Kingspan Century timber frame technology, we present some frequently asked questions. These may provide some fresh answers for you; and possibly bring to light some issues of which you may - previously - been unaware.

Q. Do Timber frame houses meet fire regulations?
A. Timber Frame houses meet all fire standards required under the current building regulations. Insurance and financial institutions do not differentiate between timber frame and masonary construction.

Q. What do Century Homes supply?
A. Century Homes kit supply includes the following:
External and Internal wall panels
Roof trusses
Standard Regency doors
6" Skirting and Architrave
Hardwood Stairs (where applicable)
Plasterboard and Insulation
Felt and Battens
Timber Fascia and Soffit (where applicable)
Prices quoted do not include for external windows and entrances.

Q. What is the builder required to do?
A. Foundations
External Finish i.e. Block/Brick work
Tiels/slates
Plumbing and Electrical
Sanitary units i.e. septic tank
Client responsible for electric and water
Windows/Entrances
Fireplace
Kitchen/Bedroom units

Q. Timber frame construction is a relatively new building method in Ireland. Is it thoroughly tried and tested?
A. Timber Frame has been tried and tested as a form of construction all over the Western World for centuries. Almost all of the two million houses built annually in Scandinavia, North America, and Australia utilise timber frame technology. Over 60% of all houses built in Scotland are of timber frame construction. In Ireland today over 20 per cent of homes built each year are timber framed. The process was introduced here in the mid-1960s. This market share continues to grow. All timber frame houses built in Ireland by approved manufacturers such as Kingspan Century are fully accepted by Homebond, the National House Builders Guarantee Scheme.

Q. What is the life expectancy of a timber frame house?
A. Timber Frame and masonry construction are classed as `Permanent Construction' and have the same life expectancy. Insurance companies, mortgage providers and building societies do not differentiate between timber frame and masonry.

Q. Will I have any problems in selling my house in the future?
A. Auctioneers and estate agents are generally of the opinion that not only is timber frame not an obstacle in selling a home; but, on the contrary, is becoming more and more a major selling point. The energy efficiency of timber frame houses is becoming an increasingly valued characteristic.

Q. Can I build an extension on my timber frame house in the future?
A. Due to the fact the inner leaf of your timber frame house is constructed of solid wood and plasterboard, and not concrete blocks and plaster, extensions and alterations generally have significantly reduced impact on the existing building.

* Due to the fact that we have been inundated with projects we are currently unable to price for extensions.

Q. Are timber frame houses noisier than concrete houses?
A. No. Most people's concerns regarding sound transmission relate to impact noise from upstairs to downstairs. This problem exists in any house with timber floor joists, whether it is timber frame or masonry. If you are concerned about noise passing from room to room, it is very cheap and easy to have the walls made more sound efficient than a block wall.

Your local Kingspan Century representative will be happy to provide further details.

If you have any further questions regarding timber frame construction, feel free to contact us at Kingspan Century.