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Q&As
Will I have to pay more for a timber frame supplier that isn’t local to me?
We're planning on self building a timber frame turnkey home and are currently researching different companies and services to work out our build budget. One thing that seems to be missing from the information provided by the various suppliers is any costs incurred by delivering the build on a site that isn't local to their factories and having the construction workers travel. Do most suppliers charge a premium for this? Where can I find some more detailed information on potential added costs related the location of the plot?
One Answer
Hi there,
Thanks so much for getting in touch with your question. My advice would be to directly ask this question at quote stage. Most manufacturers will include accommodation costs in their quote for the erectors, but some exclude it – in the same way some manufacturers also exclude structural steelwork and craneage. This can make it very difficult for the client to get a fixed cost to compare with other quotes.
Some suppliers will simply provide an overall cost, whereas others will contribute a more detailed document to show exactly what you are paying for. Make sure you know what each quote covers before making your decision. The more questions you ask at this stage, the better. And always make sure your final fixed price includes everything required to complete the build.
However, I would also advise not to be put off by suppliers adding accommodation costs. You might find that someone who is based further away but has capacity is more cost-effective than using a busy local supplier. Just make sure that you have asked the question of all the manufacturers that you’re engaging with, so you can compare your quotes fairly.
As I always suggest, get in touch with your timber frame supplier as early in your project as possible. They can assist with design, building regulations, planning challenges and much more, so if you take your questions to the specialist from the outset, it could prove to be much more cost effective.
Best of luck with your project plans,
Simon Orrells, managing director at Frame Technologies