Advantages of Timber Frame Homes

Once you’ve decided to build a custom home, there are a number of choices that you need to make including the type of home you would like to build. Currently, one of the most popular styles of home is a timber frame home.

A timber frame home is very similar to a post and beam home in that you have the advantage of wood and timber features without having an entire home built of logs. Full logs are used as the main structural support for the home. The big difference between post and beam and timber frame is that post and beam logs are round with a more natural and rustic feel where timber frame logs are square. Here are some other benefits of timber frame homes:

Open Concept and Strength

Have you thought about what it would be like to have an open concept home, working in the kitchen while looking through the living area and out into the backyard? A timber frame home can give you this freedom.

The strength of the timbers allows for less load bearing walls and an open floor plan free of obstructions. This type of framing has been used for centuries, especially in older churches, because of its strength and durability as well as its beauty.

Waste and Sustainability

There is generally less waste in using the entire log in a timber frame home than using dimensional lumber for framing a traditional home. Dimensional lumber is generally cut in the forest, hauled to a mill, cut to size, shipped to a distributor then to a local building supply store, and once on the job site will be cut again. Wood used for timber frame homes is typically handled less which means less cost. Once at the site, the logs will be fit to size and some adjustments will be needed, but waste will be minimal.

Esthetics

With a custom built log home you have the option of having your framing logs visible on the outer or the inner walls of your home. The sheer beauty and strength in being surrounded by perfectly placed timbers gives a sense of safety and comfort. Anywhere the timbers are exposed adds character and a design that is unique to every custom timber frame home. You also have more choice in where to place windows and doors with less load bearing walls and an open concept.

If you are considering building a custom log home but want to get away from the traditional full scribe log home, a timber frame may be a great option.

Check out our Timber Frame Plans and Galleries to give you some different ideas and concepts. Don’t be afraid to mix, match and integrate your own personal tastes as well. If you have any additional questions feel free to contact us.

Still not sure of the difference between full scribe, post and beam and timber frame? Check out this article.

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The Age Old Debate – Is It Better To Rent Or To Buy?

 

Why am I renting when the rent just pays for my landlord’s mortgage?

If I buy, at least my money goes to my mortgage and I’m busying an asset, right?

Why are real estate investors renting?  Isn’t it better to buy?

 

This is the age old debate.  People have been debating this for years.  

Let me start by saying that there’s no right or wrong answer.  Is it better to rent or is it better to buy?  Is one better than the other?  

Well… it depends.

What do I mean?

Let me lay out some pros and cons for renting and buying below

RENTING

Pros:  

1. Flexibility:  Similar to leasing a car, you can switch places every year or few years.  You’re not locked in to a mortgage.
2. No need for a down payment:  If you’re renting, you don’t need to save up for a large down payment to buy a place, just need to come up with your monthly rent.  Real estate investors often rent and use their home as an office and claim it as a business expense, then use the money that they would have used as a down payment to invest in real estate deals.  
3. Maintenance:  As a tenant, you’re typically not responsible for repairs of fixtures in the property.  

The post The Age Old Debate – Is It Better To Rent Or To Buy? appeared first on Gary Wong Realty Vancouver, BC.

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2013

On October 30, 2013, SAS received the Solar Pioneer Award from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) for its recently installed 1-MW Sunseap System. Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimball accepted the award on behalf of the school from the EDB executive director for clean technology Mr. Goh Chee Kiong and National Environment Agency chief executive officer Mr. Ronnie Tay.

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2012

The Interim Semester program was established at Singapore American School in 1973 with the goal of enhancing the standard curriculum by providing students with opportunities for cultural enrichment, experiences in the arts, adventure activities, and service to others. These expeditionary learning opportunities make up an integral part of the high school curriculum. Students are required to participate in Interim Semester each year they are in attendance in high school. Interim Semester trips are divided into three categories: service, eco-adventure, and global studies.

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1970

As part of the Spring 2012 high school art show, high school photography teacher Paul Griffin's digital photography class presented a series of black and white photos that they had colorized that semester. The original photos were taken by alum Mr. Dave Hogan ('73) while he was a student at SAS. Mr. Hogan was an avid photographer for the Islander and the student newspaper, then called the King's Road Review. Here are excerpts from our conversation with Mr. Griffin about how he came about working with Mr. Hogan's photographs, and the project the students completed.

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2012

Imagine if you and your teammates have spent hundreds of hours getting ready for an international competition, working during lunches, after school and on weekends. You, your school, and your parents have invested thousands of dollars in equipment, plane tickets and hotels to attend this event—most of it out of your own pocket. You roll up to your very first round in front of hundreds of competitors and spectators—and your exquisitely designed and built control system utterly fails.

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The Oak + Park – New in Marpole

An exciting new development for Marpole. Family-oriented condos coming to Oak and Park by respected developer Alabaster Homes. A little more room for everyone in the three-bed and den townhomes. You’ll maintain access to the city and all routes south but also enjoy the tranquility that the neighbourhood affords. Presales are set for June 2016.

The post The Oak + Park – New in Marpole appeared first on Vancouver New Condos.

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