A timber frame addition is one of those showstopping home upgrades, but it requires a significant investment, both in terms of time and resources. Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-drenched great room, a rustic kitchen extension, or a timber-framed entrance, you should first get familiar with the overall project scope and what to expect at each stage.
Below, we break down the process and how long it takes for each milestone.
Stage 1: Planning & Design (4–8 weeks)
Timeframe: 1–2 months
Key Players: Homeowner, designer, engineer, builder
What Happens:
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your goals, timeline, and budget with a timber frame specialist.
- Site Evaluation: A builder visits your home to assess the structural and spatial possibilities.
- Preliminary Designs: Concept drawings and 3D renderings help you visualize the addition.
- Engineering Review: Structural elements are assessed to ensure compliance with building codes.
Stage 2: Permitting & Approvals (4–12 weeks)
Timeframe: 1–3 months
Key Players: Builder, architect/designer, local building authority
What Happens:
- Permit Drawings: Your designer finalizes architectural and structural drawings for submission.
- Permit Submission: Application is submitted to the local municipality for approval.
- Zoning & Code Review: The city checks that your addition complies with bylaws and building codes.
- Permit Issuance: Once approved, you can legally start construction.
Some municipalities are faster than others. Urban areas may take longer due to high volume.
Stage 3: Site Preparation & Logistics (1–3 weeks)
Timeframe: 1–3 weeks
Key Players: Homeowner, general contractor
What Happens:
- Utility Relocation: Electrical, plumbing, HVAC may need adjustment.
- Interior Prep: Rooms near the addition area may need to be cleared or sealed off.
- Temporary Living Adjustments: Depending on the room, you may need to move out temporarily (e.g., kitchen or master suite additions).
Stage 4: Timber Frame Fabrication (4–10 weeks – concurrent with permitting)
Timeframe: Often overlaps with permitting
Key Players: Timber frame contractor
What Happens:
- Frame Engineering: Final measurements and design details are sent to the fabricator.
- Cut & Prep: Timber is cut, joined, and prepped in a workshop.
- Delivery Scheduling: Once the frame is ready, delivery is scheduled to align with a ready site.
Stage 5: Foundation & Framing (3–6 weeks)
Timeframe: 1–1.5 months
Key Players: Builder, subcontractors
What Happens:
- Foundation Installation: Excavation, concrete pour, and curing.
- Frame Erection: Timber frame is delivered and raised on-site.
- Roofing & Sheathing: Once the frame is up, it’s quickly enclosed to protect it from the elements.
This is one of the most exciting stages. Raising day is often a major milestone.
Stage 6: Enclosure & Exterior Work (2–4 weeks)
Timeframe: 2–4 weeks
Key Players: Builder, siding and window contractors
What Happens:
- Doors & Windows Installed
- Roof Finished
- Siding or Exterior Cladding Applied
- Weatherproofing Completed
Stage 7: Interior Finishing (4–10 weeks)
Timeframe: 1–2.5 months
Key Players: Electricians, plumbers, drywallers, finish carpenters, painters
What Happens:
- Rough-ins: Electrical, HVAC, and plumbing installed.
- Insulation & Drywall: Walls are sealed and prepared for paint.
- Flooring, Trim, Fixtures: Finishing touches are installed.
This is the stage with the most variability. Custom interior finishes and supply delays can extend timelines.
Stage 8: Final Inspection & Move-In (1 week)
Timeframe: 1 week or less
Key Players: Builder, municipal inspector
What Happens:
- Building Inspection: City inspector ensures everything complies with your permit.
- Deficiency Review: Your contractor walks you through final details.
- Move-In: Enjoy your new timber-framed space!
Total Timeline Summary
| Stage | Duration |
| Planning & Design | 4–8 weeks |
| Permitting | 4–12 weeks |
| Timber Frame Fabrication | 4–10 weeks (parallel) |
| Site Prep | 1–3 weeks |
| Foundation & Framing | 3–6 weeks |
| Enclosure & Exterior Finishes | 2–4 weeks |
| Interior Finishes | 4–10 weeks |
| Final Inspections | ~1 week |
| Total | 4–7 months |
Relocation Tips Based on Room
| Room Involved | What to Plan For |
| Kitchen Addition | Relocate cooking setup, store perishables |
| Bedroom Addition | Temporary sleeping arrangement needed |
| Bathroom Addition | Plan alternate access or schedule sharing |
| Living Room | Consider a seasonal renovation (use patio) |
| Entryway | Set up back, side or patio doors as main entry |
Ready to Start Your Timber Frame Addition?
Tucker Homes designs and builds timber frame additions with clear plans, steady timelines and quality you can count on.
Book a consultation today to start planning your timber frame transformation.
