Wood frame homes or timbre frame homes are a popular choice worldwide, known for being more budget-friendly and eco-friendly compared to steel and concrete. You can expect the cost for a wood-framed house to range from R8,000 to R14,000+ per square metre, often making them a more cost-effective option than traditional brick-and-mortar homes.
Woodframe Housing History in South Africa
Historically, South Africa utilized native woods for building wood home frames until the demand led to a depletion of these forests. This led to the adoption of imported and plantation-grown pine, especially after treatments were developed to make pine resistant to termites.
Today, the construction of home frames and trusses adheres to South African standards but has evolved from on-site, ground-up building to using custom-fabricated wood wall frames and trusses.
Benefits of Wood Frame Construction
Opting for a wood frame construction comes with several advantages:
- Simplified Construction: Generally requires only a carpenter and painter, reducing the need for multiple trades.
- Weather Resilient: Less downtime due to wet weather, unlike concrete and brickwork which depend heavily on weather conditions.
- Efficient Building Process: Streamlined construction compared to traditional brickwork.
- Eco-Friendly: Wood-framed buildings have 60% lower embodied energy than those with brick veneer.
- Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than other construction materials.
- Flexible Design: Easier to make last-minute changes during construction.
- Thermal Insulation: Natural insulation properties of wood can enhance energy efficiency.
Choosing wood frame construction not only supports a more sustainable building practice but also offers practical benefits in terms of construction efficiency and environmental impact.
Navigating Approval for Your Wood Frame Project
Building with wood still means you need to get the green light from your local council. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Construction Certificate, getting approval is a must before your builders can start. The time it takes to get this approval can vary widely, from 30 to 100 days, depending on where you live. To speed things up, make sure your initial application is complete with all necessary details and documents. Getting help from your builder, architect, or structural engineer can streamline this process.
Understanding the Costs of a Wood Frame Home
Curious about what a wood frame home might set you back? Here’s a rough breakdown of where your budget might go:
- Materials: About 50% of the total cost
- Labour: Around 30%
- Council fees and permits: Around 10%
- Planning architect work: Around 5%
- Other Costs: Around 5%
Opting for a wood frame could see you saving 10% to 20% compared to a steel-framed house. Of course, the final price difference between a wood and a brick-framed house also depends on your choices for insulation, siding, and other materials. As a ballpark figure:
- Expect to pay R8,000 to R14,000+ per square meter for a wood-framed house.
- A full brick house might cost you R10,000 to R16,000+ per square meter.
Choosing wood not only potentially lowers your costs but also adds a unique charm and warmth to your home.
Hiring a Builder for Your Project
Choosing the right builder or tradesperson is crucial for your project’s success. Here are some key questions to ensure you pick the best fit:
- Licensing: Are you fully licensed, registered, or accredited?
- Insurance: Do you carry valid professional indemnity and public liability insurance?
- Experience: Have you worked on residential projects before?
- Quotes: Can you provide a written estimate?
- Timeline: How long will the project take?
- References: Can you share any references I can check?
Or contact Local Pros today and we will connect you to a trusted timbre frame housing expert near you!
