Where do you source the Oak you use?
All our Oak comes from sustainable resources in managed forests. The use of such timber is therefore more environmentally friendly than the use of other building materials.

How long will my Oak framed building last?
Many Oak framed buildings have lasted for hundreds of years, every bit as well as others of the same age built in stone or brick. We expect that one of our Oak-framed buildings, on a proper foundation, will last for many centuries with reasonable maintenance - Oak itself requires little or no maintenance.

What about rot and woodworm?
Oak is famous for its durability against rot and infestation, and so doesn't need special treatments. Some people like to apply Oak oil (boiled linseed oil) in their Oak beams to slow up the drying process, but this is purely a matter of personal choice. As Oak is a natural product, we would recommend that any timber is not left standing in water unprotected. Softwoods supplied by us are pressure treated against both rot and infestation.

Will we need planning permission?
Almost always! We advise that you obtain written clearance or planning permission from your local Planning Authority before erection starts. While many of our buildings meet the planning requirements for development without permission, experience shows that, even despite this, permission is often required because of unique site circumstances such as being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in a Conservation Area, or alongside a listed building. Getting permissions properly saves an immense amount of trouble later, even if it takes a little more time and effort to start with. We can attend to planning requirements for you if you wish.

What will an Oak-framed building do for the overall value of my property?
Traditional buildings have great visual appeal, and can blend in with old and modern buildings very effectively. Our clients choose our buildings because they need the extra facility created and wish to add an attractive and special feature to their property at the same time. You can always show a drawing of one of our buildings to your local property advisor for an opinion.

What about cost?
We provide a full quotation in advance. You will find the cost of an Oak framed building compares very favourably with brick or stone. Our initial estimates and final quotations specify clearly what is included, and what work needs to be handled by yourself or your other contractors- these may include groundworks, roof tiling/thatching, internal works, etc. and will need to be taken into consideration in arriving at a total project cost.

How can I be sure what the building will look like on my site?
We produce a booklet of line drawings showing designs, which can be sent to you upon request. Our designers can produce a line drawing of your chosen design on a modern CAD package for a modest fee (deductible from your eventual building invoice) and invariably suitable for planning application purposes.

What colour is the wood you use on my building?
Oak has a golden colour, which gradually weathers to a silvery-grey. The softwoods gradually turn grey over time, but can be treated in a variety of colours.

What have your buildings been used for to date?
Garages, summerhouses, home-offices, annexes, pool houses, gazebos, pavilions, stables, garden rooms, workshops, conservatories, living barns, as well as a wide variety of commercial, educational and business uses.

Will my building be secure?
This obviously depends on where it is and other local factors. Our closed buildings come with quality locks and hinges on windows and doors, and other security features may be added as building progresses. We always recommend consideration be given to alarms and other security facilities as required.

What about insulation and heating?
If your Oak framed building is to be used for habitation or special purposes we are pleased to advise on suitable insulation and heating if separate from the main dwelling. Wood is a good insulator in itself.

Can I add an upper floor to my building?
The timbers used in our buildings can usually support an upper floor with minor additions and amendments. Some of our clients have found this useful to add storage space to garages and stables, or to create a self-contained office. We can advise on the extra required and specify extra flooring, roof features and window requirements. Oak~Craft at Holmsley Mill offers the Hambleden range of 2, 3 and 4 bay buildings which incorporate upper floors and dormers. These can provide extra space for a wide variety of uses at competitive cost.