House Building with Timber Frame or Brick and Block
The basic difference between timber frame house building construction and brick and block, is not so much the contrast between the materials, but the difference to the builders in the amount of time and effort spent on the process on site.
The timber frame arrives on a lorry, and depending on its size and complexity can generally be erected in a week or less, pretty much regardless of the weather conditions.
Customary brick and block construction is perhaps viewed as more traditional, and may impart a more solid impression, but obviously will take considerably more time and effort to build up to the roof level, and can suffer hold-ups through adverse weather conditions.
Both methods obviously have their pros and cons, the decision is one for designers, developers and builders.
Cost and accessibility are two major factors. Timber frames are factory built to computer guided design, and the time line from submitting plans to the frames being built can be similar to those of building masonry walls up.
During construction, brick and block work can be altered during the process, unlike timber frames, which have been designed with each component responsible for taking exact stresses and strains and the plan cannot be deviated from.
The major costs in a masonry build are labour and plant provision. Each site will require certain types of equipment and plant to carry out work, including backhoe loaders, the staple of any construction site, through skid steer loaders, cranes, hoists and fork lifts all of which are readily available. The costs can spiral if weather conditions bring brick laying to a halt, with labour, plant and machinery idle but all having to be paid for.
The time advantage continues with the framed house build, because as soon as the roof is made weather tight, internal work can begin. The trades, electricians, plumbers and fitters can begin first fixing immediately. This is because the internal walls will be dry lined with plaster board needing no time to go of.
The masonry build as well as taking longer to reach weather proofing, will the need some considerable time for the internal plastering to dry.
The advantages of brick and block over timber frame are that contractors know it, are used to it, and most like to use it. It is relatively inexpensive, and if additions or extras are needed on site, local builders merchants and plant providers are rarely far away.
Almost everything is readily available, and easily supplied, leading to a known low maintenance, durable article. Sometimes speed isn’t everything.