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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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“…go ahead and start the excavation for your flagpole. Spend conservatively, stay in touch with your local lender, and expect the best possible conclusion. Before you know it, you too will be living on ‘TIMBER FRAME WAY.’” ~Jimmy Vogt, TFU, Field Managers~
Our intrepid field management team always travels with photography gear. As we embark upon Site Evaluation Visits and related tasks, we inevitably encounter some unforgettable images such as this one, my favorite all time street sign.
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“I missed waking up on the weekend and wondering what we were going to do with our time off. Our leisurely pace was replaced by planning and executing the seemingly impossible length of our do list for that weekend. Of course things NEVER move as quickly as you think?” ~Jessica Skelton, TFU, Field Manager~
In April of 2007, my boyfriend Drew and I found ourselves wandering the aisles of a timber frame home show in Valley Forge, PA. Drew was living in his bachelor pad above his garage and was ready to explore adding the Timber Frame home he always intended, when he needed it. I thought, “Hmmm, whatever, it will be fun to go to the show.” As we strolled the aisles chatting with TF exhibitors and gathering literature, and general information, I gradually became more engaged in the process. And then we met Jack and Jeff at the Davis Frame booth; and before we knew what was happening the ball was rolling toward our project.
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“There are more and more mandates to divert wood from the waste stream and for companies to use reused products. I told the folks back home, you know, that I’m running a logging business in sight of the skyline of New York City, and they said, ‘What?’” ~Stubby Warmbold, CitiLog~
The answer may be…Stubby Warmbold, a self-professed URBAN LOGGER from Pittstown, NJ, and one of the truest Tree People I have met to date. With some folks we meet for the first time, it only takes a few minutes to understand who it is you’re speaking to. When it comes to the environment Stubby is a doer. He candidly expresses little patience for all the “high brow chatter from board room eco-activists.” Stubby believes saving one usable tree from a wood chipper makes good sense…saving tens of thousands speaks for itself.
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“… the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) mandating sprinkler systems in single and multiple residential structures has arrived. Some estimates have a system costing in the neighborhood of $3 per square foot,..others estimate the systems to be between $11,000 and $15,000.” ~Drew & Jessica Skelton, TFU, Field Managers~
Happy New Year to all TFU followers! I wish you a happy and healthy 2011 and apparently so does Uncle Sam. For those of you that have not been listening to your local news broadcast lately, the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) mandating sprinkler systems in single and multiple residential structures has arrived. TFU was scrambling last month to help an educated Pennsylvania client get his permit application filed on December 30 to avoid this requirement. Whew, it was a close call but thanks to the cooperation of our client, and lots of hard work, along with our fabrication partners at Davis Frame Co., we pulled it off.
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“Local planning boards maintain a very crucial role in the managed growth of a community. And understanding their expectations is crucial to moving your new construction project forward in a timely and methodical fashion.” ~Jimmy Vogt, TFU, Field Manager~
On the surface, it would seem a community should always welcome new residential construction. Benefits include additional tax revenues as well as the opportunity for local merchants to expand their sales. Companies absorb new users of electricity, water, and related utilities. School systems have the opportunity to grow as well, attracting new talent while offering the student body expanded services.
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Humble Abode Timber Frames, Middlesex, Vt.
Although, along with our fabrication partner Davis Timber Frame Co.,our obvious focus is Timber Frame / SIP, design assembly and construction, I must admit I LOVE LOG cabins. For years, as a youngster, my family and cousins spent every summer in two beautiful cabins at the base of Bish Bash Falls in Copake, NY. My Aunt Henrietta a well known NY artist painted a scene which hangs in our living room today. In fact I believe it would be difficult to find anyone who isn’t charmed by LOG structures. Our remnant pioneer spirit is stimulated by the experieince of spending time in one.
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“One important thing to never forget is that you are still the customer and the ‘friend’ is still the contractor working for you. Just because there is a pre-existing relationship does not permit your ‘friend’ to provide a lesser degree of service or quality of work.” ~Drew & Jessica Skelton, Field Managers, TFU~
Up to this point, we have discussed the benefits of a timber frame/SIP home and how to go about the design process. Now the real fun begins with the moving of earth and site preparation. This reminds us of how we started our project and a recent conversation with one of our clients. The issue at hand is, “Should I hire my friends?”
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“…think about approaching a financial institution and investing further in your home’s inherent value – chances are you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.” ~Jimmy Vogt, TFU, Field Manager~
With the holiday season in full swing, this is the perfect time of year to engage in a brief discussion regarding illiquidity.
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Carl Peter of Charles City Timber & Mat, VA.
THE IMPOSSIBLE CAN HAPPEN
As demonstrated by the improbable results of Carl Peter’s axe throwing…smart business owners don’t always hit their target right away, but never stop aiming for the bullseye. It’s not only about how many years we’ve been working or even how well we’ve done (or not)…when we’re lucky…and the stars align properly it’s also about the pursuit of our passion, belief in our work and our ability to achieve our objectives.
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