The UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) has welcomed the launch of a government action plan to double the size of the self-build home sector in 10 years.
Housing minister Grant Shapps this week said that, in line with recommendations in the National Self Build Association’s (NaSBA) recent report, he was backing a number of measures to make self-build easier. This includes making land and mortgages more readily available to self-bulders.
The ultimate aim, he said, was to transform self-build from something for the wealthy over-50s into an “opportunity for the masses”.
UKTFA chairman Simon Orrells said that the announcement was good news for his members as “timber frame is the build method of choice for many self-builders”.
“The build process is easier to manage, designs can be flexible and easy to evolve from initial ideas and, crucially, self builders recognise and value the long-term benefits of low energy costs for their home, so also appreciate the fact that higher levels of the code for sustainable homes can be achieved more easily with timber frame,” he said.
In the UK self-build currently accounts for 10% of new housing. This compares with 40% in the US and Australia, 60% in France, Germany and Italy, and 80% in Austria.
“The main reason in Europe is that planners tend to be more sympathetic to self-builders, assisting and simplifying the process of planning,” said Mr Orrells.
He added that, in recognition of the government’s move, the UKTFA has formed a special self-build committee to help members “deliver the right product and service and exploit this opportunity”.
“Many of our members already have a developed self-build offer, in most cases acting as facilitators and consultants, not just timber frame providers,” he said.
He said that specifying a self-build package from a UKTFA member also eliminated the risk of a poor quality build.
“As a condition of membership all our manufacturing members must hold a third-party quality assurance standard,” he said.
