Our homes process

hOMES

Although we don’t offer a full build or turnkey service, we do manage a huge chunk of the build. There are many benefits to the level of service we offer, the biggest one being the significant cost savings to be made. When you choose to hand over your entire project to a full build or turnkey provider, you will pay for the privilege of having the build managed for you as well as pay mark ups on products purchased on your behalf.

Another key advantage of our service is you (or your builder) have the ability to source the very best local and trusted trades. Sourcing local means you won’t incur the extra cost of transport and accommodation if a full build/turnkey provider is based far away. With our way of doing things you will have the freedom to pick and choose whichever components you like, such as windows and doors, rather than be steered towards a limited list of options that a company has to offer.

A well connected, reputable builder or project manager can manage the entire project for you but if you fancy getting involved with the build, you will have the flexibility to do this which will save you even more money. In a nutshell, if you want complete flexibility, choice and want to save yourself a substantial amount of money then we could be your perfect oak frame provider.

1. Initial contact

The process begins with an informal discussion about your project and can cover a range of questions regarding budgets, design costs, timescales, build costs, planning matters, the build process and anything else you’d like to know. It will give you the opportunity to discuss your project with us and learn more about what we can offer.

2. Choose your design route

There are three design routes you can take with us:

1.Bespoke design: Starting from scratch, our in-house designers will design an oak frame home that works for you, your family and your budget. We can also assist with your planning application and building regulation drawings.

2.Adapt a design: Delve into our extensive archive of previous designs to form the basis of your new home. We can chop and change any of our previous designs until you arrive at a design that works for you and your budget.

3.Send us your drawings: We can work with any drawings you may already have. Even if your drawings don’t include oak, we can adapt them to include it. Alternatively we can provide you with a quote for any oak frame plans you already have.

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3. Design consultation & meet our team

We always encourage new clients to visit us, to meet our designers and the rest of the Welsh Oak Frame team. It’s a great opportunity to discuss your project at length and you will have the opportunity to browse our extensive portfolio of previous designs which may provide some inspiration for your own. During your visit, we will take you on a tour around our workshops so you can see for yourself the incredible work our carpenters do when it comes to handcrafting oak. We will also take you to view our beautiful show home. This is the perfect opportunity for you to decide if we are the right fit for you and your project.

Alternatively this consultation can take place over the telephone or via an online meeting.

4. Design development & planning

Once we have taken your brief, our design team will make a start on your design –  whether that be starting from scratch, adapting one of our previous designs or incorporating an oak frame into drawings you already have. This is an exciting stage where you will start to see your dream home coming together.

Once completed, you will be provided with the drawings for further input. We will arrange a meeting with you to discuss your thoughts and identify any refinements to be made before your planning application is submitted. We will also discuss any additional products or services you would like to add to your package. At this point we can provide you with budgetary costs.

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5. 3D model

Once planning permission has been approved, we will draw up a detailed virtual 3D model of your home. We will ask you to provide a number of images for us to draw inspiration from. This will help us get a feel for what you are looking for internally and how you want your oak frame to look

We will arrange a meeting with you so you can view the 3D model and discuss any refinements to be made. At this stage we are able to provide you with accurate costs for our element of the project.

6. Contract

Once all aspects of the design have been finalised and you have been provided with a fixed cost, your contract will be issued. Once the contract has been agreed, signed and the deposit paid we will pass your project over to our oak frame design team who will produce the detailed frame design and building regulations drawings.

 

7. Frame design

Our oak frame designers will create the overall look of your frame. They will ensure your oak frame infuses your new home with the unique character and impressive features that made you fall in love with oak in the first place. They will also configure the numerous joints that will address the structural integrity of the frame. Once the frame design has been finalised, you will be sent a copy to sign off.

8. Building regulation drawings

Your drawings will be sent to an independent structural engineer who will provide an engineering certification of structural integrity for Building Control. Once approved, your frame designer will produce everything required in preparation for ordering materials and manufacturing the frame in our workshop.

9. Manufacturing

Our frames are manufactured by our team of expert carpenters. While we are handcrafting your oak frame we will provide you with detailed plans for the foundations for your chosen contractor to prepare before the frame arrives on site. We are always available should you have any questions about this process and we will pop around to make sure everything is ready for when your beautiful frame arrives.

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10. Supply and fit

Once your frame is on site, you will be amazed by how quickly your project comes to life. Our installers are known for their professionalism and punctuality as they erect your oak frame. We will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure you remain on schedule. Once we are finished erecting your oak frame and all of your additional products have been installed, your project can continue on to completion.

11. Completion

Once we have done our bit, we hand the reins back to your contractors to complete the internal fit, electrics, plumbing and external finish but we are still with you till the end if you have any questions.