1. How long have you been building post & beam homes?

We started building timber frame barns and garages in 1979 and began building homes in 1987. Don Barber learned most of his trade while in the army and later in 1988 attended Thames Valley Technical College for architecture. He has combined his knowledge to form a complete design and construction company of timber frame homes, garages and barns.

Time and pride is taken in all of our workmanship.

2. Are there any homes that you have built that we may visit?

Yes.

3. How does the cost of a post & beam compare to a conventional "stick-built" house?

Post & Beam homes usually cost between 8 and 15% more than conventional construction because we use top quality material throughout the home.

4. What kind of wood is used in the timbers?

Mostly we like pine because it doesn't check and twist like oak and hemlock after years with climate changes in your home.

5. How long does it take to complete a post & beam?

It depends on the style. A normal 8 to 10 pitch rectangle 1.5 story cape without any Ell's would take about 90 days from lot clearing to move in if our Company with our subcontractors were to build your home.

6. How difficult is it to add a post and beam extension to my current home, which is standard construction?

It is very easy. If you would like a family room or any room completely open without any walls or posts, Stonington Post & Beam can build you a set of timber trusses such as these, which were used to span a 24' x 36' family room.

7. Do you have plans for barns?

Yes, and if we do not have what you are looking for, you could send us a sketch or picture and we will design a plan for you.

8. Do you build smaller structures, such as tool sheds?

Yes, but we prefer working on smaller projects only if they're within a 25 mile travel distance.

9. I hear you have small-scale models.  Where can I see them?

Yes. We have several doll house models of our timber frame homes at this time. One of them, the Raised Cape, was featured in a national doll house magazine. Also, a school teacher from Hope, Michigan contacted us to build a timber doll house kit from her plans. If you would like a doll house done of your home or design, there is a waiting period. Our priorities are generally focused on home building, so unless New England weather confines us to indoors, the turn around time for completing your doll house may be delayed at times.

10. I have my own plans, but it's not a timber frame. How flexible are you with converting my plans?

We can take any plan you bring us and turn it into a timber frame plan. There may be a few modifications to incorporate our frame design. We have converted a few to timber frame, one of which was a conventional stick frame Federal Colonial, that we built on the Pawcatuck River in Stonington, CT.

11. I live in Virginia, but you're based in New England. Is this a problem?

No. We would design your home and send you a complete set of plans, including foundation. We would cut your frame here and when you are ready, send it out on a truck to your site with our crew to erect it. Or if you prefer, 1 or 2 of our tech's would help you and friends or your contractor to erect it. We also have connections to set you up with a builder in your area to finish your home.

12. How do the insulation properties of a post & beam home compare to a 2x6 construction conventional home?

A timber frame home or panel home is completely wrapped inside with a blanket of environmentally friendly expanded polystyrene insulation. Therefore, there are no air escapes through fiberglass insulation as in 2x6 construction every 16 or 24 inches.

13. Are special windows and doors necessary for a post & beam?

No.

14. Can skylights be installed with a post & beam?

Yes! And a lot easier than conventionally constructed homes, even after the home has been built for a few years.

15. I have my own builder, but I would like to use one of your designs. How can I go about purchasing one of them?

You could have us design a timber frame and cut a kit for you, or you could hire us to do your design. A $1,500.00 deposit is required and the cost is $50.00 per hour.

16. How are basements handled in post & beam homes?

Basically the same as a conventional home.

17. Do you use pre-cut timbers?

No.  We hand cut and notch every timber. All our timbers are graded #2 or better.