Do you sell house kits?

Yes, we do, on our Bensonwood/This Old House Collection. New for 2010, we'll be rolling out these select house kits, delivered to your build site. The basic shell package kits will include all the materials, pre-cut, for your builder to construct a fully-enclosed building shell, including all interior wall systems (framing only). There are also kit options for enhanced shell packages, adding all millwork, interior stairs & railings, cabinetry, wainscoting, and exterior siding (siding materials not cut to length). Please call for details.

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What is the best heating system for a timberframe home?

We often recommend hydronic (hot water) heat systems because of their flexibility and many options for delivering heat. Hot water systems are easy to accommodate in a timberframe home. The small diameter of pipes used in hydronic systems make them easy to run through partitions and in floor systems. Radiant floor hydronic heat is easy to use in our Open-Built® system and has been a popular choice for clients in recent years. However, most types of heating and cooling systems, including forced air systems, can be just as appropriate for a timberframe home, especially those utilizing alternate energy sources such a photovoltaic, geothermal and air source heat pumps, and wind turbines.

What about air exchangers? What do they do? Why do we need one?

Our shell package creates a tight thermal envelope to reduce heating and cooling costs. But tight buildings, without adequate ventilation, can trap humidity and pollutants. An air-to-air heat exchanger (heat recovery ventilator) maintains healthy indoor air quality and the quality of the home's components by exhausting stale, moist air from the home and bringing fresh air into the home. We specify an air exchange strategy for all the homes we build.

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What is Open-Built®?

Bensonwood's Open-Built® design/build system takes a layered approach to building, with each layer defined by its life span and anticipated need for future alteration. The high quality homes resulting from this process are built rapidly and with minimal waste. Homeowners can easily move or remove walls and fixtures, access swiftly evolving technologies, or adapt the home to the changing needs of the occupants. Bensonwood's Open-Built® process begins at the design phase, with a view toward well-organized, disentangled systems and a focus on efficiency in materials and assembly. This is carried throughout the building process to ensure efficient project coordination, easier scheduling, shorter construction time, and ultimately, lower costs to you—now, and down the road.

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What is included in the Bensonwood Standard Shell Package?

Our Standard shell package includes: timberframe (for timberframed structures), exterior wall panels, roof panels, Open-Built® second floor and ceiling system, ceiling panels, windows and exterior doors, construction drawings, and a Bensonwood entry door, as well as delivery and assembly (raising) on site.

What is included in the Bensonwood Whole House Package?

In addition to supplying our legendary, energy-efficient shell package, Bensonwood now offers whole house design/build solutions. These complete packages include exterior trim, roofing, finished interior walls, energy-efficient mechanical systems (i.e.: plumbing, HVAC, and electrical), kitchen cabinets, countertops, and bathroom fixtures—all with the quality that has made Bensonwood the acknowledged leader in the high-value, high-performance home industry.

Is the Standard Shell Package "weather-tight"?

It's very close. We try to coordinate with your contractor, so that immediately upon completion of our Standard Shell Package, your roofer can apply underlayment. At that point, your home is weather-tight. (Most local roofing contractors insist on putting down the underlayment in order to provide a warranty on the finished roof.)

Does Bensonwood provide exterior siding? Roofing? Interior partition walls?

While these items are not part of our Standard Shell Package, they are part of our Whole House Package. For our Standard Shell Package clients, we are happy to supply items or materials that are not available to the local builder.

What do you mean by "Whole House Package?" What is included? How much of the work does Bensonwood do? What do you see as the benefit? Can I finish the house myself?

The Whole House Package is just that: everything from the foundation up—not related to site work. Included are all finishes, appliances, and fixtures. Not included are site work, excavation, septic, water, walkways and driveway, patios, etc. With a Bensonwood Whole House Package, you're assured of the same Bensonwood quality throughout. And yes, working from our fully-enclosed Standard Shell Package, you can finish the house yourself.(See Builders and Owner/Builders.)

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What type of insulation do you use? Why?

We currently offer two different types of insulated wall panels. Our advanced foam-insulated panels are filled with 5.5 inches of a two-part polyurethane foam. For environmental considerations we offer our Cellulose Insulated Panels, which are filled with 5.5 inches of cellulose insulation from recycled newspaper rated R 3.7/inch. We have migrated away from using Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for wall panels because of the inordinate amount of waste typically generated. However, our roof panels are SIPs, with polystyrene insulation.

The roof panels that are part of our Standard Shell Package are foam core panel "SIP" blanks that we purchase and cut to your project's specifications. We like using SIPs for roof applications because they can typically be configured to create minimal waste.

What are the "R-Values" for your wall and roof panels?

Our advanced foam-insulated panels are rated at an R-value of 22. Our cellulose-insulated panels are rated at an R-value of 20. Our typical foam-insulated roof panels are rated at an R-value of about 30.

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Do you build custom homes?

Yes we do. We invite you to see some of them in the Gallery section of our site.

Do you have a catalog of plans?

We have something better than a catalog of plans: Our Lifestyle Series of homes uses our matrix-based Open-Built® design/build system to create infinitely customizable and adaptable homes. This system jump starts the design and engineering process and can save both time and money in realizing your new home. To help you visualize some of the possibilities arising from Lifestyle Series, there are examples of preconfigured plans in this section.

Under Plans, we also have two collections of homes; one inspired by the This Old House television series, appropriately called the This Old House Collection, and the other, an extreme green, net-zero energy series, the Unity Collection.

All these options are under Plans in the top level navigation.

What is a customizable, Lifestyle Series home? What do you see as the benefits?

The Bensonwood Lifestyle Series matrix-based path to customizable home building allows you to tap into Bensonwood's exclusive, Open-Built® design/build system in order to simplify design and engineering costs, and speed the process of moving into your new home. Moreover, each and every year you own your Lifestyle Series home, with its standard, industry leading R-35 walls and R-38 roofs, you’ll save a bundle on operational costs like heating and cooling.

How can Lifestyle Series Homes be adapted to reflect my lifestyle?

The Lifestyle, matrix-based system utilizes our exclusive Open-Built® grid to create a variety of living spaces within pre-designed, pre-engineered matrix elements. Working with you, we combine these living spaces to create a home that is uniquely yours— without costly architectural or design fees. Best of all, the Lifestyle Series utilizes not one matrix, but three: The Hartland Matrix for two-story homes, the Greenfield Matrix for single-story living with daylight walkout (basement) options, and the Fairview Matrix for single floor, extreme green living.

Do you sell plans only?

Typically, we don't. But give us a call, and let us know what you're looking for.

What is 3D modeling? Is it necessary? How is it beneficial? Is there a cost involved?

3D modeling is a key part of our Open-Built® design/build system. By constructing a building "virtually" our designers and engineers are able to solve problems and increase efficiency before any timbers are cut. Best of all, there is no additional cost for this important feature.

Do you work with plans with architects outside your company? How does it work?

Absolutely. Once your architectural plans are reviewed, our engineers can work up a set of engineering drawings for review and pricing.

I have a plan that I would like you to look at. Will you review it? What is the process? Are there any fees involved?

It is best to fill out our online Build My Home form or call one of our sales reps. After we've had a chance to talk with you, we’ll ask you to fill out our more detailed Project Questionnaire.

Can you incorporate a daylight basement in the plans?

Yes. We can maximize your homes ratio of square footage to footprint by designing high-windowed, and/or walk-out basements with natural light.

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What do I need to know/to do before starting with Bensonwood?

All you need is a dream and some land to build it on. We can take it from there.

What is the Bensonwood process?

Our process starts with you. Whether working off your existing plans, or a napkin sketch, Bensonwood's design and/or engineering teams will translate your homebuilding dreams into 3D digital models for review, communication, and precision building.

How do you come up with a good local builder?

We have a trained, experienced network of local builders to finish out our homes.

If I can't find a good contractor, who will do the finish work?

In many locations, we can build the whole house package. In areas where this doesn't make good economic sense, we have a network of contractors who can oversee the job to completion.

Do you visit the building site?

Yes. As part of our schematic design process, we visit your building site to ensure your home is well designed and optimally situated on your property.

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Do you ONLY build timberframe homes? If you build with panels "only"(without a timberframe), what holds up the house?

No. We also build homes with partial timberframes (hybrids), or no structural timberframing at all. Our purely panelized homes use structural panels that support the loads on the house. Both our hybrid homes and panelized homes go through the same, rigorous structural engineering review that our timberframe homes undergo. Most importantly, these homes share the same thermal properties (tightly sealed, well-insulated) and Open-Built® benefits as our other high-performance homes.

Can you build with logs?

We don't build "log homes". We will use logs as accents, supports, or as "Taiko" (from a Japanese timber framing tradition) if appropriate to your design.

What is the difference between timberframe and post-and-beam?

The generally accepted understanding is that post-and-beam construction involves large timbers, either natural or engineered, comprising the structural skeleton for a building. Timberframe is increasingly becoming the term used to identify a subset of post-and-beam construction, when the timbers are connected using primarily traditional wooden joinery techniques, such as the mortise-and-tenon joint.

What species of wood do you recommend?

We can use almost any species that is suitable for structural purposes. However, we often use Douglas fir because it combines beauty and structural strength comparable to many favorite hardwoods, without the shrinkage and weight issues.

Do you use recycled timbers?

While more expensive than new timbers, using reclaimed timbers is ecologically sound and is a responsible natural resource management practice, which is at the heart of Bensonwood's corporate philosophy. Also the beauty, character, and color of reclaimed timbers are virtually unattainable with freshly sawn timber.

What about kiln-dried timbers?

Every client has the option of using kiln-dried timbers. Obviously there is an associated cost, but for some applications the use of kiln-dried timbers is simply more appropriate.

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How long does it take to build a Bensonwood Shell Package in the shop and prepare it for delivery?

Depending on our schedule, the complexity of the project and the client's needs, Bensonwood typically requires a 12 to 16 week lead time for delivery of your project.

How long does it take to assemble a Bensonwood Shell Package on site?

This depends on the size and complexity of your project. The frame and shell for a modest New England Cape can take as little as a week, where an expansive, complex home with soaring great rooms and multiple wings, would take considerably longer.

Once the Shell Package is on site, how long will it take to complete our home?

This depends on the size and complexity of your project, as well as your contractor's schedule, but a modest home can usually be completed within 3 to 6 months from the time our shell is completed. Whether you use Bensonwood as your general contractor, hire a local contractor, or elect to be an owner/builder, scheduling is critical to your project.

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What window manufacturer do you use and why?

We can provide Loewen or Marvin Integrity Windows as part of our Standard Shell Package. Depending on style and price point, we believe their products employ the characteristics, quality, and service that are in keeping with Bensonwood's standards.

How do Loewen windows compare in price and performance with other manufacturers?

We have found Loewen to be a great value. The quality is high and there is a good range of options. The primary benefits with Loewen include the use of Douglas fir to match interior details and solid strong window construction that allows for large windows and superior energy ratings.

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Do you build timberframe additions?

Yes. We build additions as freestanding structures to within 4 inches of your existing house. Then, your local builder can perform the necessary work to connect the addition to your house. We do not connect the two structures.

What is your warranty?

Please call for warranty details.

Are you modular or prefab builder? What is the difference?

Bensonwood prefabricates its Open-Built® construction elements off site, under shop controlled conditions, and ships its panelized sections efficiently on flatbed trucks for rapid assembly on site. Modular construction is often associated with lower quality homes and can be inefficient to ship, since you're shipping mostly air. Shipping prefinished panels, which pack tightly together, avoids this problem. There are occasions when we do fabricate small modules, especially where factory sealing comes into play, as in our "extreme green" collection of homes, or in small mechanical rooms, where preinstallation of fixtures can save valuable time on site.

How many homes/projects do you build a year?

We build at least 40 projects each year, from beautifully simple, affordable homes—to spectacular, large residential and commercial structures.

Do you have a model home?

Model homes represent model work. Because we want you to see the work we do for everyone, we have an extensive list of clients who are happy to make their homes available for tours to prospective customers. You can also visit one of our many commercial projects that is open to the public. Contact us to coordinate a visit with the owners of our tour homes. If possible, we'll even send a Bensonwood representative to greet you.

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What distinguishes you from other timberframe companies?

To start with, Bensonwood is the company largely responsible for reviving timberframing in America and combining it with modern innovations and ideas. As innovators we are constantly reinventing the way homes are conceived, designed, built, and maintained. Our staff of award-winning designers, architects, and engineers, helps bring your vision into focus. With your design complete, an experienced project manager works directly with you and your general contractor to efficiently move your project through to completion.

Why should we choose Bensonwood over other timberframe companies?

Bensonwood has been building for more than 35 years. During that period we have delighted clients with some of the finest new homes and buildings in America. In our constant quest for whole house solutions, our research and development efforts have pioneered many of the improvements that have shaped and focused the industry. Every member of Bensonwood is dedicated to serving clients fully and completely.

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Can you recommend a builder in our area?

We have an extensive list of associate builders and contacts throughout the country and are happy to help you select a local builder.

Do you work with owner/builders?

The owner/builder is a big part of the Bensonwood culture. Many of our associates are owner/builders themselves and we get a great deal of pride and enjoyment working with the intrepid individuals who work hard to realize their dream.

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Do your homes meet codes for residential structures on ocean waterfront properties? Earthquake zones? Hurricanes? Snow loads?

Yes. We design, engineer, and build our homes to your site requirements, including wind and snow loads, geologic activity, and other critical factors.

Can you build on very steep locations? What additional costs might be involved for building on a steep hillside?

Yes, as long as we have adequate access to your site for large trucks and cranes. Depending on the steepness of the terrain, grade can result in additional cost.

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How much does it cost to build a Bensonwood home?

A Bensonwood home is comparable in cost to high quality construction going on in the area where the home is being built—if that high quality conventional construction is built with the same durability and comparable insulation as our timberframe homes. Because Bensonwood home designs and estimates are highly accurate, our clients enjoy the benefit of having predictable costs with very few surprises.

How does the cost of a timberframe home compare to a log or stick-frame home?

There is little difference in the cost of building a fully timberframed home with insulated panels compared to a conventionally framed home with the SAME performance qualities. This, combined with structural integrity (timberframes can last hundreds of years), architectural interest, and overall uniqueness of a timberframed home, make for a huge difference in value.

How does Bensonwood compare in cost to other timberframe companies?

We are competitive throughout our industry. Since there's a wide range of quality in everything from panels, timber joinery and timbers, to engineering and design, we recommend that you spend time learning as much as possible about other companies, and then compare. We're confident you'll see that we provide the best overall value and service at a comparable cost.

Can you build a home in the $150,000 dollar range?

Yes, we can. A recent example is a 1,001 square foot, 2-bedroom house with timbered entry porch in southern New Hampshire, designed and engineered for $150 a square foot. Most importantly, it has the performance qualities of our more expensive offerings, like a well-insulated, tight building envelope for maximum comfort and low energy costs, as well as our proprietary Open-Built® features that ensure the home will adapt to the owner’s needs over time.

What is the smallest shelter you would build? Rough cost?

We have a 700 SF LEED Platinum, Net Zero Home (BrightBuilt Barn) for under $200,000. We also have a 150 SF Thoreau Cabin kit. Prices vary according to size, complexity, level of performance (energy efficiency), and finish. Owner/builder options also available (see Builders and Owner/Builders).

What is the payment schedule for the Shell Package Contract?

Our typical schedule includes six payments: 1) Deposit at time of signing contract (usually about 10% of value of the package). 2) The second payment is billed when shop work begins on your project (usually about 30% of package value). 3) The third payment is billed upon completion of the shop work (about 30% of package value). 4) The fourth payment is billed after your frame and panels have been erected on site. 5) The fifth payment is billed when your windows and doors are delivered to your site. 6) The final payment is billed to you when the Bensonwood Entry Door is delivered to your site.

What is the payment schedule for your Whole House Package Contract?

Please contact us for this payment schedule.

Can you price a house plan now (before it's fully designed) to help me with financing the land and construction costs in one loan?

Because the design of your home is usually linked to your specific site and its requirements, it is extremely difficult to develop accurate pricing estimates prior to securing the build lot. You could, however, get a sense for the potential construction costs by researching the cost of well built, custom designed homes in your area. Beyond this, if you have your land, and you're in a hurry to estimate building costs, you may consider our "Design Charrette" fast track approach to defining your home and its price. Please call for details.

Does the cost of shipping, added to the cost of the package, outweigh the cost of using a local builder? Is it cost-effective to ship your shell package across the country?

It depends on the distance of the shipment and your local building costs. If local costs are low, and the distance great, it may make sense for you to have us build the enclosed shell while using local labor the finish out the house. However, if local labor costs are high (or skilled labor is scarce or unavailable), shipping can be extremely cost-effective, regardless of distance.

How expensive will it be to transport Bensonwood timbers, crew and components from New Hampshire to my site?

This is dependent on the size and complexity of your project, and the distance your package needs to be shipped. However, shipping costs can sometimes offset the greater cost of building in an expensive area.

What is the cost savings of a factory built home compared to a site built home?

The cost efficiencies of off-site fabrication in our shops are plowed back into your home in the form of added quality and finish. Dollar for dollar, Bensonwood homes have noticeably higher production values than site built homes.

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What is the first step toward starting a design with Bensonwood?

Gather your ideas and contact us via phone, email, postcard, letter, etc. You can also fill out the Build My Home form on our web site so we can begin substantive phone discussions with you right from the start!

Do you offer custom design services?

Certainly. We have architects and designers on staff. Our custom designs have been featured in many of the country's premier publications, including Architectural Digest, New England Home, This Old House and Fine Homebuilding. We also offer professional engineering services. Our engineers work with client architects to design more highly unique and beautiful timberframe and panelized structures across the country.

Do you have predesigned home plans?

Yes. Our design staff has created home designs that capitalize on 35-plus years of building unique, affordable designs. And because our designs are a part of the Open-Built® design-build system, we can easily reconfigure our plans to meet any need or lifestyle. Visit our Portfolio Homes to learn more.

What are the advantages of working with a predesigned home plan?

Because these plans have already undergone a great deal of thought by the designers and have been through structural and engineering reviews, it translates into savings on time and project costs. Electronically stored designs can be quickly and efficiently modified to meet your needs, without going to the expense of developing new-custom plans from scratch.

Will Bensonwood work with my architect?

We routinely work with outside architects to deliver engineered plans, drawings, and completed projects.

What if I need engineer or architect-stamped drawings?

Our architects and engineers are licensed in many states. For those states where we do not possess licenses, we have an extensive network of professionals who we collaborate with to ensure your plans meet local regulations.

Do your homes meet Universal Design guidelines?

Yes. Bensonwood homes can be designed to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. Gracious doors, first floor bedroom, and custom cabinetry/fixtures can be added according to your specific needs.

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Do you work with developers?

We have completed several projects with developers across the country. We work closely with these partners to ensure the highest standards are met and the highest quality and uniqueness of each project is maintained.

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How energy efficient are Bensonwood homes?

Bensonwood is constantly striving to make the most energy efficient homes on the market. While all our homes heat and cool for a fraction the cost of stick-built construction, we have two lines of super-efficient homes. First, our Lifestyle Matrix homes come standard with R-35 walls and R-38 roofs, the highest standard offering in the industry. Second, our extreme green Net-Zero homes, which include the Unity Collection and BrightBuilt Barn (the prototypes of which achieved both Net-Zero and LEED Platinum certification) raise the bar in energy efficient homebuilding. Annualized, these Net-Zero homes, when outfitted with alternate energy sources (solar electric, solar hot water, wind etc), can produce as much energy as they consume, meaning you can lock in your energy costs at zero. Though not strictly "Passive Houses," our Net-Zero offerings have many Passive House qualities—including greatly reduced energy requirements and high tech air handling—so that even with conventional heating and cooling systems, the operational costs are reduced to pennies on the dollar.

Can your homes accommodate solar panels, heated flooring, geothermal and air source heat pumps, and wind turbines?

In a word, yes. And most importantly, our homes are so well insulated and tightly sealed, their diminished energy loads allow for smaller (and therefore, less expensive) alternate energy systems.

Do you offer a Passive House, requiring no heating or cooling systems at all? What does that involve?

Yes, we are currently building a house to Passive House specifications—an exacting standard that involves precise solar siting, super-insulation, gasket tight sealing, strategically designed overhangs, and advanced air handling systems that recapture the temperature and moisture from outgoing air to condition incoming air.

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