Building an oak frame home on a budget

1 Keep the design simple

If you’re working with a tight budget, it’s vital to approach all aspects of the scheme with this in mind. It’s easy to get carried away when you see what’s been achieved by bigger budgets – such as wide spans, feature trusses and glazed gables throughout – but stay disciplined and look for other ways to create wow factor. The most cost-e cient schemes will use the simple rectangular bay oorplan seen in cottage and barn-style projects. From that base, consider paring the oak back in most rooms, so you can focus your budget on one or two wow moments.

2 Reduce material costs

It can be tempting to complement your oak frame with good quality products, such as handmade bricks and roof tiles. Luxury details come with a price tag to match – more standard options will help to keep costs down. The same is true with impressive glazing – more traditional windows could be a wiser use of funds.

3 Take on project management

Some oak frame companies can oversee a scheme up to its completion, and their experience and connections can be instrumental in ensuring your self build is a success. It’s a great option for first timers, but you will usually pay extra for the privilege. A common alternative is to have them hand over the reins partway through, when the property is watertight. If you

Right: The owners of this impressive 169m2 property by Oakwrights kept costs down by opting for an e ient building shape, taking on project management duties and using ost effe tive details such as painted timber cladding have the time and ability you will find that there are savings to be made by sourcing products and follow-on trades yourself.

4 Mix structural systems

These days, frames are encapsulated with insulating panels – and, if the system also takes on a structural role, this can offer the opportunity to reduce the amount of relatively expensive load-bearing oak. Going for a design with exposed oak externally will also help to minimise the amount of oak needed. If you’re looking to cut costs even further, opt for a hybrid approach –using softwood for the primary structural elements and reserving oak for high-impact areas. Read more about this on page 42.

5 Treat the oak frame yourself

If you’re willing and able, consider cleaning the oak yourself. This could save you £1,000s, depending on size and complexity. It’s a time consuming process but that’s precisely why it can help you keep under-budget. Many self builders prefer to maintain the organic colour and character of the wood with a simple acid wash, leaving the wood’s own tannins to prevent damage from moisture and insects. Or you can leave the timber untreated and allow the marks left by carpenters etc to be remain on show.