Frequently Asked Questions About Our Early New England House Kits
(The Process)
Is this post and beam construction?
Our engineered timbered ceiling system is indeed structural post and beam construction. It is designed to fit onto conventionally framed 2”x 6” wall construction, allowing for standard insulation, electrical, plumbing, heating, and communication cable installation within the walls. Our roof systems are also conventionally framed with 2”x12” rafters.
Is this a prefabricated or “kit house”?
We offer a home building package with pre-cut studded walls, rafters, and our unique timbered ceiling system. All pre-cut parts of our early New England home kits are assembled onsite.
Does Early New England Homes build these home kits?
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, our crew and crane can 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 also available five days a week for any questions throughout the process.
Our home building packages are conventionally constructed. Your builder should be well-versed in this type of construction and qualified to replicate our model home.
How long does it take to build an Early New England home kit?
There are many variables that will affect the time it takes to build one of our homes. These include the size of the home, the number of amenities you might add, site conditions, and so on. Some homes are built in six months, while others can take over a year. With that said, the time to build should be 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. These can be expanded 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. Meanwhile, 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, it will be used to create your engineered building plans.
Do you offer additions for existing homes?
Beyond our New England home kits, our expertly-crafted Ells and Wings can be purchased as wonderful additions for existing homes.
(Materials)
What comes in the materials package?
Our Early New England house kits include fully engineered building plans, step-by-step construction booklets, pre-cut wall studs, rafters, and our unique timbered ceiling system. You can also add various custom options from our workshops, such as handmade doors, stairs, wide floorboards, trims, hand forged hardware, and more.
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 stair rails, which are Poplar. White Pine has stood the test of time in countless antique homes and barns throughout New England and features a natural patina over time—a beautiful honey color. Interior products, other than the timbered ceiling, are typically painted or stained.
(Miscellaneous)
Do you only sell building plans?
No, we do not sell just plans. Engineered plans are included with each of our home building packages. Also, you don’t have to purchase everything we offer. You can buy just our framing package and later purchase our “finish” materials if you desire.
How far do you ship?
We ship our products anywhere in the country. We complete shipments within New England in three separate deliveries based on the on-site construction progress. Meanwhile, for areas outside New England, all materials are shipped at once by a common carrier, which will require a large forklift or crane on site to unload.
Early New England Homes offer nothing short of high-quality period homes made with excellent craftsmanship. With this house kit FAQ, you can have better understanding of what we offer and how we can help you. Contact our client advisors if you have more kit home building questions and want expert advice.