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Frequently Asked Questions

(The Process)

Is this post and beam construction?

Our engineered timbered ceiling system is indeed structural post and beam, designed to fit onto conventionally framed 2”x 6” wall construction allowing for standard insulation, electrical, plumbing, heating, and communication cableinstallation within the walls. Our roof systems are also conventionally framed with 2”x12” rafters.

Is this a prefabricated or “kit house”?

This is a pre–cut Home Building Package with pre–cut studded walls, pre–cut rafters, and our unique timbered ceiling system. All pre–cut parts are assembled onsite.

Does Early New England Homes build these homes?

We do not offer construction services for our homes, but we will work closely with your preferred builder throughout the process. Within New England and most of the greater New England area we can send our crew and crane to work on site with your carpenters for one day to set the timbered ceiling system. This labor can be made available as an option throughout the country if necessary. Your builder will then work with our construction booklets and engineered plans to complete the project. Technical support is available five days a week for any questions throughout the process.

This is a conventionally constructed home, so your builder should be well versed in this type of construction. Our Home Building Package enables any qualified builder to replicate our model home for their clients.

How long does it take to build?

There are many variables which will affect the time it takes to build one of our homes, such as the size of the home, the number of amenities you might add, site conditions, and so on. Some homes are built in six months and others can take over a year. The time to build should be considered fairly consistent with most homes of similar size.

(Options)

Does Early New England Homes offer custom design services?

Our homes are available in 30’ x 38′ or 26’ x 34′ main footprint. Expand further by adding an Ell to the back and/or a Wing on either or both ends. Ells are available in an 18’or 20’ gable end dimension with no limit on length. Wings can be 14’ or 16’ on the end, again, with no limit on length. After meeting with our design specialist, we will provide you with a preliminary drawing reflecting your decisions for review. Once approved the preliminary drawing will be used to create your engineered building plans.

Do you offer additions for existing homes?

Our Ells and Wings make wonderful additions for existing homes.

(Materials)

What comes in the materials package?

What you purchase are fully engineered building plans, our unique pre–cut timbered ceiling, along with pre–cut wall studs and pre–cut rafters. You can also choose to add some or all the custom handmade options from our workshops, including bead board trim, wide floorboards, handplaned paneling, stairs, and doors as well as handforged hardware and built ins. In conjunction with the engineered building plans, our home building packages also includes supportive step by step construction booklets.

What type of wood is the timbered ceiling system made from?

All our interior products are made of premium Eastern White Pine, except our stair treads which are Red Oak and our stair rails which are Poplar. White Pine has stood the test of time in countless antique homes and barns throughout New England and its natural patina over time is a beautiful honey color. Interior products, other than the timbered ceiling, are typically painted or stained.

(Miscellaneous)

Do you sell just plans?

No, we do not sell just plans. Engineered plans are included with each of our Home Building Packages. And, you do not have to purchase everything we offer. You can purchase just our framing package and later purchase “finish” materials if you so desire.

How far do you ship?

We ship our products anywhere in the country. Most homes delivered within New England are shipped in three separate deliveries based on the on–site construction progress. Outside New England all materials are shipped at once by common carrier which will require a large forklift or crane on site to unload.