Clients are choosing timber frame homes because of the complete freedom they have to customize and personalize their home design due to the process and the built-in-flexibility of post and beam construction.
Builders are choosing to work with timber frame homes because of the many advantages timber frame experts bring with them.
Here are the reasons why having an onsite craftsman working with you is an advantage:
Technical representatives are a unique team of experts that understand the intricacies of a timber frame project. We will work closely with builders and architects and provide you with a detailed quote to help remove the complexity of delivering an accurate budget back to your client. Your client will love the integrity, warmth, and timelessness of the post and beam building that you have created for them.
Normerica is a great partner if you are a builder or architect interested in working in post and beam construction. If you are a builder or architect looking to use Normerica Timber Frame expertise for your client, get started by downloading our Construction Guide for builders and architects.
Q: What is a Normerica technical representative, and what do they do?
A Normerica technical representative — also called an onsite craftsman — is a timber frame specialist who works directly on your construction site during the assembly of your Normerica timber frame package. They assist the general contractor with technical questions throughout the process, review drawings in detail to ensure the package is assembled correctly, and work alongside the construction crew as a collaborative team member. Their role is to make the timber frame portion of the build run efficiently and accurately.
Q: Why is an onsite technical representative important for a timber frame build?
Timber frame construction has unique assembly requirements that differ from conventional stud-frame building. Having a technical representative on site means the contractor has expert support throughout the process — not just for troubleshooting, but for proactive guidance on the most efficient assembly methods. For builders who are new to timber frame construction, the technical representative eliminates uncertainty and provides the hands-on direction needed to complete the package with confidence.
Q: How far in advance does Normerica coordinate with the contractor before the package arrives?
Normerica's technical representative typically reaches out to the contractor several weeks before the timber frame package is scheduled to arrive on site. This advance coordination is used to confirm a completion date for the sub-floor system and to schedule the technical representative's on-site presence for when the timber frame portion of the work is ready to begin.
Q: How long does a technical representative spend on site?
The amount of time a technical representative spends on site varies depending on the size and complexity of the design. Once the timber frame is erected and the representative has reviewed all drawings in detail, they remain available by phone to answer any follow-up questions from the contractor. If additional on-site support is needed, further time can be scheduled.
Q: Is Normerica a good partner for builders and architects who are new to timber frame construction?
Yes — Normerica works closely with builders and architects at all experience levels, including those taking on their first timber frame project. The technical representative program is specifically designed to remove the complexity of assembling a timber frame package for contractors who may be unfamiliar with the process. Normerica also provides detailed project quotes to help builders and architects deliver accurate budgets to their clients.