Appeasing the planners with your timber frame home — March 8, 2010

Whilst building a house for yourself is all about getting exactly what you want from a home – designing a space that suits you completely – there are certain restrictions that are placed on you externally that you are powerless to overcome.

The particular drawback that comes to mind is that of planning permission. You may try to be as creative as you like when it comes to setting out plans for a self-build project, but if the surrounding area has a certain character and your plans fail to meet it, then you are left with a choice – you either transfer your plans to a new area, or you make a compromise.

Certain ways of constructing a home allow you a certain amount of flexibility externally, so that you can get the home you want, with all the design features and layout plans you want, but that will stay in keeping with the surrounding area.

Timber frame homes can be finished with brick, an exposed timber frame or rendering depending on what restrictions the planners place on your project. If there are no restrictions then you can simply choose the exterior finish that you think would best suit your timber frame home.

Timber frame construction allows you to plan your home safe in the knowledge that whatever decision the planners make, you will be able to accommodate it.