Design Costs
All our model frames are available for purchase in plan form. If you, or your builder, are interested in using our plans here’s what you need to know.
Preview: Before you buy a plan, we suggest you request a preview of the model(s) you are interested in. You will need to download, for free, Google’s SketchUp Viewer. This program is available for both MacIntosh and Windows users and is very easy to use. Email us a request for the preview files of the models you are interested in and we will send them off just as soon as we are next at the computer. you will receive the model you requested, an example of the detailed joinery our plans come with and a model frame that is labeled so that you can begin to explore the parts of a timbered shelter.
Cost of Plans: $ 1,600.00 Canadian. Applicable taxes not included.
Why: Just like the actual buildings they blue print, each model takes a unique amount of time to develop, draw and proof. But in the interest of keeping this form of renewable building equitable we are locking in all of our designs, regardless of development time or square footage and complete with everything listed. On average a 1600 sqft frame takes 80 hours to fully model, including joinery detail. So we are selling our drafting services for half price.
What’s Included: PDF’s of all necessary wall sections for permitting. One, fully authorized copy of original 3-D rendered files — these include scaled, highly detailed joinery in digital format (multiple formats are available), augmented by files containing timber by timber visual specifications also in 3-D. Multiple wall sections covering a variety of potential external membranes, from conventional through straw bale. We also have compiled statistics and documentation relevant to the integrity of heavy timber construction, information that is often useful in educating your local housing authority and building inspector on the viability, craft and integrity of heavy timber construction.
Structural Engineering: Your local building authority may require you to have a licensed engineer, review and approve of the structures design. If this is so and alterations are required, we will work with you to facilitate reasonable modification to the frame design should this be required. Up to 4 hours of redesign and file alteration is provided free of charge, additional hours are prorated at a reduced hourly design rate of $25/hr, down from our normal $30.hr.
Accessory Drawings: To receive a building permit in most North American municipalities the builder must submit a wall section relevant to the method of construction. Given the diverse options for enclosing timber frames — from stud wall infill, through straw bale, we have provided each model with PDF images covering most potential scenarios. If by chance your project is not covered we will generate a wall section that will serve your specific application. No charge.
Licenses: We are not licensed designers as classified under the Ontario Housing Act and municipal Building Code enforcement. We could go on at length about the nature of licensing in the building trades but won’t because we’d hate to step on toes. Basically, whether your home plans are drawn by a licensed designer or not, for timber frame and heavy log construction you will have to have an engineer approve the plans in Ontario and in most North American jurisdictions. We work closely with a local Architect who has years of experience in natural and green building. Dale, our architect, sits down with a licensed structural engineer and they review our plans and stamp them with a seal allowing you to waltz into your local building office with the confidence that you will receive a permit and be ready to begin building. Our design fees are set to take into account the cost of engineer approval of the drawings.