Construction Process

Your New Home Project, Step by Step...

Now you have your site

Any site that can be built on will be fine for timber frame construction. The characteristics of your site may pose special considerations for foundations, access, etc. - but may also offer the opportunity for unique design features, assisted by the flexibility of the timber frame method. You should note that connection of water, electricity and sewerage or a septic tank are your responsibility.

Choose an architect

Cygnum has a limited number of standard house designs which can be adapted for each client and will also serve for broad pricing guidance. But we strongly recommend appointing a professional architect, ideally with timber frame experience.

Liaise with Cygnum

We are happy to work with clients and their advisers from the earliest stages of the project planning. Our experience means that we can often offer advice that will lead to cost savings or enhancement of the house design. Occasionally, we may save people time and energy pursuing impractical ideas.

First Sketch Design

This is a key stage where client, professional advisers, builder and Cygnum can agree the essentials of the project and begin estimates, planning, materials lists, etc. It is also when unusual design requirements, any difficulties with the site and other broad issues will start to show and can be planned for - or around!

Apply for Planning Permission

From the sketch plan your architect will be able to progress to plans for the local authority and your planning application. Assuming no difficulties or objections, most Planning Permissions are granted in three months!

Appoint a Cygnum Project Manager to co-ordinate the overall build process?

We recommend an experienced builder to take overall responsibility for the project but some clients may wish to manage it themselves using direct labour - and may well have appropriate business or construction industry experience. We will gladly support the self-build client and in that case timber frame is probably an easier construction method to manage than conventional building. The fact that the house is weatherproof after just a week is valuable when dealing with different trades and schedules. But it is a challenging task for the inexperienced and does not always yield the expected economies. You should certainly engage the services of a qualified and experienced engineer to generally supervise and check each stage of your project.  Cygnum can offer your own appointed Project Manager to assist with the initial planning and the co-ordination of the overall build process.

Finalize the Design

With your final design you can firm up your quotations from all suppliers and get commitment to a project schedule. At this stage you should also be finalizing elements such as kitchens and other built-in furniture or similar elements. The construction process will not be affected but clearly such Items should be ready for installation on time so that you can move into your new home.

Order Timber Frame

From the final design Cygnum will draw up a complete structural design, schedule of components, detailed specifications of everything involved and firm pricing for the entire job. Our Sales Manager or appointed Project Manager will go through everything with the client, ensure that there are no misunderstandings or further questions and then agree the delivery and payment schedules. One of the first results will be the necessary plans and specifications for the builder to lay the foundations.

Prepare the Foundations

Now we are really under way, but remember that site excavation can throw up problems and is subject to bad weather delay while a set of foundations may take up to two weeks before being ready to accept construction.

Manufacturing Process

In parallel with the site preparation, Cygnum works on the manufacture of the timber frame construction kit for delivery according to the agreed timetable. This is a crucial stage when our engineering and design departments translate your final house design to the detailed design of the timber frame construction kit and will require your involvement and perhaps that of your architect. Final drawings will be produced for your approval and then the manufacturing process can begin.

Construction Process

When the construction kit delivered on-site by Cygnum everything really speeds up. Our erection crews are experienced professionals and will usually have the basic timber structure up and ready for weatherproofing in a few days. Scaffolding is generally provided by the builder, together with some assistance with labour.

Weather Proofing

The building is now quickly made weatherproof by fitting the waterproofing membranes, roof felting and laths, doors and windows.

External Finish

The exterior walls can now be clad with brick, block, timber or other cladding material while the roof tiling or slating can be completed.

Internal Services

At the same time the internal work can proceed, first the electrical and plumbing installation and then the insulation, plaster board fitting and plastering, panelling or other surface finishing.

Second Fix Services

This is when the electrical and plumbing work is completed and smaller fixtures installed after the walls, ceilings, etc. are finished.

Decoration and Furnishing

The final lap and when the client can really put the finishing and spontaneous touches to the dream!

Move in!

Your construction project is completed, you are probably exhausted, but your dream is now a reality.