Why should I choose Pacific Post & Beam as my timber frame contractor?
Pacific Post & Beam is the most experienced builder of custom timber frame homes in California. We have an in-depth knowledge of the unique requirements and process of building in California and use that experience to create a trouble-free building process for you.

How much does a timber frame home cost?
We build custom homes and, because they are not kits, we do not publish preset costs. The cost of a finished custom timber framed home is comparable with custom home costs in your area. It’s important to interview custom builder in your area, as prices vary from area to area. Owner-builders have realized savings by managing their project and performing some tasks themselves, but it is important to note that acting as an owner-builder is a full-time job. There are numerous conditions that affect the cost of a home, including, but not limited to: soil conditions, earthquake zone, wind and snow exposure, and local construction costs. For current estimates of the cost of erected and enclosed frames please contact us with information about your project, and we will be happy to discuss costs. We are happy to estimate costs of specific projects early in the planing process, so please contact us to discuss these costs.

Will Pacific Post & Beam travel to our building site?
No, Pacific Post & Beam no longer erects timber frames or installs SIPs on our projects. We do offer job site support. We ship timber frames and timber framed trusses nation wide.

I like the idea of a timber frame home, what do I do next?
If you own property and are ready to start building, the first step is design. We will work with you and your designer / architect taking into consideration your needs and budget, to arrive at a preliminary plan. We offer truss design in house

Pacific Post & Beam has not offered plans. Why not? Where do I get them?
All of our projects are done on a custom basis, so we do not offer a selection of “standard” floor plans. Good design is predicated on proper siting. A home should be integrated into its site, taking into consideration wind, weather, view, etc. Floor plan ideas are featured in many books and magazines and can be a helpful tool in preliminary design.

How long does it take to draw and build?
Design time varies greatly and depends on the amount of preliminary work, complexity and size of the home, and building department turnaround time. Design and construction documents can take from six months to a year or more. It takes approximately eight weeks from ordering timber to delivery of the frame. Raising the timber frame by your crew takes about one week, longer on bigger projects.

Is it hard to get a permit in California for a timber frame? What about earthquakes
Pacific Post & Beam has designed and built hundreds of timber frames homes in California. What may be new and difficult for out-of-state companies is standard procedure for us. We have built all over California and understand the special requirements thoroughly. Earthquake engineering is required on all of our projects and we have developed construction details to address our seismic factors that we will share with your design team.

Where will the frame be cut? Who will erect the frame?
Your frame or trusses will be cut CNC by a third party.

Can Pacific Post & Beam provide references?
Yes, we can provide a reference list upon request.