Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions to ask about timber homes, so we have taken the liberty to put together some Questions and Answers that you may have:

Why have Timber Homes becomes so popular in recent years?
South African Pine has come along way since the end of the second World War. In those early years it was not considered suitable for construction purposes and construction grade timber was still being imported. With the advent of advanced silviculture techniques and sophisticated genetic improvements, our timber is now being regarded as a high quality building material.

All timber used in construction is strength graded according to standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). The South African National Building Regulations (NBR) enforces the use of graded timber for structural purposes, outlawing black cross, commercial and industrial grades for use in a structural role. On-going research and vast plantations located across the country ensures the continuous supply of this valuable resource.

As to why Timber Homes have become so popular in recent years, much has to do with the increase in technology which has resulted a much higher grade material being available to the building industry and gigantic leaps in the protection of timber products by the treatment of raw timber and revolution in wood preservatives.

Wood is also a living organism and retains this feeling when it is used in the construction of a Timber Home. It is a good insulator and hence feels warm yet remains relatively cool in summer which makes it particularly suitable for use in Coastal regions. People generally love the feel of wood; it is unusual, it creates a feeling of well-being and is therefore ideal for the home environment where it induces an atmosphere of serenity and security, a feeling of loving life differently, away from the hustle and bustle of City life.

What is the lifespan of Timber Homes?
The susceptibility of softwoods to bio-degradation, fungal and insect attack has long been perceived as a negative factor when considering timber for construction purposes in tropical or damp and humid environments. However the chemical treatment to overcome this problem has been used very successfully in this country for many years. The chemicals used, as well as the treatment processes are strictly regulated by the SABS and the South African Wood Preservers Association (SAWPA) and now the majority of timber treatment is undertaken by the individual sawmills to ensure that the treatment is immediate and effective.

Chemical Warfare!!
Kiln dried timber is treated in large pressure vessels using a vacuum/pressure impregnation process whereby, literally speaking, the air contained in the cells of the timber is extracted and then replaced with a liquid borne chemical. The most frequently used chemical is Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA) or Tri-Butyl Oxide (TBTO).

CCA is a water borne compound which attaches itself to the cells of the timber and becomes a permanent part of the timber and this feature makes it eminently suitable for use for structural purposes. Various quantifiable concentrations of CCA retained in the cellular structure ensure the safe and economical use of timber under different potentially hazardous environmental conditions. These conditions have been identified and listed as "Hazardous Classes" for ease of reference and identification. All grades of structural South African Pine are clearly identified by means of a stamped "SABS" marking on the face of each length of timber. CCA treated timber is normally characterised by its distinctive greenish colour.

TBTO treated timber is a spirit based treatment process and this process is virtually colourless and leaves the Pine in its natural colour. The spirit carrier does not effect the dimensionable stability of the timber and these features make its use perfect for timber which will be exposed inside the structure such as tongue and groove and grooved pine ceilings, staircases, finished moldings, rafters and beams.

What TimberBuilding System is used in South Africa?
The Timber Building System used by building companies in South Africa closely follows systems commonly used in countries such as USA, Canada, Sweden, Great Britain, Europe, Australia. New Zealand and the Far East. The system has been adapted to suit our climatic conditions and the availability and prevalence of various types of building products. Known locally as "SABS 082 - The Code of Practice for Timber Buildings", the timber construction system is included in the National Building Regulations as an approved form of construction and is recognised by financial institutions and local authorities throughout the country. Timber Homes built to SABS 082 also qualify for enrolment in The National Home Builders Registration Council's (NHBRC) five year warranty scheme.

Is a TimberBuilding strong enough to last?
On a strength to weight ratio, timber is much stronger than steel. The light weight timber frame system is designed to withstand wind speeds in excess of 150km/hr. Each building is securely connected to its base support and elated base platforms are braced to ensure stability even in the wildest gale. Roof structures are secured, via the framework of the walls, to the base platform. The strength of the system lies in the flexibility and shock absorbing nature of the timber elements. Timber buildings do not blow away or fall down in the wind.

What about Maintenance Requirements?
Maintenance requirements will depend upon the finishes that have been elected. For example, a pre-painted aluminium weatherboard clad building will require less maintenance than the traditional timber clad exterior. Painted or varnished exterior and interior surfaces will require normal maintenance, however modern long life water repellant coatings remove the need to scrape down timber surfaces prior to re-coating and hence maintenance costs in terms of time and money are significantly reduced. Most timber home builders are now using these new finishes and avoiding the use of varnishes and painted surfaces on exterior walls. Timber buildings are therefore NOT a maintenance nightmare!!

What about the risk of Fire?
The timber frame system was designed with the safety of the occupants as a primary consideration. The framework is compartmentalised using a system of stop blocks between the wall stud elements and between floors in the case of a double-storey construction. In the unlikely event of a fire starting within the wall cavity (possibly due to an electrical fault) the idea is that the fire stops will prevent the flame spreading within the walls. There will not be sufficient oxygen within a cavity to sustain a fire.

The security of a fire from an external source, such as a bush fire, will depend on factors like the type of external cladding, the proximity of the fire and the fuel load of the surrounding vegetation. The fact is that timber will char before it burns through and this charring forms an insulating coating which slows down the rate of destruction. Internal fires caused by fat or oil igniting on a stove can do severe damage whether the building is constructed of timber or any other material.

SABS 082 - sums it up by stating that ..." The incident of fire depends more on the occupation and living habits than on whether the structure is of timber or any other material and that fire resistance may be regarded as a property of a structure rather any particular material used in its construction".

Do you have Specific Plans available?
Yes, we do but, quite honestly, we very rarely build to our own plans as people are individuals and we find ourselves modifying our plans to suit individual needs and desires. The beauty of designing a Timber Home is its flexibility in terms of making changes, as the whole home is usually built on a platform and hence internal changes can be made almost at the last minute. Clients can also bring us ideas or plans of their own "dream home" and sit down with our experienced architect to make their dreams come true.

Now the BIG question - What about cost?
Pricing is dependant on many factors including specific site details, choice of design, cost of interior finishings selected and a host of other factors.
A quality log or timber home, with a high standard of interior finishes and incorporating some built sandstone, rock or brickwork design elements can be built for around R5500. per square metre.

Without sacrificing construction quality it is possible to achieve substantial savings, even of the order of 25%, by incorporating innovative design, and incorporating open plan and outdoor living areas.

We love construction and design and would welcome the opportunity to assist you with exploring the possibilities open to you.

Once you have decided upon the overall area of your home, the costs are divided into three distinct cost centres:

Taking a typical 2/3 bedroomed home with an average area of covered deck and larger area of open "sun" deck the areas might be:-

The ratio between the living, closed and open deck areas will therefore determine the overall cost of the Timber Home. Due to the recent influence of the Oil price on all input costs it is not possible to give set prices for individual units, however prices are available upon request from our Head Office in Uvongo, South Coast, KwaZulu Natal. (Details on our Home page).

Are the any "Pitfalls" that we should be aware of?
Whoever you choose to build your Timber Home, check their track record to ensure that they are of good repute. Ask to see completed buildings and talk to past customers.

Why should we choose B.C. Timber Homes?
Our Company is a member of the National Home Builder's Registration Council (NHBRC), and has been in operation for over 10 years..

Our well appointed factory is capable of producing a variety of timber moldings from the half-log exterior cladding to the new non-slip flooring for sundecks; from tongue and groove floor and wall cladding to window and door architraves. All our windows and exterior doors are manufactured in house from high quality imported hardwoods and can be customised to make your home unique. Our internal doors are usually manufactured from solid pine to an individual design throughout.

We pride ourselves in being "up-front" with our clients and aim to build a strong and mutually benefitial relationship where there are no surprises and no "hidden costs".

Each of our Clients will receive:-

Upon acceptance of a Written quotation the client will receive:-

Any significant changes to the design, manufacture or erection of the Timber Home after the signing of the contract will be recorded as a "Variance" to the Contract and will be agreed in writing between the Company and the Client and such additions to/or reductions from the Contract Price will be noted.

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