7. Timberframe

Timber framing is a specific type of post and beam construction in which a frame is created from solid wood timbers that are then connected by any one of following wooden joints: mortise and tenon, dovetails, or scarfs secured with hardwood pegs. The frame is covered with any one of a number of enclosure systems. Normally timbers remain exposed to interior of building.

Timber frame structures exhibit a strength and aesthetic quality not found in conventionally framed houses. The timbers are pre-cut, shaped, and finished at factory, then sent to construction site, where they can be quickly assembled by a crew, using cranes to lift bents and beams into place. Joinery is heart of entire structure.

8. Log

Log homes provide their owners with a comforting and relaxing sense of informality and simplicity. The mass of logs produces heating and cooling benefits, and reduces noise transmission into and throughout home. These are very attractive characteristics, but there are also challenges in construction and limitations in decorating. These aspects require special design considerations and have unusual maintenance requirements. Basic Kits Are...

WALLS ONLY: The walls-only log home package includes all logs for outside walls, including fasteners. Roof beams and staircases may be added.

STRUCTURAL SHELL: Shell This package includes everything that's in walls-only package, plus all components necessary to keep weather out, such as exterior doors, windows, and roofing system.

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE: Complete packages also includes interior components required to finish log homes. Such items include interior walls, stairs, closets, interior doors and trim.

9. Circular

The circle is strongest geometrical shape we recognize, and this factor likely influenced builders of circular homes for thousands of years. Prefabricated circular buildings have been built as cabins, studios, homes, offices or community halls and convention centers.

Most of today's prefabricated circular homes and cabins offered across country use conventional wood-frame or post & beam construction method. These homes and cabins are ideally suited to take full advantage of locations offering exciting panoramic views, and to incorporate factor of surroundings into home design.

10. Dome

Geodesic Dome is using triangular networks forming hexagons and pentagons and creating a free-span, spacious environment of spherically shaped structure requiring no internal supports. This results in large flexibility for utilizing interior space to implement floor designs not limited by structural restrictions. Because of structural strength of shape, domes have a far better record of withstanding tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes than cube-shaped structures of conventional homes. Advantages...

MATERIAL COSTS: Geodesic domes provide greatest amount of floor area with least amount of surface area, reducing quantity of needed building material by as much as 30-50%.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: As a result of shape, dome has approximately 30-50% less roof and wall area than cube-shaped home of equal floor space. This results in lesser area being exposed to elements, resulting in reduction in heating and cooling costs of dome shaped structures. Also, spherical shape of dome facilitates natural air flow yielding more even temperatures maximizing overall interior temperature comfort.

Disadvantages...

As a result of complicated angles, interior and exterior finishing of dome (after speedy assembly of prefabricated shell) is significantly more labor intensive than finishing conventional house. Also, finishing work requires highly skilled or specialized tradesmen which might not be available at every location. These factors might present welcoming challenge for skilled handyman/homebuilder, but would create substantial cost outlay if hired labor is considered.

Amateur Workmanship. When something looks like an amateur did it, that means an amateur did it, even if perpetrator was paid for his work! When amateurs do things, materials are often improper for intended purpose or of poor quality. Many times they are both. Seldom are proper permits pulled or inspections performed when work is performed by amateurs. Amateur work is also difficult to maintain. Amateur work and people who perform it always complicate a closing.

Wood Rot. Closing contracts sure would be simpler without wood rot. It sure would be nice to see a home listed that said "clear WDO on file". Consider doing WDO inspection at time of listing to greatly reduce greatest challenge in Florida real estate. The act of selling real estate can be made simpler, more enjoyable, and more profitable by educating buyers and sellers about preventative maintenance. Spring is a time of renewal - renew your interest in home care and take a few simple steps to keep safe, comfortable, and ready for some summer sun!

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