Timber frame extension option?

[agentscully]

Looking for advice….
We’ve been informed the soil quality is too poor for a brick side return extension. There is an option of a timber frame extension instead.

Has anyone had one? Pros and Cons?

Im worried it will effect the sale of the property even though we done plan to move for 10-15 yrs.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you

Aren't most new builds timber framed now anyway? What's your concern?

Just me complete lack of knowledge about them.

Im worries it might put future buyers off.
How long do they last?
Is insurance tricky too.

Im also googling about it but just wanted some advice from anyone who’s looked into it or who’s had it done.

Plus trying to convince the other half!

I'm about to get an aluminium and timber frame extension.

From my research, we're waaaay behind other countries in adopting these types of builds as standard. On the continent and in the US, bricks aren't anywhere near as common as over here. Timber/mixed metal and timber builds are really common elsewhere.

Have you found a supplier? I found there's a huge difference in the quality of providers. You should get a guarantee and they should be able to tell you how long it will last. I absolutely bombarded the people we're going to use with questions about every tiny detail until I was satisfied. Thankfully they're very patient!

I do have some concerns that it might dissuade some future buyers. But from what I understand there are more and more mainstream mortgage providers that accept non-standard construction and as the main house will be brick anyway, it's just a small component. I don't plan on moving for many, many years if ever, so I'm less bothered about that aspect.

No.

Some are but many are not.

Thanks for the responses.

@DanielTheGhostGangbanger I haven’t even looked at suppliers yet as we only found out today that we couldn’t have a standard brick build.

My gut reaction was not to go ahead but it’s not based on any knowledge of timber build. It will contain part of the kitchen so if there is a longevity issue it will effect the whole downstairs layout.

Online it says between 40-50yrs guarantee, i’m just not sure how that will effect the resale in 15yrs.

I lived in a timber framed house as a child. It's still standing a few decades later. The frame was timber with stud internal walls, but the outer skin was brick so you wouldn't know to look at it.

Why is your soil unsuitable for a normal extension, and would it be suitable for a timber framed brick exterior extension? Or is it a lighweight build only (i.e. timber cladding and render rather than a brick outer skin). If the latter then I wouldn't go ahead.

Can you get a different foundation design to use conventional brick?

there are different foundation types to overcome different ground conditions.

I’m not sure about the soil type. We could overcome it using piling but this would cost a lot more money.

I haven’t asked about the finish, though rendering was mentioned.

Its all such a pain as we’ve spent almost 5k on architects and planning etc.