On site with self-builders, Gina and Steve

Over the last few weeks, Gina and Steve have been documenting their timber frame going up on site as they build their dream home, Hallsgreen Barn in Sevenoaks.They’ve shared incredible behind the scenes photos of the build, showing real life updates of the work involved in making their project a reality.We know how helpful it can be to hear from self-builders about their real-life projects, so we asked them some questions about how they found their experience. Tell us a little about your projectBack in 2018, we were offered the opportunity to buy a plot on a road in the outskirts of Sevenoaks that we’d always loved. We felt like it was a chance that we couldn’t pass up, so we bought the land – which had two derelict barns on it – with Class Q. We demolished the two barns in 2020, leaving us with a stunning spot for our dream home.After a number of challenges, we’ve finally made it on site, and we can’t wait to see it all come together.Why did you choose timber frame?We actually chose timber frame based on advice from Simon (Orrells). We looked at several options, such as Nudura (ICF), traditional block and SIPs. But once we sat down and had a chat with Simon at the NSBRC in Swindon, he sold us the benefits of timber frame.We’ve been very impressed with the speed of erection and with how tidy the site has been kept. The guys from Mint Construction who erected the frame have been brilliant.How did you find the timber frame erection process?It’s been a very fast process, with us being able to have a clear vision of our house at the early stage.What have you enjoyed most about the construction process?Definitely the speed and ease of construction. The team on site are also very professional and knowledgeable - and nothing is too much trouble!And what have you disliked?The only downside for us was not having a scaffold with a roof. When we’ve had rain - albeit minimal - everything gets wet with flooding on the ground floor. I would always now recommend having a roof with scaffolding.Is there anything you'd have changed, or do differently, now you've been through the process?We definitely would have covered the finer detail more with our architect before the frame went into production. For example, we had problems with the roof detail, which Steve and our roofer sorted while the frames were on site. Fortunately, Mint Construction (a company Frame Technologies has worked with for many years), were brilliant with this.Has anything surprised you about the experience?We’ve not been surprised as such, but it’s amazing just how quickly the timber frame has gone up.Were there any unexpected challenges? Thankfully not - just the roof detail, which was sorted.What happens next and what is your timeframe?Next will be to get the house water-tight with the roofer who is on site soon, then the windows need to be surveyed and made. The timeframe is the million-dollar question - our guess is late this or year early next. Fingers crossed!What advice would you give to someone just setting out in their self-build journey?Make sure you get a good planning consultant and architect, which unfortunately we didn’t. And make sure you’re aware of all the challenges that could unfold. For example, the party wall agreement details tripped us up at the beginning and it cost us a lot in terms of both money and time. Also, be clued in with HSE.We’d also recommend visiting lots of building shows for ideas. This is our we met Simon. And make sure any trades you have are recommended, the cheapest are cheap for a reason!And finally, I’ve found a big social media presence found very informative. It’s great to be able to ask other self-builders questions.Any other advice?Our build has not been easy. We have had many delays through poor advice, planning and workmanship. This could have all been avoided if we had known more and had a good architect at the very beginning.Out of all our trades and companies we have been involved with, Simon Orrells at Frame Technologies has been the most trustworthy, helpful and honest. We have had long delays and Simon has been very patient with the process - even storing the timber frame for the last few years!Mint Construction are also very professional, and we built up a good relationship with the guys.If you’d like to see the build in action, you can see the progress over on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/frame_technologies and follow @Hallsgreen Barn to see their journey continue.If you’re a self-builder looking to learn more about building with timber frame, get in touch with the award-winning Frame Technologies team today.