Cost certainty and commercial viability: getting the costs right
Building smarter, faster, and more profitably with timber frame
From financial viability to market demand, risk management, and return on investment, commercial success starts with confidence in cost.
At Donaldson Timber Systems, we understand that cost certainty is essential to every housebuilding project and that’s exactly what our timber frame systems deliver
Counting in timber frame
Achieving the best commercial value starts with accurate costing.
Understanding how to undertake a timber frame commercial appraisal helps you generate reliable project costs and unlock the full financial benefits of building in timber frame.
When compared with masonry, the savings are clear:
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A typical masonry build takes 25–30 weeks.
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The same house built in timber frame takes just 13–15 weeks.
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You reach weather-tight stage 6–10 weeks faster, allowing internal works to start sooner.
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For a typical 50-home development, this can save 8–12 weeks in site preliminaries — cutting overheads and accelerating cashflow.
Planning ahead to take advantage of the shorter programme is key to realising the commercial value of timber frame construction.
Our “How to count in timber frame” guide shows where you can save cost — and how to calculate it with accuracy.
Reducing prelim costs
Building in timber frame delivers immediate financial efficiencies through reduced preliminaries.
Because all DTS products are manufactured offsite, they are delivered just in time and installed on arrival. This streamlined process means:
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Less site storage and smaller compound areas.
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Reduced crane and forklift use, as DTS cranes manage installation.
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Lower supervision demands, as our qualified installation teams complete the frame.
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Reduced waste management and handling.
Together, these efficiencies lower site running costs, improve predictability, and reduce risk — helping your project achieve better overall commercial performance.
Reducing labour cost
At a time when labour shortages and skills gaps affect the industry, offsite timber frame construction offers a clear solution.
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Less on-site labour: manufacturing and quality control of the superstructure happen in our factory.
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Reduced reliance on scarce trades: particularly bricklayers and joiners.
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Faster installation: our qualified DTS teams erect structures on the day of delivery, eliminating idle time.
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Improved productivity: bricklayers can focus on external walls, completing two homes in the time it would take to build one in masonry.
The more efficiently you build, the lower your labour costs — and the faster you can move to the next phase.
Smarter construction, stronger returns
Lighter timber frame structures mean:
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Lower foundation costs.
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Less heavy plant movement.
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Reduced safety risks with roofs built safely at ground level.
Every advantage contributes to a stronger commercial outcome.
With our timber frame build systems, you gain predictable costs, faster completions, and reduced financial exposure, all while achieving higher quality and lower carbon performance
The commercial case for low carbon
Building with timber is not only smarter commercially, it’s the sustainable choice for the future.
Our low-carbon, offsite-manufactured timber systems help you meet Future Homes Standard, net zero, and building regulations requirements while reducing operational costs for your clients and residents.
The result: homes that are efficient, affordable, and built for long-term value.
Donaldson Timber Systems – building cost certainty, commercial strength, and sustainable success.
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