Design ~ Build ~ General Contracting
I founded my company with the belief that everyone should have the opportunity to have inspired, unique, energy efficient buildings of the highest possible quality at a fair price.
We provide a variety of services depending on each customer's needs. I prefer to design the frame along with the customer, to create a house that truly reflects you. In the event an architect is needed in the planning process, I can recommend one that I routinely work with, who understands the unique aspects of a timber framed structure. To ensure that the entire process has the same attention to detail as the frame itself, I offer my services as General Contractor. Whether you need us to coordinate the entire process as General Contractor or just want the timber frame itself built, we are prepared to accomplish the task.
What is included?
Myself and a select group of contractors typically personally handle the entire process of timber framing and the insulating envelope. When we are done the entire building is insulated and ready for the roofing, siding, window, and mechanical contractors. This typically includes:
1. The timber frame cut and raised.
2. R 25 wall panels and R 40 roof panels installed.
3. Rough roof overhangs framed with ice and water barrier installed on the roof.
4. Window and door openings cut and framed.
5. Electrical chases cut.
6. Finish wall and ceiling material applied.
7. House wrap applied.
The bulk of the cutting of the frame and panels is done in the shop so the process on site happens very quickly. On an average sized house all of the above might take about 2 to 3 weeks. We also have the ability to create custom finished woodwork of all kinds to compliment your timber frame. From custom stairs and doors to cabinets, floors, trim and even furniture, if you can imagine it we can make it a reality.
What does it cost?
I'm sure the next question on your mind is price. People tend to ask me "What is the price per square foot?" It's a hard question to answer because there are so many factors involved, from wood species, to the complexity of roof lines and decorative features in the frame. I have found that it is very competitively priced against other premium building methods, and when one factors in the aesthetic qualities and increased energy efficiency, becomes even more attractive.
Fire Safety
In North America, heavy timber construction is classified Construction Type IV--
a special class that recognizes the inherent fire resistance of large timber
and its ability to retain structural integrity in fire situations. Ryan Gilbert, a firefighter in Bellingham WA, stated it well in a recent letter to Timber Framing; Journal Of The Timber Framers Guild.
"Timber- Framed construction is significantly more resistant to fire damage than common stick framing and considerably more resistant to fire damage than construction using unprotected steel support members" (i.e. post and beam). "Solid wood is very stable at high temperatures and creates its own insulation upon contact with fire. As a result, heavy timber construction is given a two hour fire rating by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)." He goes on to say that "the beauty of Timber Frame joinery under fire load is that, as the outside of a beam chars, it turns mostly to carbon. Carbon is a great insulator, so the load-bearing portions of the joinery and members remain intact for much longer than in lightweight truss construction. He goes on to say that steel gusset plates fail rapidly in a fire, and engineered wooden I-beams will delaminate and collapse while the fire is still in the growth stages and temperatures are relatively low. "I always breathe a sigh of relief when arriving on the scene of a fire to find out that the building is of heavy timber construction. There is a much better chance of finding living occupants, and the officer in charge is considerably less hesitant to send in firefighters to search for victims."
This is a sentiment that I have heard echoed from local firefighters, in case of fire a timber frame could very well save lives.
Wood Species and finishing
We use primarily local species from a variety of family owned sawmills within easy range of Alfred. These include White Pine, Spruce, Larch, Hemlock, Red and White Oak and Cherry. Other options, such as reclaimed timber and kiln dried Doug. Fir or Cedar, are also available. Every species has it's good qualities, so timber selection varies on the aesthetic, structural, and budgetary requirements of each project.
The timbers can also have either a rustic rough sawn surface or they can be planed smooth and sanded. There are also a variety of decorative accents which can be incorporated into the frame, far to many to try to describe here. Some people prefer the wood unfinished, but for those that prefer a finish. We use a high quality Danish Oil produced locally by Tried and True Wood Finishes, a small company in Trumansburg, NY. Their finishes are 100% voc free and environmentally safe and produce a deep natural sheen on wood surfaces.
Everything I build is built with integrity, using local timber and joined together with the finest traditional timber framing methods. Every frame is custom designed from the ground up to fit the customer's unique needs. I work hard to make sure that what I build will enhance the quality of life of those who will be using the building. Whatever the size and budget of a project, I truly believe that I can deliver the best possible value in a building that is constructed to stand the test of time.
We provide a variety of services depending on each customer's needs. I prefer to design the frame along with the customer, to create a house that truly reflects you. In the event an architect is needed in the planning process, I can recommend one that I routinely work with, who understands the unique aspects of a timber framed structure. To ensure that the entire process has the same attention to detail as the frame itself, I offer my services as General Contractor. Whether you need us to coordinate the entire process as General Contractor or just want the timber frame itself built, we are prepared to accomplish the task.
What is included?
Myself and a select group of contractors typically personally handle the entire process of timber framing and the insulating envelope. When we are done the entire building is insulated and ready for the roofing, siding, window, and mechanical contractors. This typically includes:
1. The timber frame cut and raised.
2. R 25 wall panels and R 40 roof panels installed.
3. Rough roof overhangs framed with ice and water barrier installed on the roof.
4. Window and door openings cut and framed.
5. Electrical chases cut.
6. Finish wall and ceiling material applied.
7. House wrap applied.
The bulk of the cutting of the frame and panels is done in the shop so the process on site happens very quickly. On an average sized house all of the above might take about 2 to 3 weeks. We also have the ability to create custom finished woodwork of all kinds to compliment your timber frame. From custom stairs and doors to cabinets, floors, trim and even furniture, if you can imagine it we can make it a reality.
What does it cost?
I'm sure the next question on your mind is price. People tend to ask me "What is the price per square foot?" It's a hard question to answer because there are so many factors involved, from wood species, to the complexity of roof lines and decorative features in the frame. I have found that it is very competitively priced against other premium building methods, and when one factors in the aesthetic qualities and increased energy efficiency, becomes even more attractive.
Fire Safety
In North America, heavy timber construction is classified Construction Type IV--
a special class that recognizes the inherent fire resistance of large timber
and its ability to retain structural integrity in fire situations. Ryan Gilbert, a firefighter in Bellingham WA, stated it well in a recent letter to Timber Framing; Journal Of The Timber Framers Guild.
"Timber- Framed construction is significantly more resistant to fire damage than common stick framing and considerably more resistant to fire damage than construction using unprotected steel support members" (i.e. post and beam). "Solid wood is very stable at high temperatures and creates its own insulation upon contact with fire. As a result, heavy timber construction is given a two hour fire rating by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)." He goes on to say that "the beauty of Timber Frame joinery under fire load is that, as the outside of a beam chars, it turns mostly to carbon. Carbon is a great insulator, so the load-bearing portions of the joinery and members remain intact for much longer than in lightweight truss construction. He goes on to say that steel gusset plates fail rapidly in a fire, and engineered wooden I-beams will delaminate and collapse while the fire is still in the growth stages and temperatures are relatively low. "I always breathe a sigh of relief when arriving on the scene of a fire to find out that the building is of heavy timber construction. There is a much better chance of finding living occupants, and the officer in charge is considerably less hesitant to send in firefighters to search for victims."
This is a sentiment that I have heard echoed from local firefighters, in case of fire a timber frame could very well save lives.
Wood Species and finishing
We use primarily local species from a variety of family owned sawmills within easy range of Alfred. These include White Pine, Spruce, Larch, Hemlock, Red and White Oak and Cherry. Other options, such as reclaimed timber and kiln dried Doug. Fir or Cedar, are also available. Every species has it's good qualities, so timber selection varies on the aesthetic, structural, and budgetary requirements of each project.
The timbers can also have either a rustic rough sawn surface or they can be planed smooth and sanded. There are also a variety of decorative accents which can be incorporated into the frame, far to many to try to describe here. Some people prefer the wood unfinished, but for those that prefer a finish. We use a high quality Danish Oil produced locally by Tried and True Wood Finishes, a small company in Trumansburg, NY. Their finishes are 100% voc free and environmentally safe and produce a deep natural sheen on wood surfaces.
Everything I build is built with integrity, using local timber and joined together with the finest traditional timber framing methods. Every frame is custom designed from the ground up to fit the customer's unique needs. I work hard to make sure that what I build will enhance the quality of life of those who will be using the building. Whatever the size and budget of a project, I truly believe that I can deliver the best possible value in a building that is constructed to stand the test of time.
Contact: Sean Hyland 607-661-8470 Sean@HylandTimberFraming.com
4964 Kenyon Rd. Alfred Station, NY 14803
4964 Kenyon Rd. Alfred Station, NY 14803