The delivery of a timber frame kit is a really exciting time for any self builder. It is however also one of the easiest points to get wrong for the inexperienced site owner if the site is not prepared.
Confirm Access Well in Advance
Before booking the delivery date for the timber frame kit it’s worth checking the route to your plot for low bridges, tight bends and weak road surfaces. Also, check the width of your site entrance and make sure there is enough room to turn a large articulated lorry around or reverse up to the building position. Most lorries require a minimum of 4 meters width for access.
Check Ground Conditions
The loaded timber frame lorry is extremely heavy and thus can easily sink into soft ground or become stuck. This can be prevented by laying down temporary road plates or compacted hardcore on soft areas before the lorry arrives on site. The HSE’s guidance on safe site conditions during construction deliveries should be read in full for detailed information on ground stability and vehicle access.
Understand How Components Are Loaded
The Timber Frame House Kits are generally packed in the order in which you will require them to be erected. This means that the pieces which form the top of a component will be on the top of the package. Your supplier will normally refer to the reference numbers on the components against your drawings. It is therefore very important to make sure that you have a good understanding of your drawings before the lorry arrives.
Check Against the Manifest
As each item is unloaded, cross it off your delivery manifest. If any items are damaged or missing take note and take photos of any damaged items. It is easy to sign off a delivery and then find it was faulty when trying to sort out the problem later.
Store Components Safely If Erection Is Delayed
If the structure is not going to be erected straight away then the timber can be stacked on level bearers off of the ground. This should be covered with a breathable sheet to keep moisture off the timber, but to allow condensation to evaporate.
There is more on Timber Frame House Kits at Merlin Timber Frame.
With a little preparation the actual delivery of your timber frame house kit can be a very exciting event rather than a stressful event in your self build.
