Downloads & FAQ
Timber Frame FAQ
At Quinn Offsite, we understand that choosing a timber frame build is a major decision - and we’re here to make the process as simple and transparent as possible. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our timber frame homes and modular building services. If you have a specific query or would like to speak directly to our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
FAQs
How long does it take to build a timber frame home?
Once the design is finalised and planning is approved, the frame can be manufactured in just a few weeks. On-site assembly is typically completed in under a few weeks, with full build times often significantly shorter than traditional construction.
Can I customise the layout or design of my timber frame home?
Yes. Quinn Offsite offers fully bespoke designs. Whether you’re building a family home, garden room, or modular accommodation, we’ll work with you to create a layout that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Is timber frame suitable for Passive House or low-energy builds?
Absolutely. Timber frame systems are ideal for energy-efficient and Passive House designs. They allow for exceptional airtightness, insulation, and thermal performance - all key factors in sustainable living.
Do you offer turnkey solutions?
Yes. We can manage your project from concept through to completion, including design, manufacturing, delivery, and installation. We also work alongside trusted contractors if a full turnkey service is required.
Why build with timber frame?
Timber frame construction offers speed, energy efficiency, and outstanding design flexibility. Homes built using timber frame methods can be completed in significantly less time than traditional builds and offer excellent insulation, helping homeowners save on long-term energy costs. With sustainability and performance at the forefront, timber frame homes are fast becoming the preferred choice for self-builders, developers, and contractors alike.
Can I expect quality and precision from Quinn Offsite?
Absolutely. All Quinn Offsite timber frame structures are engineered with precision in our controlled factory environment. Each component is manufactured to exacting standards using high-grade Scandinavian and Canadian timber, which is drier and more stable than typical Irish or British timber. The result? A consistently high-quality frame with exceptional durability and performance.
Is it harder to get planning or regulatory approval for a timber frame home?
Not at all. Timber is a natural insulator and contributes to high thermal efficiency, often making it easier to meet or exceed building regulations. A well-designed timber frame home typically performs better than traditional blockwork in energy assessments and SAP ratings.
Are timber frame homes as strong as block and mortar houses?
Yes. Timber frame systems are structurally sound and capable of supporting multi-storey construction, often up to six floors. When properly engineered and erected, a timber frame home will perform as well as - or even better than - a traditional masonry build in terms of strength and resilience.
Will a timber frame home look different from a block-built house?
No. Once completed, a timber frame home is visually indistinguishable from a conventional masonry house. The timber frame replaces the inner leaf of blockwork, but with external cladding and internal plasterboard in place, the appearance and finish are exactly the same.
Can I get a mortgage on a timber frame property?
Yes. Most major UK and Irish mortgage lenders offer the same finance terms for timber frame homes as they do for traditional builds. Timber frame construction is well recognised and widely accepted within the financial and insurance sectors.
Can I see examples of previous timber frame projects?
Yes - we invite you to explore our Case Studies page where you’ll find completed builds, andd 360° walkthroughs, and client testimonials that showcase our work and the wide range of possibilities available.
What foundations are required for timber frame buildings?
Timber frame homes can be built on various foundation types, including concrete slabs and strip foundations. We’ll advise on the most suitable option based on your site conditions and project scope.
Do timber frame homes hold their value when resold?
Yes. A well-built timber frame home retains its value and, in many cases, can outperform masonry builds in terms of energy performance — a key factor for modern buyers.
Are timber frame homes suitable for rural or exposed locations?
Yes. With proper detailing, insulation, and ventilation, timber frame homes perform excellently in all types of settings — from coastal areas to remote countryside plots.
Can timber frame homes be extended later?
Yes. One of the advantages of timber frame is its flexibility. Extensions and alterations are generally easier and quicker than with traditional blockwork, offering long-term adaptability for your home.
Will it cost more to maintain or insure a timber frame home?
No. Timber frame homes are typically no more expensive to maintain or insure. In fact, because of their high thermal performance, homeowners can enjoy reduced heating bills — sometimes saving hundreds per year. Most insurers make no distinction between timber and masonry builds when calculating premiums.
What is the life expectancy of a timber frame house?
With proper care and maintenance, a timber frame home will last just as long as a traditional house. Many historic timber frame buildings across Europe have stood for centuries, and modern techniques and materials only enhance longevity.
Is timber frame construction more environmentally friendly?
Yes. Timber is a renewable, sustainable material, and the majority of timber used in our frames is sourced from certified, responsibly managed forests. Timber frame homes also produce fewer carbon emissions during construction and support more energy-efficient living over time.
How well do timber frame homes perform in terms of sound insulation?
Modern timber frame systems are designed to meet or exceed building regulations for acoustic performance. With proper insulation, boarding, and detailing, sound transmission is no greater than in masonry buildings.
Are timber frame homes more at risk of fire?
No. When built to regulation standards, timber frame homes meet all fire safety requirements. Fire-resistant plasterboard, cavity barriers, and construction methods are used to ensure a timber frame home is as safe as any masonry equivalent.
Do you deliver your timber frame to Ireland?
Yes. We cover all of Ireland and have completed successful projects across Co. Dublin, Co. Louth, Co. Meath, Co. Cork, Co. Galway, Co. Mayo, Co. Donegal, and beyond.
Do you deliver to mainland UK?
Yes. We regularly transport and install timber frame kits across mainland UK, with a growing portfolio of completed homes and satisfied clients.