Commercial Appraisal
Maximising value, certainty, and return on investment in timber frame construction
At Donaldson Timber Systems, we know that confidence is key when assessing the commercial viability of any construction project.
Housebuilding and development involve significant investment, time, and resources, so taking the time to complete a robust commercial appraisal ensures that every project is financially viable, cost-efficient, and built on certainty.
A thorough commercial appraisal helps you manage costs, optimise margins, and accurately predict return on investment (ROI). Whether you’re a national housebuilder, SME developer, or affordable housing provider, understanding how timber frame impacts cost, speed, and performance is essential to achieving the best outcomes.
Why commercial appraisal matters
A detailed commercial appraisal provides clarity across all aspects of project delivery.
It gives you a reliable foundation for decision-making, from build method and materials to partners, programmes, and risk management.
At Donaldson Timber Systems, our commercial assessments consider every factor that influences project success, including:
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Material and labour cost predictability
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Programme efficiency and on-site duration
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Building regulations compliance
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MMC and Future Homes Standard requirements
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Sustainability and low-carbon performance targets
In a market where margins are tight, accurate forecasting and cost control are the foundations of profitability.
Predictability that delivers confidence
Predictability is the single most important factor in managing cost and margin. That’s where timber frame construction gives you an advantage. By moving more processes into a controlled offsite manufacturing environment, we help to eliminate uncertainty in:
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Labour availability and cost
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Material usage and waste
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Programme length and sequencing
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Weather-related delays
Our closed-panel Sigma® II and open-panel timber frame systems are designed for programme certainty, quality assurance, and faster delivery, with factory-fitted components that minimise rework and site delays.
With timber frame, you can achieve faster completions, earlier revenue recognition, and stronger site cashflow, essential to financial resilience in any market.
Creating commercial value
Building in timber frame consistently enhances the financial performance of a project. Through our Commercial Viability Checklist, we help quantify the real-world benefits of timber frame construction, including:
Build time reduction
Typical masonry build times average 25–30 weeks per house type, compared with 13–15 weeks using timber frame.
Preliminary cost savings
Shorter programmes mean reduced site prelims, typically saving 8–12 weeks of weekly costs for a 50-plot development.
Lower site overheads
Our Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery means no storage for bulky materials, fewer handling requirements, and lower plant costs.
Health and Safety savings
Offsite manufacture and ground-built roofs reduce fall risks, working platforms, and temporary systems, improving safety and lowering costs.
Foundation savings
Our lightweight timber frame structures reduce foundation load requirements, cutting both material and labour costs.
Waste reduction
Material waste on site is significantly lower with concrete block waste reduced by up to 50%, and timber waste by 90%.
Build cost efficiency
By adopting a closed-panel timber frame system, many traditional build elements are eliminated entirely:
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No block or mortar for inner leaf or party walls.
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No cavity insulation, wall ties, lintels, or window formers.
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No upper floor joists, chipboard, trusses, or temporary supports.
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No need for UPVC fascia or soffit when supplied as part of the DTS scope.
Each of these efficiencies compounds into a more cost-effective, faster, and higher-quality build.
Improving commercial performance through design efficiency
Engaging us early in the design and appraisal phase delivers measurable value.
Our pre-construction managers are timber frame specialists who work directly with your team to:
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Recommend wall systems and panel options to meet specific fabric performance targets.
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Develop outline structural schemes to optimise foundations and load paths.
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Provide buildability and sequencing advice to shorten on-site programmes.
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Support value engineering through Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) thinking.
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Identify opportunities to reduce waste in plasterboard, flooring, and brickwork.
By engaging early, you gain cost certainty and the ability to make design changes before they incur cost, maximising both margin and performance.
Key commercial benefits of building in timber frame
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Faster build programmes
Reduce overall build time by up to 12 weeks compared to traditional masonry. Offsite manufacture and rapid on-site installation deliver faster completions and earlier revenue.
Predictable costs and certainty
Factory-controlled production reduces the risk of labour shortages, weather delays, and material price fluctuations, improving budget accuracy and margin protection.
Improved cashflow and ROI
Earlier completions allow faster sales, better cashflow, and stronger return on capital employed (ROCE). Perfect for developers seeking financial stability and project agility.
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Lower site overheads and prelim savings
Shorter programmes reduce prelim costs, compound size, plant hire, and waste. With fewer trades and deliveries to coordinate, site management becomes simpler and more efficient.
Low carbon and sustainable construction
Timber is a renewable, low-carbon building material that supports Future Homes Standard and net zero targets. Reduced waste, fewer deliveries, and shorter build durations all contribute to lower embodied carbon.
Proven MMC expertise
With over 50 years of experience and the backing of the Donaldson Group, DTS delivers Category 2 MMC systems with certified performance including NHBC, BBA, and BOPAS accreditation.
Procurement and risk management
A well-prepared commercial appraisal supports effective procurement and margin protection:
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Advise follow-on trades early that the project uses timber frame, enabling better planning.
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Align trade packages to suit timber frame methodology.
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Use our Pre-Let Meetings to identify additional savings.
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Place orders 8 weeks before first delivery to protect programme dates.
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Leverage our technical training to ensure all teams are confident with timber frame.
The commercial advantage of building with us
Partnering with Donaldson Timber Systems gives you a commercially predictable, low-carbon, and efficient build solution supported by one of the UK’s most experienced timber frame manufacturers.
With more than 50 years of experience, the backing of the Donaldson Group, and a portfolio of over 150,000 completed homes, we deliver confidence, compliance, and commercial value through:
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Category 2 MMC expertise
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Proven PMV performance (55–58%)
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NHBC, BBA, and BOPAS certification
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Future Homes Standard alignment
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High-quality offsite manufacture
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