DIY Sos/flat pack extension

[blackcountrygirl]

Just watching diy sos and they're doing a flat packed timber extension. Never seen this before but it looks so easy! Can anyone shed any light on how this works/which companies do this and how do I find out more?

watching with interest as i think this would work really well for me
I have googled it and it looks about 25% cheaper than traditional builds

I didn't watch the programme but was it a timber frame extension, i.e. panels with inbuilt insulation that are assembled on site (and possibly have a brick exterior)?

If so, I'm looking to do something very similar for a new extension that we're planning. I'm still in the early stages of researching but this link is a good starting point. You'll want to look specifically at companies who are manufacturers and installers (the symbols indicate this). www.trada.co.uk/dir/products/7CC27C50-ABB4-4330-BAB7-426DB1870626/Timber%20frame%20buildings%20and%20panels%20for%20a%20good%20directory.

We've already got an architect to draw up our plans, they've been approved by the council and we're going to contact these companies now who should help us with the structural calculations/plans refine the design, manufacturer, delivery and install the panels. We'll have to arrange the a foundations though. We're also project managing the build ourselves and hiring various trades but you'd need a builder (who is familiar with timber frames) if you didn't want to project manage (which isn't for the faint-hearted!).

Yes that's exactly what it was crumbelina. No brick exterior...they rendered it. I loced the fact that the whole thing went up in a day!

I'd be interested to know how much cheaper it is compared to standard brick/block construction? And are there any obvious drawbacks?

I can't think of many disadvantages. I've read some things about increased fire risk, sound proofing, condensation between the layers and risk of the wood rotting but I think these have been cancelled out by the quality of the materials used and how much the industry has developed, e.g. breathable membranes as standard for condensation. If you have a Google for disadvantages then take note of the date of articles (e.g. something from 2008 is likely to be out of date). Most of the companies I've looked at have detailed information on their products and can provide strong reassurances of the quality of the product. Timber frames are used as standard in places like Scandinavia which encourages me. One thing to note is to check with the council's planning department for their general thoughts on timber frame and render as a method of construction (and maybe have a Google about banks lending for mortgages). I doubt it'll be a problem though.

We're going to use timber frame and I'm just about to get quotes from companies. We're doing a brick exterior and I'm guessing that the price will be less than brick/block given London trade prices.

Even if costs were the same or higher I'd definitely go with timber frame given the speed of construction, less reliance on the trade and the fact that we're project managing ourselves and need more guidance. I've been waiting for the extension for 2.5 years and counting (we live in a wreck) and the day the panel go up will probably be one of the happiest of my life.

I am interested in having a prexfab extension. Did you go ahead with your plans and would you recommend it? Can you recommend a company in the South East?