Choosing to build a house, do renovations, or even put on a small addition can be a big undertaking. There is a lot of work and a lot of decisions that need to be made.

Of course, depending on the project, one of the biggest questions is: who is going to do the project? Well, I would like to give you four reasons why choosing a Custom Home Builder is going to be a great decision!

Time

So we know that time is an issue across the board.

You have a job, family, and overall things to do. So trying to take on a large project can be daunting.

That is where a custom home builder comes in and saves the day. They can manage everything for you. Most often, a builder has their own trusted crew, and they also have good, trusted subcontractors whom they will manage to get the job done for you.

Now keep in mind you can be as involved as you like. Making decisions on what you would like done, or you can give the builder an idea of what you want and trust them to do it the way you’d like. There is a good bit of flexibility for you. Making life a bit easier.

The Sky is the Limit

Seriously, this is where the word “custom” comes into play. You can literally choose whatever you want. The choices are limitless. Everything from light fixtures to the type of stairs you want.

When designing a custom build, you dream it, and a custom builder should be able to make it a reality. It’s something we pride ourselves on here at Highline Construction. We like to call ourselves radically custom. Simply because we believe there is nothing we cannot do.

Now, for some, the idea of making all these choices and decisions is daunting. This is another area where a custom home builder is extremely helpful. When you have been building for over 20 years, you have either built or seen so many options.

So quite often the process starts with you telling us what you are hoping for, and we give you some examples of what we have created to date and either go with that design, or look or simply use it as a base. A good custom builder should make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Save Time and Money

When it comes to “custom,” the first word that comes to mind is the word “expensive”. This may be true on paper, but when you break it down, you actually see that you make out quite well with a custom builder.

First off, as stated, it saves you time. Your time is not only important but also valuable. So not taking off from work or taking time to get supplies… the list goes on.

Second, you get way more “bang for your buck”. Let’s say you want a certain kind of stairs; there’s a very good chance that the builder knows of a perfect place to get those stairs at a very good price and quality. Custom builders often have good connections to help their customers get what they want at a good price.

Also, custom homes tend to be a lot more energy-efficient. So, you save on bills.

Keep in mind that another benefit is that since you are the one making the choices, the cost of the project is flexible based on what you choose.

Quality

Finally, when you choose a Custom Home Builder, you are going to get great quality. Everything, from a quality relationship with the builder to quality in the project.

As said before, with more “bang for your buck”, a good builder will be able to get you the best quality for your money. So, at the end of the day, your project will be a work of art no matter the budget.

So really, you can’t go wrong with choosing a custom home builder to do your next project for you. Choosing a reputable builder will make the whole process one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.

So, if you’re looking for a great builder, contact us! We would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us at: (717) 529-0180

Why are they becoming so popular? What makes them so great?

Here are 7 Reasons why Timber Frames are awesome!

• Works of Art
• More Energy Efficient
• Strong and Durable
• Easier to Remodel
• Construction is Quick
• Environmentally Friendly
• No Limits in Design and Size

Works of Art

Timber Frames are something that never gets old to build. Without fail, whether it’s a 3000 square ft home or a 10ft x 10ft outdoor pavilion, timber frames always seem to catch the attention of everyone. Timber frames have a natural beauty; the grains, knots, and other natural aspects of wood are very eye-appealing when put on display. Combine that with unique designs, even the simple ones, and they become works of art.

Energy Efficient

Usually, timber frames are very energy efficient because of the type of building materials that are used. Often, in combination with the timbers, SIPs are used. SIPs, or Structural Insulated Panels, are super energy efficient and also provide good structural support. They can make a home two to three times more efficient than a standard conventional home.

Strong and Durable

Timber Frames are a combination of quality timbers (most commonly cut from Douglas Fir) and expert engineering. The amazing thing is that even in the engineering, there is a variety of different methods that can be used, depending on the look you desire. All in all, you end up with a building that has the potential to last for generations!

‍Easier to Remodel

One of the benefits often missed is that timber frames are actually easier to remodel. You generally don’t have to worry about load-bearing walls since the whole frame, if all timbers, is what carries the weight. Making it easy to simply knock out a wall in between the timbers without worrying if the whole structure will collapse. As a builder, I can tell you this is so nice, and for the owner, it makes it less expensive to expand or renovate!

Construction is Quick

Now, this benefit can vary depending on style and size, but generally the actual construction is very quick. The timbers are often milled and cut off-site before being transported to the site for assembly. Here at Highline Construction, we can assemble and raise nearly an entire frame of a fairly large house in about a week. Again, this timeline changes based on size and design, but overall, getting the initial frame up is much faster than a conventional home. This, in turn, saves on labor costs.

Environmentally Friendly

Another awesome benefit of timber frames is that they are environmentally friendly, besides the fact that timber is a renewable resource. Most timbers are solid wood beams ranging in size, depending on style and size. They can be up to 12 inches in width or larger. It takes less energy to cut out timbers than it does to cut a large amount of smaller boards. So creating less of a carbon footprint. Also, since they are so energy efficient, less energy needs to be used to maintain a comfortable atmosphere.

No Limits Design and Size

All around, timber frames are awesome. However, one of the coolest features is that there are literally no limits in design or size. You can go as crazy or as big as you would like. You want an arched timber doorway; it can be done. You want a three-story timber frame? It can be done! You dream it. We can do it. We helped to build the Ark Encounter, the largest timber frame structure in the world to date. We know firsthand that there is no limit on size and design.

We LOVE Timber Frames

Timber Frames are by far our favorite type of structure to build. We are professionals at it and have it down to a science. If you’re looking for a builder, contact us today!

Call us at (717) 529-0180

What are SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)? A common question I often get is: what do you put on the outside of Timber Frames? Most often, what we put on the outside of Timber is SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). This creates an energy-efficient and structurally sound home and doesn’t mess with any of the beauty of your home. The photo above is a home that was built using SIPs. But what are SIPs? Why use them over conventional framing?

High-Performance Building System

Structural Insulated Panels, or SIPs for short, are a high-performance building system for residential and light commercial construction. Constructed of insulating foam sandwiched between two structural facings, usually oriented strand board (OSB). SIPS are used both on the walls and the roof, making them a great choice if you want a very energy-efficient home. With SIPs, there is no need for conventional framing, as each panel is rated and designed for structural strength and durability. This creates a perfect combination for your building choice, as they cut down on time in building and they are super energy efficient.

The Perfect Choice for Energy Efficiency!

Super Insulated

SIPs are the perfect choice to go for if you want a very energy-efficient home. In fact, going with SIPs can make a building so “tight” or so super insulated that no outside air can get in. So, a flow system needs to be put in to keep fresh air flowing. This adds another perk to those who have allergies, as you then have the option to filter the air coming in to keep the pollen and pesky bugs outside. Besides keeping bugs out, this will drop your energy bills down to a fraction of the cost of conventional framing and insulation.

Many of the homes we build have cathedral ceilings or a massive great room, and people often comment that they would ” hate to pay the heating bill”, when really their heating bill is actually a whole lot cheaper than many others because they chose to go with SIPs.

Perfect for any Custom Home!

SIPs are perfect for a custom home as they are manufactured and cut to the unique specifications of each home. This ensures that they fit perfectly with your home. Also, it makes installation very easy and quick. We have set many SIPs; they come out labeled with a print, all laid out for us. There is still some prep work to do before we set, and then it only takes a few days to install on a large project. This is one of the many reasons we love SIPs and why many other people do as well. We most commonly use SIPs on our Timber Frame homes because they truly make for a perfect combination of durability, beauty, and efficiency. But don’t worry! SIPS can be used on any custom home, not just Timber Frames!

We Install!

There is often only one downfall to choosing SIPs for your home… that’s finding someone to install them. There is a certain amount of knowledge and skill needed to install SIPs promptly! You’re in luck; we are experts at installing SIPs. So, you don’t need to look any further than Highline Construction LLC. We highly recommend using SIPs on your future build, as they really are a superior building system.  Providing both durability and efficiency.

Feel free to give us a call for your future build!

So, you’re looking to build a Timber Frame home? If you have no idea what a Timber Frame even looks like or what kind of wood you want to use for your home. I’m hoping I can help. For starters, read my previous blogs and check out our website. As for what kind of wood to use. Well, let me give you a little information on what species and options there are.

History

In the past, most people used whatever was available on hand at the time. It seems that, most commonly, oak was the prime choice at the time.

In fact, there is a Timber Frame Home from the mid 1600s. That is still standing today. The Fairbanks House in Dedham, MA

It is the oldest timber-frame structure in the United States. Around the world, many are way older than that. Wood is actually way more durable than people think.

Modern Timbers

Now that the history lesson is over, let’s get to the modern-day stuff. Today you can really use any hardwood you want as timber for your home; the only catch is the price. Today, most of the timbers we use today are Douglass Fir. That’s right, we use a common Christmas tree for massive timber frames. You’re probably thinking that can’t be right? Douglas fir is a softwood tree. The truth is… you’re right. Douglas fir does, in fact, land in the same category as softwoods. However, it is actually extremely durable, holds up to the elements, is harder than you’re thinking, and it grows super-fast and super abundantly. Making it affordable and durable, and it looks really good too. Oh, and it smells nice. The point is, this is what most people go with because it is the most practical.

However, you can make your Timber Frame out of whatever kind of structural wood you want. Oak was popular throughout history and still is today; unfortunately, it comes with a hefty price tag. Reclaimed timbers are another popular form of timber for a home. Taking the old and putting it in the new. We have worked with all kinds of wood to make timber frames. Just dream it… and we can make the dream happen.

Our Log homes are a bit different; again, back in the day, they made the logs out of what was on hand. Today, cedar is the optimal choice for the resistance characteristics it has to both rot and insects. However, Pine and Douglas Fir work as well.

Crack be Gone, It’s All About the Heart

A common question is: Will my timbers crack? Well, surprisingly, that actually isn’t a simple yes-or-no question. In short, yes, you will have cracks, but the severity of those cracks depends.

If you’re thinking of using full round logs in your home, expect large cracks to form. If you’re just using timbers and not round logs. There is a chance you will still have large cracks, but we have a trick up our sleeve. This trick helps to prevent bad cracks in your timbers, and it’s all about the heart. Not your heart, don’t worry- the heart of the tree. We are diligent in making sure our timbers are what’s called Free of Heart center. What does this mean?

It means that when the timber is cut, it is cut in such a way that the heart of the tree is either on the very edge of the timber or isn’t there at all. When you look at the timber, you won’t see any complete rings. Take a peek at the photos for examples. The reason for this is that the heart of the tree is the hardest and densest part of the tree; the core, it needs to be that strong. So as the wood dries, it shrinks, and the way that physics works, the core does not shrink as fast as the outer layers of wood. So, the outer layers squeeze towards the center, causing large cracks to appear. We move that, and everything can shrink without cracking.

It’s a neat trick, but it needs to be understood that wood is natural, and we can only control it so far, so there is a chance a big crack may appear, and there definitely will be some small cracks. To me, that just adds character. If the crack is too bad, we will replace it, because it can cause structural issues. Now, with log homes, things are a bit different. With log homes, the heart of the tree is left in. Even on milled logs, that is because the hearts rarely crack themselves. So the heart provides an air barrier if the rest of the log develops a crack.

 Take Your Pick

In the end, we will do our very best to make your timbers look their very best for a very long time. As for the type of wood to use. Well, that is entirely up to you based on your taste and your budget. There are many cool options, and you can mix and match. A common style is to put Oak on the outside and Douglas Fir on the inside. Makes it look pretty cool. Whatever your home-building dreams are, give us a call and we will make your dream a reality!

Nature and log homes just fit together, always have and always will!

Log homes are in a class all their own. They take the traditional form of making homes by stacking logs and adding a modern twist to it. There is just something about making a home in a similar fashion to how our ancestors did. We cheat by using modern tools, but the traditional sense is still there, making it a lot of fun to build. On top of that, you get so many great benefits from a log home. Let me go into just a few of them.

Naturally Insulated

For starters, since the walls are solid wood, there is no need for insulation in the walls. Wood is a natural insulator, keeping the cold out and the heat in, or vice versa. Wood is good at maintaining the atmosphere in a home. In fact, studies are now showing that wood, even after it has been cut down, continues to be a CO2 absorber. Pulling carbon dioxide out of the air in your log home. And who doesn’t want a cleaner atmosphere in their home? Now, there are a few other options when it comes to insulation for your log home. There are always options to insulate your log home even more if you wish. A common method is to put a one-inch foam insulation board on the inside of your walls and then cover the foam boards with tongue-and-groove. This looks like having logs on the inside of your home but actually provides a couple of benefits. If you go this route, then you can run electrical behind the T&G rather than drilling holes in your logs. But that’s a matter of preference. Overall, you have options, which is always nice to have.

Striking to the Senses

Log homes have a great way of hitting all your senses. When you first walk into a log home, most people will say that they notice that it feels peaceful and cozy. The cozy part comes from the atmosphere of an efficient home, but the peaceful part comes from the fact that wood is a good sound absorber. Most log homes are made of cedar or pine, which have lots of open pores in the wood; this is why it is both a good insulator and sound absorber. We all need peace from time to time. Along with sound, log homes have a pleasant woody smell. If you go with a pine home, chances are it will smell like a good Christmas tree in your home for a while. That will fade over time, but you will always have a nice wood scent in the home. Besides scent, touch is something that everyone seems to do when they walk into a log home. Especially the posts and beams of a home. It’s very therapeutic to run your fingers on the beams, feeling the character of the wood. Don’t worry, we will make sure you do not get any splinters! When it comes to taste… well, I wouldn’t recommend licking the walls. But hey, if you want the full effect. I can’t stop you.

Environmentally Friendly

Another great marvel of a log home is that it is made from a renewable resource, so for every tree that is cut down to make a log home, another tree can be planted to replace it. This is an amazing resource. It also leaves much less of a carbon footprint in the manufacturing of the logs than a conventional home. The process of getting logs from the forest to on-site, ready to build, is a much shorter process than the process for a conventional home. The trees are cut, milled, dried, and delivered. That’s pretty much it. Obviously, there are a few other small steps in between, but overall, that’s the process. Versus a conventional home that uses a lot more Plywood and other products like it that take quite a bit to create. All this being said, it takes less time to make logs for a home, which equals less energy and less carbon released. A win-win situation!

Spectacular Creations

And finally, log homes are a work of art that could last for a long, long, long time. Log homes are very durable. When maintained and built right, you can count on your log home lasting a very long time. Especially with modern roofing and other water and pest control methods. And who doesn’t like a home that catches everyone’s attention? Log homes are a work of art because they take skill to build and are generally different in style than a conventional home. Whether it is big or small. Log Homes can be customized in any way you want. Some out there are mind-boggling in size and architecture, and others are simpler but still have a marvelous way of looking appealing. The choice is yours!

The Icky Bits

Now for the icky part: like all homes, there are a few things that make a log home less appealing- well, really only two. The first being those pesky little insects; we all know that ants, carpenter bees, termites, etc., all love to chew on wood and can cause a lot of damage. However, there are two solutions to this problem; one is to simply treat your log home on a regular basis. There are many great products out there for this problem. The second is a bit more expensive upfront but, in the long run, could save you a lot. And that is to make your home out of cedar. Cedar has natural oils that make it both bug-repellent and naturally rot-resistant, saving you a lot of money and time in both.

The second con of a log home is that they do require more maintenance than a conventional home. Again, some of this can be fixed by using cedar rather than pine for your log home. But typically speaking, you will need to do some kind of maintenance on your log home every 5 to 10 yrs.

Overall, log homes are simply an amazing structure that is both pleasing to look at and a very efficient and practical home to have. A traditional way of building a home in modern-day society.

If building a log home is your dream, give us a call. We love to talk about the log homes we have built and are excited to answer any questions you may have!

There is a term flying around that sometimes confuses people about its meaning. That is the term Hybrid Timber Frame Home. What does that mean exactly? What are the benefits, and how can I apply that to my plans for building a home? Well, let’s see if I can answer those questions for you.

Combining Traditional and Modern

The term “Hybrid Building” refers to construction through a combination of traditional and modern techniques, resulting in structures that are innovative and sustainable. This creates a better, more efficient, and environmentally friendly building. It preserves the traditions of building while using modern technologies.

A hybrid timber frame home is a prime example of this. It combines the traditional timber framing technique for the main frame of the home and then modern building techniques for the rest of the home. Most of our timber frame homes that we build these days are considered a hybrid home in some kind. Whether it’s a combination of heavy timbers with modern-day stick framing. Or timbers with stone, timbers with concrete, etc. You get the idea.

Messing With Tradition

So why go hybrid? Why mess up the traditional building method? The simple truth and the biggest benefit of going hybrid is the cost. While we love going 100% traditional, for most people it simply is not financially sustainable in a variety of ways, including initial maintenance costs. Many people have a particular look and design for their dream home; it’s just not in the budget to build that home traditionally. Thankfully, with modern design and technologies in building, you can have the “look” of your dream home for a better price tag.

Creates Options

What’s also beneficial about a hybrid timber frame home is that you have a couple of different options. Timbers are not cheap; there’s no way to sugarcoat that. However, they also are not out-of-this-world expensive. Conventional framing lumber is a lot more affordable.  This opens up a lot of options. You can go with a home where the main structure is a timber frame and use conventional building methods for rooms and a garage extending off the main structure. Or you can use conventional framing everywhere and simply have timber frame trusses to use with your roof system. Or you can go with a conventionally built home and add in timber frame accents. In every case, you can have a traditional-looking timber frame. However, there are pros and cons for each option.

Marvelous Building Possibilities

Building timber frame homes today is a marvel, really, and the building project is amazing. With modern-day technologies in the building world, it makes the possibilities endless. Then combine modern with traditional, and you end up with a masterpiece! At Highline Construction LLC, we strive to take the possibilities and make them possible. We want to take your dream home from an idea to a masterpiece, no matter the size or scope of the project. Give us a call with any questions; we are happy to answer them and help you in any way with your building needs.