About The Company

Q: With what organizations are Habitat Post & Beam a member and/or licensed/registered?
A: We are members, registered or licensed with the following organizations: Timber Frame Business Council, Better Business Bureau, National Association of Home Builders and Dun And Bradstreet. We are also licensed Construction Supervisors and Home Improvement Contractors. Click here to learn more.

Q: How long has Habitat Post & Beam been in business?
A: 38 years (Habitat Post & Beam opened its doors in 1972).

Q: Where do you ship your packages and what are the costs and conditions?
A: We ship anywhere within the 48 contiguous United States. The shipping cost is included in our package price. The package is insured to the construction site. It is your responsibility to arrange for off-loading of materials at the site. For islands, we typically ship, insure and have you unload at the nearest mainland port.

Q: How many Habitat Post & Beam structures have been built?
A: Habitat Post & Beam has supplied the materials for over 3,000 homes, additions and specialty buildings. Click here to see a list of towns in which we have recently shipped our homes

Q: Are you willing to give out names of clients for referral purposes?
A: Habitat homeowners are very proud of their projects and many welcome the opportunity to show them. Please contact us for referral names and addresses.

Q: Is it possible to visit a post and beam home during construction and/or have a tour of a finished home?
A: We encourage everyone to visit the Habitat Station, our design showroom located at our office and manufacturing facility in South Deerfield Massachusetts. We may also be able to make arrangements for you see a house under construction or a finished home. To make arrangements, click here to view our current list of home shows and open houses, or call us at 1-800-992-0121.

About Our Product

Q: Does Habitat design and manufacture additions? What if my existing home isn't a post and beam?
A: Yes- a large part of our business is additions. We build between 25-50 additions each year. We will design an addition to your home that will not only meet your needs, but will look like it has always been a part of your home. Our additions can be added to any type of home construction. Click here to view more information about our additions.

Q: What is included in the timber frame package?
A: We include all components for a weather-tight shell. Habitat supplies a specific detailed list of materials supplied for each home and addition package. A specification list is published in the Catalog's insert sheet and available on our Web site.

Q: Will Habitat guarantee that my home will meet or exceed the energy codes where I will build, and is it possible to have the home Energy Star certified?
A: Yes- we give our assurance that Habitat Post & Beam structures will meet your local energy codes. In rare cases slight modifications may need to be made to our standard specifications that may result in a price change. In addition, a Habitat package consistent with our standard components and assembled by a contractor who completes the home using methods and materials approved by the Energy Star program will typically meet Energy Star standards.

Q: Will Habitat guarantee that my home will meet or exceed the building codes where I will build? Even seismic and hurricane considerations?
A: Yes- we give our assurance that Habitat Post & Beam structures will meet your local building codes. In rare cases slight modifications may need to be made to our standard specifications that may result in a price change.

Q: Does Habitat Post & Beam offer warranties on its structures?
A: We offer a 20-year warranty that is transferable on our frame and structural system. You are also protected by the warranties provided by our suppliers, such as Andersen®'s 20-year glass warranty

Q: What kind of joinery does Habitat Post & Beam use?
A: We use a variety of wood joints and hidden fasteners depending on the framing members being connected. We typically not use exposed metal connectors on any of our homes or additions unless requested by our clients for decorative purposes. With the inclusion of hidden fasteners such as lag bolts, barn spikes and custom steel plates, we are able to surpass the limitations of traditional wood.

Q: Are the beams cut at Habitat?
A: Yes- we design, engineer and manufacture all of our homes, additions and specialty buildings in our modern plant in South Deerfield, Massachusetts. Habitat Post & Beam does not sub-contract its work. All fabrication is done under factory-controlled conditions and goes through a quality control check before shipment.

Q: What is the difference between timber frame and post and beam?
A: The names are most often used interchangeably. Make certain you are referring to solid wood beams. It is important that your framing lumber is graded and stamped #1 by a National Grading Association standard.

Q: How does Habitat Post & Beam receive their materials?
A: We own our own railroad site adjacent to our factory, which is imperative for economical delivery of large timbers. Rail flat cars of #1 Douglas fir are off-loaded by forklifts and stored on large covered drying racks until needed. We also receive deliveries of materials from full-size tractor trailers.

Q: What types of wood are used in Habitat's packages?
A: Habitat uses the finest woods available for their post and beam homes, stamped and graded by The National Lumber Association. All posts, beams and rafters are #1 Douglas fir guaranteed to be 75% free of heartwood. Kiln-dried premium Ponderosa pine and Western red cedar tongue and groove decking is specified for the second floor and roof. All re-constructed wall panels are comprised of stamped and graded kiln-dried spruce. Kiln-dried cedar is pre-primed for exterior trim. Clear vertical grain horizontal cedar clapboards and 1x6 tongue and groove STK kiln-dried and saw-textured vertical cedar or white cedar extra grade shingles are used for siding.

Q: Can I use other types of siding (vinyl, brick, cement board, etc.)?
A: Yes- we will credit you for our standard siding should you choose a type of siding that we do not offer.

Q: What type of windows are supplied?
A: The quality of windows is a very important consideration in a home. We use Andersen®'s top-of-the-line Low-E glass products with maintenance-free cladding that features a 20-year glass warranty.

Q: Can I use windows other than Andersen® windows?
A: Yes- we will provide the rough openings in our wall panels for a different brand of window if you prefer to obtain other windows.

Q: If a window problem should arise, how is the issue handled and are the windows distributed nationally?
A: Andersen® has major distribution throughout the US. Simply report a problem to the local Andersen® supplier listed in the Yellow Pages or call us at 1-800-992-0121. In either instance, the Andersen® factory representative will handle your claim.

Q: Does Habitat use stress-skin panels?
A: No- we believe that while stress-skin panels provide a high R-value, there are inherent problems that we have encountered that have discouraged our use of this panel system (such as formaldehyde emission due to the sandwich layers of oriented strand (flake) board, the difficulty of electrical wiring and a poor nailbase for attaching components such as siding, trim and interior cabinets). For additional information, please see the section about Wall Systems on our Web site.

Q: How does Habitat engineer its overhangs?
A: Unlike other timber frame companies that use stress-skin panels that need to be cut and modified at the job site to create overhangs, Habitat uses pre-cut rafters that extend beyond the exterior wall and allow a solid support and attachment for factory supplied beveled sub-fascia, finished fascia and soffit boards.

Q: What wall system does Habitat use?
A: Habitat provides pre-built factory panels comprised of kiln-dried 2x4 studs 16" on center as a solid nailbase for securing cabinets as well as exterior siding. (It is the recommendation of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association that cedar clapboards be nailed with 1½" penetration into solid wood every 16-24 inches). It includes factory rough openings for exterior windows and doors. 1" Styrofoam bonded to ½" CDX plywood is included for on-site application. Fiberglass insulation is locally supplied. For additional information, please see the section about Wall Systems on our Web site.

Q: What kind of insulation is used?
A: The wall system uses 1" Styrofoam bonded to ½" CDX plywood included for on-site application. Fiberglass insulation is locally supplied and installed. The beamed roof system employs two 2" layers of rigid urethane insulation and CDX fir plywood nailbase.

Q: Does Habitat's building system prevent the common timber frame problem of Sheetrock separation from the posts and beams?
A: A common problem with timber frame structures is the separation of sheetrock from the posts and beams after several years. The dado groove in Habitat's exterior wall posts and beams takes into account the subtle settling and shifting of a solid timber frame structure and allows the Sheetrock to slide into this slot and remain tight and true for the life of your home.

About Our Services

Q: Does Habitat offer any financing assistance?
A: We ourselves do not provide financing, but may be able to provide names of banks in your area with which previous clients have financed their projects. These banks are familiar with our products and are willing to make loans to our qualified clients. The most competitive lending rates are obtained through banks specializing in construction loans and permanent financing.

Q: Do I need an experienced timber frame builder? Can any builder construct your package?
A: Our building system is designed so that any competent builder can construct our structures. Our system is notched, numbered and labeled for easy assembly. Our pre-engineered building system assembles easily and predictably.

Q: Can I build a Habitat package myself?
A: Many homeowners have successfully constructed their own homes and additions. We will gladly provide you with technical assistance.

Q: What is the turnaround time for delivery of a Habitat Post & Beam package?
A: Typically from the point of signed contract and no further design changes, we usually can deliver your home or addition in 4-6 weeks. This is normally the time required for site preparation and foundation installation.

Q: Who will construct my house?
A: We will likely be able to provide you with names of local contractors, or we will work with someone you might have in mind. The final decision of who builds your home is yours.

Q: Does Habitat provide technical assistance and construction details?
A: Yes- the Habitat Post & Beam design and engineering department is open for technical assistance via phone Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST. Structural construction details and complete, engineer-approved working plans are all included in our package price.

Q: Does Habitat Post & Beam guarantee delivery dates?
A: Yes

Q: When is Habitat Post & Beam the busiest?
A: Our busiest months are March through November.

Q: Can Habitat assist with locating land?
A: We are in frequent contact with real estate companies and land developers in many areas and may be able to assist you in locating land.

About Our Design Service

Q: Does Habitat have initial standard plans as a starting point, and is there a custom design service?
A: There are no extra charges for custom designing your home. Habitat has both standard plans that can be modified to suit a client's particular site and living requirements, as well as the ability to develop a set of custom plans. Many people bring us their own ideas, photos, sketches and plans. We will customize a package just for you, no matter how large or small. Click here to view our standard house designs.

Q: Will Habitat customize plans for my needs and at what cost? Who provides professional blueprints for the building permit?
A: Most of Habitat's business involves engineering, custom plans and sketches. We believe that the design process is the most important aspect of the building project. We will work with your plans and ideas to develop a custom home at no additional charge. We also provide complete blueprints necessary for obtaining necessary permits. There is no extra fee for this service. Our primary goal is to make certain that the final design and floor plans fit the site, local building codes, and our client's needs. Click here to view more information about our custom design services.

Q: How easy is it to make changes to the plans? What will changes cost?
A: Advanced software CAD programs allow Habitat Post & Beam to redesign and modify details easily. These can be sent to clients quickly by fax or through your computer to expedite the design process. Habitat Post & Beam's system is known for its design flexibility. We will generate custom plans to your specific needs and make subsequent revisions to those plans all at no extra cost.

Q: How quick is the turnaround for designs and how many revisions can be expected before a design is finalized?
A: New plans take 2-3 weeks to generate. Revisions generally take less time depending on the complexity. Two or three revisions are not unusual. As many revisions are done as is necessary until you are satisfied.

Q: Are Habitat's plans easy to read and understand, even for people who don't have experience reading blueprints?
A: Our large format printers and copiers are capable of producing full-color designs and renderings that are usually-effective presentations. Once floor plans and elevations are complete, a 3-D image is generated that allows the client to see the home in a realistic, 3-D perspective. This is a very important visualization tool to help prevent mistakes in design and layout.

Q: Will Habitat work with a client's architect?
A: Habitat has worked on many collaborative projects with independent architects, providing them with post and beam engineering and technical expertise.

Q: Does Habitat use any particular computer design technologies?
A: Habitat uses both AutoCAD® and Chief Architect® for designing, rendering and engineering. Plans may be viewed directly on your computer.