Residential Construction Guide Normerica Timber Frame Oct 2023
Residential Construction Guide Normerica Timber Frame Oct 2023
CONSTRUCTION GUIDE
What You Need To Know About Building Your Custom Timber Frame Home
STEPS TO BUILDING YOUR
CUSTOM TIMBER FRAME HOME
WE KNOW THAT PLANNING TO BUILD A CUSTOM HOME CAN SEEM STEP 2: CONSULTATION
DAUNTING, BUT WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS
FROM START TO FINISH. The consultation step is when your custom home designer/builder works with you to really gain an
understanding of your customization needs when designing and building your timber frame home.
HERE ARE THE EIGHT STEPS INVOLVED IN BUILDING Whether you’re envisioning a lakeside cottage, intimate cabin, or sprawling clubhouse, the layout of
your building is key. Our design team will advise you on how to make the best use of your land’s natural
YOUR DREAM CUSTOM TIMBER HOME OR COTTAGE: features by ensuring that the design creates the perfect view. One of the most stunning aspects of
a custom Normerica timber frame building is how we consider the surrounding environment when
STEP 1: LAND crafting the design and how to build your structure for optimum exposure.
It’s also a good idea to think about and plan other aspects of the property that will be important
to your family at this point in the process. Your designer will be talking to you about many aspects
including:
At Normerica, we feel that the consultation phase is one of the most important and often undervalued
steps in the process. This is where the expertise of your custom home designer/builder comes into
play. Custom home builders with extensive experience will know the questions to ask to delve into the
important areas so they can get a good sense of your needs. We have a consulting process that is ever
evolving with the expertise of our project specialists and designers. We work closely with you in the
consultation phase to ensure your dream is carried through to initial design development.
You’re going to need a place to build your beautiful custom timber frame home or cottage. Contact us today to arrange a design consultation. A member of the Normerica team will meet with
If you need to find land, the team at Normerica can help put you in touch with a realtor in your area of you to learn about your building project, discuss design options, explore building costs and post and
interest. The realtor you’re looking for should specialize in the type of property you’re looking for and beam construction options and review the range of shell package material choices, so that you can
offer you in-depth knowledge of the building lots available in the region where you’re hoping make the best decisions when it comes to your custom timber frame home.
to build.
2 3
STEPS TO BUILDING YOUR
CUSTOM TIMBER FRAME HOME
STEP 3: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT STEP 4: CHOOSING YOUR TIMBER FRAME SHELL PACKAGE
The design development process starts with the With Normerica, just as you have the ultimate flexibility to custom design your home,
creation of a home design that’s customized to we make it easy to custom design your shell package to suit your needs and budget.
the needs of your family. When you work with
Normerica, you have many ways to proceed: THE NORMERICA INSULATED SHELL PACKAGE
The Normerica Insulated Shell Package represents our typical building bundle. Prepared using the
1. Work with our design team to custom finest materials available, this package includes all the elements that make up the complete shell of
design your timber frame home: your home, from the top of the foundation to the shingle-ready roof. With R40 insulation in the cathedral
Normerica’s professional Architectural Design roof and R30 in the walls, not only is this well above building code specifications in North America, it’s
and Engineering Department will work with also an airtight package that’s Energy Star certified and compatible with a net zero ready home build!
you or your appointed architect to develop the You can find out more about our building system on pages 15-16.
perfect home design for your family’s needs
and budget. MATERIAL SHELL PACKAGE OPTIONS
We understand that every project is different. As such, we offer a variety of material options to
2. Modify an Existing Normerica Timber Frame match the individual style and budget of each of our valued clients. Some of these options include
House Plan, you’ll have the ability to: pre-manufactured wall systems, Zip System sheathing, various siding options and aluminum clad
• Change the dimensions of the building. exterior windows and sliding doors. To learn more about our material shell package options, contact a
Normerica representative.
• Change the style or quantity of windows and
doors, including the addition of a walkout
basement. 3. Select a home as is from our existing
Standard House Plans: Our selection of timber
• Add shed or gable dormers.
frame house plans are comprised of several
• Add entry or screened porches, specially selected home designs offered at
sun rooms, or garages. attractive package prices with fast delivery
• Change the roof overhang, siding style, dates.
or material.
• Add interior or exterior architectural details 4. Work with your Normerica representative to
such as heavy timber gable trusses, search our Custom Home Designs Library:
cupolas, or roof overhang treatments. Consult our database of hundreds of our
best-of-the-best modified models or custom
• Mirror the plan to better suit your lot.
Normerica designs.
• Consider a walkout basement level to
expand your living space.
4 5
STEPS TO BUILDING YOUR
CUSTOM TIMBER FRAME HOME
STEP 5: QUOTATION FOR YOUR NORMERICA TIMBER FRAME SHELL PACKAGE STEP 8: SELECTING YOUR HOME BUILDER
Once we’ve created a design or modified an existing design for you, we can prepare an accurate When deciding who will construct your timber frame home, the interview and selection of your
quote based on the shell package elements and customizations you’ve chosen. builder is as important as creating the right design and choosing the right materials. When
If you have created your own readable design sketches (dimensioned floor plans and all elevations are working with the Normerica team, your design and construction consultant will help you with this
required) or if you have a plan that you’ve seen elsewhere we can most often provide pricing options important selection process. And as always, Normerica gives you options:
for those designs as well . In either case, we can usually prepare a guaranteed price quotation for a
Normerica Timber Frame Shell Package in five to seven business days. 1. Use Normerica’s in-house Construction Management Services Department. Depending on the
location, timing and size of your project, our highly experienced staff can provide you with a full
range of construction services, from timber frame or package erection to the complete construction
STEP 6: DEVELOP A PRELIMINARY CONSTRUCTION BUDGET of your entire home.
2. Choose a Normerica Authorized Builder. If you are building in an area in which Normerica
In addition to package pricing, Normerica will work with you to develop a practical budget for the Authorized Builders operate, we can introduce you to them. Normerica Authorized Builders are
construction of your entire custom timber frame home. You can find more about construction budget experienced professionals who have successfully built many Normerica timber frame homes. Each
on pages 19 and 20. comes with solid references.
3. Find a builder with our help. If you’re building in an area not serviced by a Normerica Authorized
Builder and you don’t have a preferred contractor, we can help you find and qualify the right one. Any
STEP 7: ORDERING YOUR TIMBER FRAME PACKAGE experienced custom home builder, with our assistance, can build a Normerica Timber Frame Home.
Every home we sell comes with a highly experienced Normerica Technical Representative who will
Once you’ve received and approved your shell package work with your builder during the critical stages of construction.
quotation, you’ll be ready to place your order. You’ll 4. Use your favourite builder. If you already have a favourite builder with whom you have worked in
approve a Material Package Contract, which allows the the past, but who has never built a Normerica Timber Frame Home, that’s okay. Any experienced
Normerica team to finalize your design details, schedule custom home builder, with our assistance, can build a Normerica Timber Frame Home. Just to
production of your timber frame, specify a payment be sure, we’ve developed a detailed construction checklist to which we can refer when discussing
schedule, and confirm a delivery date for your materials. your project with your builder.
Normerica’s timber frame home package includes the preparation of building permit drawings. A typical Soon after you’ve ordered your Normerica Timber Frame Shell Package, your builder will prepare the
permit set of drawings will have floor plans, elevations, foundation plan, numerous section and drawing site and foundation for its arrival. Once your material shell package arrives, the shell will be installed.
details, HVAC design and a structural engineer’s stamp. We will professionally produce the right level of This includes rough framing, timber framing, installation of the exterior wall system, roof system,
plans to meet your permit requirements. windows and doors, mechanical rough-ins and installation of your insulation.
Finally, the finishing touches begin. These include installation of drywall, painting and staining,
installation of flooring and decking, completion of siding and stone work, installation of plumbing and
electrical fixtures and completion of millwork and countertops. Once done, you’re ready to move in!
If you want to find out more detail about how building your own custom timber frame home works,
contact us and we can walk you through it.
6 7
SHELL OPTIONS SHELL OPTIONS
TIMBER FRAME TIMBER FRAME
TRUSSES
FINIALS CORBELS
A B C
D E F
Spade Traditional
Curved Bottom King Post Truss Scissor Truss with King Post
8 9
ROOF OVERHANG CHOICES
Normerica
Normerica
overhang*overhang* Colorado Colorado
overhangoverhang Cascade
CASCADE overhang
OVERHANG
NORMERICA OVERHANG* COLORADO OVERHANG
Normerica
Normerica overhang*
overhang* ColoradoColorado WITH GABLE
overhangoverhang BRACKET
with gable bracket
4 x 6” Curved Knee Brace
Normerica
Normerica
overhangoverhang Colorado Colorado
overhangoverhang
with stepwith
faciastep
Normericafacia
Normerica
overhangoverhang
NORMERICA OVERHANG with step with
faciastep facia
Colorado Colorado
overhang overhang
COLORADO OVERHANG
WITH
with stepwith STEP FASCIA
faciastep facia WITHstep
with STEP FASCIA
with step facia
facia
*The ‘Normerica’
*The ‘Normerica’
overhang overhang
Champhered edge on selected posts, can be extended
can *The
be extended
up‘Normerica’
to*The
24” up tooverhang
24”
4 x 6” Double Curved Knee Brace ‘Normerica’ overhang
beams, joists and rafters. *The ‘Normerica’ overhang can be extended up to 24” - we call this a ‘Prairie’ overhang.
- we callcan
this
- we a call this a
can be extended
be extended up to 24”up to 24”
‘Prairie’ overhang.
‘Prairie’ overhang.
- we call -this
weacall this a
‘Prairie’ overhang.
‘Prairie’ overhang.
10 11
NORMERICA TM
ANDNormerica
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
building design, package production CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
& construction timeline
Total time from creating a design to occupancy - approx. 10 to 20 months
DESIGN TIMELINE • Compile your ideas file and arrange to meet with your Normerica Your to do list...
representative to discuss your building design and budget
0- 3 months Visit with Planning/
Building Dept. to
• Meet with our architectural design and engineering department review application
to custom design a home for you, or select a Normerica model process, fees and
from our Design Library, or make changes to a model required documents
• Confirm package specifications and any model changes with your Check with local Plan-
Normerica representative ning/Building Dept. for
• Receive and review your package price quotation with detailed design constraints or
additional permission EXCAVATION FOUNDATION FORMING POURING FOUNDATION
list of material specifications
requirements
• Refine your preliminary construction budget and arrange for
necessary financing Submit site plan
approval documents to
municipality if required
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SAMPLE 8 MONTH ON-SITE THE COMPLETE
CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE NORMERICA INSULATED SHELL
WE CAN PROVIDE A BASIC TIMBER FRAME OR A COMPLETE INSULATED
SHELL PACKAGE USING THE FINEST MATERIALS AVAILABLE.
These are all of the elements that make up our complete typical shell package
from the top of the foundation to the roof, ready for shingles.
4
9. Front Door - Every model
comes with 1 custom pine
wood front door
14 15
NORMERICA INSULATED NORMERICA INSULATED
WALL AND ROOF SYSTEM SHELL PACKAGE
ROOFING MATERIALS (SUPPLIED BY OTHERS)
Just as you have the ultimate flexibility to custom design your Normerica home, we make it easy to
NORMERICA R40 ENGINEERED ROOF
- FREE OF THERMAL BRIDGING custom design your Normerica Shell Package.
ICE & WATER SHIELD
5/8" OSB ROOF SHEATHING ON
2 LAYERS OF 3 1/2" POLYISOCYANURATE INSULATION
STAGGER JOINTS ON
NORMERICA INSULATED SHELL PACKAGE SHELL PACKAGE OPTIONS
6 MIL CON'T POLY VAPOUR BARRIER ON
1"x6" T&G 'V' JOINT PINE CEILING FINISH
TIMBER RAFTERS
Our Insulated Shell Package is designed to a higher At Normerica we understand that every project is
standard than conventional construction, giving you
5/8" OSB FURRING STRIP
different. As such, we offer a variety of material
ICE & WATER SHIELD EAVE PROTECTION an energy efficient home that is built with the finest options to suit the individual style and budget of
(INSTALL OVER EAVE STARTER)
VARIES
materials available. With Normerica’s insulated wall each of our valued clients. A Normerica representative
2"x4" LADDER FRAME @ 16" o.c.
system, roof and high performance windows; your can walk you through all of the material shell package
2"x10" SUB-FASCIA CUT TO SUIT tightly built home will keep a consistent temperature options available to ensure your building package
1"x3" PREFINISHED SHINGLE MOULD
no matter what Mother Nature has to offer. Our is perfect for your needs. A few examples are
TIMBER POSTS AND BEAMS 1"x10" PREFINISHED EAVE FASCIA
package includes all the elements that make up a featured below:
complete insulated and weather-tight shell for your
1"x6" PREFINISHED 'V' JOINT SHIPLAP SOFFIT
home; from the top of the foundation to the roof,
SLEEPER FLOOR ASSEMBLY
5/4"x5" PREFIN. FRIEZE BOARD
ON TOP OF SIDING BOARD ready for shingles.
3/4" TONGUE & GROOVE PREMIUM OSB
2"x8" FLOOR JOISTS METAL SIDING VENT STRIP INSTALLED
1"x6" TONGUE & GROOVE 'V' JOINT TO TOP OF STRAPPING
PINE CEILING FINISH
POLYETHYLENE TAPED TO SURFACE OF POLYISO.
1. Authentic Timber Frame – Available in White Pine, Douglas fir, Oak and other species as requested.
TIMBER CEILING JOISTS
7. Front Door – Every model comes with one custom Front Door – Fiberglass insulated door with Ferco multipoint
pine front door. lock and handle set.
MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THAN EVER
More energy efficient than ever Net zero compatible building system
NET ZERO COMPATIBLE BUILDING SYSTEM
Energy Star Ready
continued
ENERGY STAR READY
16 17
NORMERICA INSULATED PRELIMINARY
SHELL PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION COST BUDGET
Clients Name: Sample with Walkout Basement
Location: Sample
NORMERICA INSULATED SHELL PACKAGE SHELL PACKAGE OPTIONS Date: 2023-10-18
Estimated Construction Cost Budget
Foundation Design: Full basement with walkout
8. Side and Rear Doors – Exterior swing doors are supplied Side and Rear doors – Exterior swing doors can be Finished Area above Foundation including Porches 1856
as fibreglass insulated doors. supplied as steel insulated doors. Foundation Area (Does not include Garage Foundation Area if any) 1757
Gross Floor Area (GFA) = Full Basement + 1st floor + 2nd floor + Porches 3613
Unfinished Garage footprint 0
9. Prefinished exterior wood siding with 8 – 50 year Exterior Cladding Options – We offer many exterior finish Decks not under Porches 472
material and finish warrantees. options. Please contact a Normerica Rep for full details. Total Built Area = GFA + Decks + Garage 4085
Included in Estimated Construction Cost Range
10. Prefinished wood exterior fascia, soffit, and Normerica Shell Package - See Residential Construction Guide for more information $348,170 - $448,367
exterior window/door casing with 8 – 50 year General Conditions
$40,500 - $40,500
material and finish warrantees. - Trash Removal, Equipment Rental, site facilities and protecting installed construction
Earthworks
$63,000 - $92,000
11. Interior site framed partitions - Excavation, Backfill, Rough Grading around Foundation, drainage and under-slab gravel
Foundation & Insulated Concrete slabs (Includes Garage & Deck piers if any)
$71,000 - $93,000
12. Skylights - Poured Foundation VERSUS Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Foundation
Shell Package Installation Labour $185,000 - $185,000
Interior Doors & Trim
13. Attached garages and exterior timber trusses/ $35,000 - $55,000
- Interior Hollow Core door and MDF trims VERSUS Solid Wood doors and Pine trim
brackets and porches are included where shown. Garage Doors
$0 - $0
14. Second level ‘sleeper’ subfloor for timber frame Second level floor for timber frame portions of home - Garage Door 9' x 8' uninsulated with opener & 2 remotes
portions of home – 1x6” T&G v-joint pine (first floor ceiling) – 6/4” T&G pine supplied for ceiling/floor
Interior Stairs & Railings
$11,000 - $18,000
- 16 Rise Oak Stairs and Handrail complete with Black Aluminum Picket VERSUS Glass Panels
with 2x8” SPF ‘sleeper’ joists (for mechanical/electrical
Decks & Exterior Railings
distribution) and ¾” T&G premium OSB with subfloor PT Undercarriage with PT Decking & Wood railing VERSUS Trex Decking with InvisiRail Glass railings
$12,145 - $29,665
adhesive above. Kitchen
$20,000 - $45,000
- MDF cabinets with caesarstone counters VERSUS Stain grade cabinets with Granite counters.
15. Second level subfloor system (for non-timber Roofing
frame portions of home – “Combination Home” ) - 40yr Architectural Shingle VERSUS 26 Ga. Steel Roof
$15,000 - $50,850
18 19
BUILDING WITH
THE ELEMENTS OF PRICING NORMERICA IS BUILDING GREEN
REMEMBER, THERE ARE 3 ELEMENTS AT NORMERICA, WE PROMISE THAT YOUR HOME WILL BE AS ENERGY
TO THE TOTAL PROJECT COST OF BUILDING YOUR HOME! EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPECTFUL AS IT IS BEAUTIFUL.
1. Land, Interest Carry and Legal Costs
2. Site Servicing & Other Soft Costs
Includes but not limited to surveys, permits, insurance, consulting fees, development fees, connection fees, utilities
(i.e. hydro, gas, telecom), sanitary & water systems, site clearing, driveway, landscaping, demolition, blasting, furniture,
appliances & special decorating costs.
Once built, your timber frame home will deliver superior energy
efficiency and environmental comfort. For instance, our
insulated wall system exceeds Canadian, American and international building codes. And just as we
can customize your design, we can customize your full-building shell package too – increasing or
decreasing insulation values, should you desire.
Meanwhile, our low-emission building materials and recommended whole-house ventilation system will
provide excellent indoor air quality. Our exacting standards for airtightness and insulation will deliver
lower heating costs. And since our homes are built to the highest efficiency standards, you’ll use less
energy overall, reducing your carbon footprint.
20 21
ABOUT NORMERICA THE NORMERICA PROMISE
WE WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A UNIQUE CUSTOM TIMBER FRAME
HOME THAT’S REALIZED WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF PREDICTABILITY.
AT NORMERICA WE KNOW WHAT MATTERS:
Since 1979, Normerica has created the highest quality timber frame structures across North America Time and money:
and around the world. We began as Upper Canada Post & Beam with a simple philosophy: to marry Don’t let building your dream home become a nightmare!
traditional craftsmanship with the latest engineering and building science, delivering nothing less than
our customers’ ultimate dream home. • We offer a variety of options within our state of
the art building system, and are always sensitive
Our decades of experience and expert in-house design capabilities have given us the ability to offer a to your budget.
high level of customization and design flexibility – a key advantage of timber frame homes and post • We can do as much or as little as you need, from
and beam construction. In fact, most of our customers begin with one of our designs as inspiration, but a full turnkey build, to simply supplying your
truly custom design a home to meet their own unique tastes. You could say that customization is the building package.
standard at Normerica.
Over the years, thousands of discerning customers have trusted us with their vision. And most of those We’re here for you:
customers come from referrals. We think that’s due to our iron-clad commitment to service excellence, We’ve been building beautiful timber frame homes and
and our ability to offer timeless designs that deliver integrity, harmony, and warmth. cottages since 1979.
22 23
Contact us to discuss your future timber home or cottage.
1-800-361-7449 | [email protected]
www.normerica.com