learning about timber construction

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Salisbury
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Hello people I wonder if anyone can tell me where I can learn enough about building with wood to do an extension. My background is as a bricklayer but the architect and engineer are keen on me doing my own extension in wood. I assume as it takes less room up which I admit would be handy as room is minimal. I'd probably get a someone in the work with who knows what they are doing but it would be silly if I don't get clued up before making the decision and so I'm not useless for the whole job.
Thanks if you can help
 
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aba78, good evening.

Would you be [as is called] "Designing" the timber frames? meaning specifying timber type and dimensions as well as the nails, their dimensions and diameters? as well as the nail spacing Etc. Etc.

Or would be using [say] an Engineers drawing to produce a frame "designed" by an Engineer? incorporating all above?

Suggest you AVOID the former but consider the latter.

Ken.
 
Contact a couple of timber frame suppliers, ask if you can come and see their facility and quality control methods. You'll get to see what goes into the process, and the order it happens. You'd also be silly to not get actual quotes for supply and erection. The accuracy and experience, along with the speed of construction MIGHT save more dosh than doing it yourself.
 
TRADA - Timber frame construction is probably the best. But check for latest edition, although the principles wont have changed much.

Timber Frame Construction (5th Edition): Amazon.co.uk: Robin Lancashire, Lewis Taylor: 9781900510820: Books

If you are cladding in timber too, there is a good guide published by the Scottish Government. I don't recall the name but search on those terms and you'll find it

In general its quite easy, but its the detail that matters, else the potential for water damage is significant, plus there will be additional fire safety detailing to take account of. You can save 100-130mm off wall thickness if designed and specified properly and the frame is clad, but there is no real size advantage if you have a brick exterior.
 
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Hello everyone thanks for your comments. I'll look at the websites recommended.
As for the design, ive just got the building regs from the Architect and its very sparse on detail. Just "400 centres" and not a lot else. Not anything about the roof in the engineers report either which I'm surprised about.

Also are foundations different with timber? Because I I'm confused from the drawing.
 
if you're a brickie, surely you'll know a joiner who could give you a hand?, he'll know better
 

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