FAQs

A. This country has a huge supply of oak and the increased use of it over the past 15 years has encouraged the development of commercial woodland. Most of the oak we use comes from France where there are massive oak forests. The rate at which the oak forests are growing currently exceeds the rate at which it is cut.

A. When your frame is erected onsite there will be various marks and discoloration that can be removed by sandblasting. Sandblasting will give an even colour, texture and raises the grain. Once sandblasted your frame does not need any maintenance whatsoever.

Externally your may have dry oak cover boards which will turn a silvery grey with time. To avoid this they can be rubbed down and re treated every few years but this is not required to protect the timber.

A. No, not when the specialist way of glazing and cladding the oak is adhered to. This is why it is really important to use builders who have extensive experience of working with oak.

A. One of the beautiful things about green oak is that as part of the drying process the oak will split, bend and shrink. Do not be alarmed as this natural process just adds to the character of the timber.

A. It is called green because it is newly cut oak that is still green and in the process of drying out. Newly cut oak is much easier to work with than seasoned oak, which becomes incredibly hard with time.

A. In our experience planning authorities and building control like what we produce which can do nothing but ease the process.

A. Yes on both counts.

A. We will regularly monitor costs and advise you of the financial implications of any changes you make to your design. This is done concurrently with the progress of the works thus avoiding any unpleasant shocks at the final account stage.

A. This really depends on the size, budget, complexity and planning constraints, but as a general guideline the design stage should take 1 to 2 months. The architect will then submit the planning application that, once submitted, normally takes about 2 months to be approved. Once approval has been obtained more detailed drawings are prepared for building regulation consent. This stage could take a further month so you should be able to start your build within 5 to 6 months of your initial visit to us. If, however, your project doesn’t require planning permission and can be done under permitted development there is the potential for this time frame to be halved.

With regards to the actual build time this again depends on the size, budget and complexity. A two-story rear extension with attached oak frame and fitted kitchen would take about 6 months. Your oak frame can take between 2 weeks and 2 months to produce and then 2 to 5 days to put together onsite.

A. We recommend that once you have established what you would like to achieve and have a budget, we get together to discuss the options for your space. After this initial meeting we would be able to provide you with an outline costing for the build. On acceptance of this costing we would instruct our architect to meet you to get a detailed understanding of your requirements. If you wish to use your own architect that is not a problem. Our costings typically include all design fees. If you already have designs, then we will obviously reduce our costs.

A. Not at all. You can be involved as much or as little as you wish but at the outset will explain exactly what input we do require. We will also advise you of the cost and implications to the build programme if there are any changes you wish to make.

A. Throughout the course of a project there will be several visits by a representative from Building Control. Building Control is part of the council and has the role of checking that all work meets national construction standards.

As a result of the consistently high standard of our work, Living Oak is also a Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.

We are able to offer NHBC 10 years warranties for new build houses.

A. The project will be broken down into a number of build stages prior to commencement on site. Invoices will then be presented to you for payment in accordance with those stages.

A. Yes, we would be delighted to show you.

A. We will regularly monitor costs and advise you of the financial implications of any changes you make to your design. This is done concurrently with the progress of the works thus avoiding any unpleasant shocks at the final account stage.

A. This is very variable, depending on your plans. Please call us to discuss your project in more detail. Surprisingly, an oak framed extension needn’t cost more than traditional brick and block.