Our home building, buying preferences… for and beyond ourselves.

“Building durable and energy efficient homes is necessary… the fact that they are a great investment and BEAUTIFUL is a bonus generations of occupants will celebrate and enjoy. What’s not to like?”

TMBER FRAME HOMES ARE DURABLE

The life cycle of Timber Framed structures is measured not in decades but millennia. Yet, of all the current choices for home building, Timber Framed, SIP enclosed structures amount to less than 1% of new homes delivered in the US each year. They are lumped into the category of alternative housing, along with hay bales, earth sheltered and a plethora of unique and creative uses of sustainable material and techniques to provide shelter. In reality Timber Framed structures occupy a history extending over 4,000 years. Other than cave dwellings they are the most used and reliable forms of shelter in the measured history of construction.

During recent trips to China, Japan, Italy, Greece and Sicily this past Fall where we visited this 6th Century Byzantine Era Cathedral; travelers can routinely visit timber framed relics over 1000 years old. Many are in active use to this day. If there is other evidence of durability in building beyond that equation, I’m not sure where we would find it. Although the styles vary significantly, the basic science of wood to wood joinery is virtually unchanged.

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“…one of our prettiest custom homes completed in 2011 is now available to view in our GALLERY. Although our clients are horse people, none were spared inside or out in this beautiful composition of interior and exterior space…”

CLICK HERE to read about a number of our special 2011 projects… and below links to view their albums and videos.

South Beaver, PA: Album / Video
Woodstown, NJ: Album
Tabernacle, NJ: Album
Towaco Remodel, NJ: Video
Rails Steakhouse at Towaco Crossing: Website / Video
Chichester, NY: Album
Grand Cayman Islands, Caribbean: Album

Enter names here for invite to Rails Steakhouse GRAND OPENING!

CLICK HERE to take a fun and educational VIRTUAL TOUR of a Timber Frame Interior…

“… it’s extraordinarily ego-centric for adults to project themselves and their mortality into the lives of their children… we do it anyway. And we should…” ~Jack Costantino, Pres. TFU~

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“… as we listen to the mournful strains of bag pipe’s, and proclamations of Mayor’s past and present… I watch again in rapt silence for Michael’s name to scroll across the screen with 3,000 others…” ~Jack Costantino, Pres. TFU~

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“… we want RAILS STEAKHOUSE to be your kind of restaurant. A destination for gatherings of family, friends and special loved ones where your pleasure and delight is celebrated and never taken for granted.” ~Jack Costantino, Pres. TFU~

Clearing the way for RAILS STEAKHOUSE @ THE TOWACO CROSSING has begun… JOIN US as an HONORED GUEST at our soft opening event and/or become a RAILS VIP… see how below.

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“… we encourage those considering managing their own projects to initiate a dialogue with their local building inspectors sooner than later…. TFU has no problem calling your municipality on your behalf…we don’t charge for this. We are here to help.” ~Drew & Jessica Skelton, Field Managers, TFU~

As a DIYer, designing, managing and building your project is hard enough, let alone keeping up with ever-changing regulations and building codes. Up until recent times, Pennsylvania builders and future homeowners alike were fretting over a mandate for the installation of sprinkler systems in new residential dwellings. Well, I have great news and we can all breathe a sigh of relief. The requirement is no more in Pennsylvania.

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“… a new home represents its highest value point in the last forty years. When adjusted against the impact of inflation over this time period, the investment in new construction unquestionably represents an unprecedented hedge against inflation.” ~Jimmy Vogt, Field Manager, TFU~

Recent trips to the grocery store reveal an obvious and troubling trend – the cost of food is rising. My weekly barometer is that very pedestrian member of the lettuce family, the lowly iceberg. Foodies will debate its merits or even reason for existing; however, my weekly monitoring of its persistent $2.49 price point tells me inflation has indeed crept into the produce section of my favorite store.

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“… refuse to be fearful… Don’t give in or give up believing that in fact your life is yours. It’s unique and not truly in anyone’s daily control but your own. And… that surrendering your peace of mind is counterproductive to problem solving, family fun and colonic regularity.” ~Jack Costantino, President, TFU~

In the grand scheme of things, when approaching a new project, we believe understanding the outcome before a shovel hits the ground is the most important step. Our clients sometimes spend years contemplating, researching and dreaming about their new homes or renovations. We are frequently greeted with a thick portfolio of napkin sketches, clippings and sample plans. After over 50 years as a hands-on carpenter / builder…I’m always impressed with their significant investment in time, their intelligence and awareness of the building process.

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“… the process wasn’t the most pleasant and Drew thinks I may have incurred a little brain damage from the fumes… However, the reward and DIY savings of beautiful, durable and easy to care for floors was well worth getting up early 4 days in a row! If I had to do it all over again – I would!” ~Jessica Skelton, TFU, Field Manager~

Many of you have seen the pictures of me wearing the hideous respirator while finishing the pine floors in our timber frame home. You probably thought “wow, she’s crazy and I would never go through that!” BUT before you make up your mind, let me tell you a little bit about Tung Oil; and why it was worth the DIY effort and resulting savings.

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“The Timber Frames Unlimited team is among this gallant band of independent thinkers who know there is simply a better way to build a home whose value increases from the first day of occupancy…” ~Jimmy Vogt, TFU, Field Managers~

Our winter season continues to plod along. Adding to the general malaise was a recent tease of warmer weather to come, followed by a retreat into the familiar pattern of snowfall and below-average temperatures. In New Jersey’s bear country, this season has allowed us to chronicle some unforgettable images, such as this icicle.

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