When investing in a bespoke oak-framed building, many customers choose to work with their own subcontractors.
At English Heritage Buildings, we understand the importance of a seamless collaboration between all parties involved. We have over 30 years of experience in crafting premium oak frames. During this time, we’ve successfully worked alongside many subcontractors to ensure that every project runs smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
Below, we’ve set out a step-by-step process of how our process works when you choose to use your own subcontractors.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Design Collaboration
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation, where we take the time to understand your specific needs, preferences, and project goals. Whether you’re planning a garage, garden room, extension, or complex, this stage is all about ensuring your design is both beautiful and functional.
If you have preferred subcontractors, this is the perfect time to introduce them into the process. By doing so early on, we can ensure a cohesive plan that integrates our high-quality oak frames seamlessly with the work being carried out by your team.
Our Planning Service
At this stage, we also offer guidance and support on planning permissions and building regulations, ensuring that your subcontractors are aware of any specific compliance requirements related to the oak frame. If needed, our independent Planning Consultant can assist with feasibility studies and navigating the approval process.
Step Two: Finalising Specifications and Planning Support
Once your design has been agreed upon, our experienced design team will produce precise technical drawings and structural specifications, outlining every detail of your oak-framed building. These documents serve as a vital blueprint, ensuring that all elements, from the frame’s dimensions to load-bearing calculations, are accurately defined.
These specifications can then be shared with your subcontractors, giving them the essential information they need.
Step Three: Manufacturing and Preparing for Installation
With your design finalised and all specifications approved, we’ll move into the manufacturing phase, where your bespoke oak frame is expertly crafted to the highest standards. Our process combines traditional English craftsmanship with modern precision engineering, ensuring that every frame meets our Q-Mark-certified quality standards.
The manufacturing timeline typically takes six to eight weeks, during which your subcontractors can begin preparing the site. This period is crucial for ensuring that everything is in place for a seamless installation once the frame arrives. To support this, we’ll arrange the delivery or product pickup with you so your contractor can ensure everything is ready in time.
What Needs to Happen Before Delivery?
Depending on your project, your subcontractors may need to complete key groundwork and structural preparations, such as:
- Foundation and Groundworks – Ensuring a stable and level base for the frame, whether it’s a concrete slab, brickwork, or other load-bearing structures.
- Drainage and Services – If your project requires electrical, water, or heating installations, subcontractors should prepare any necessary connections before the frame arrives.
Step Four: Delivery and On-Site Coordination
Once your bespoke oak frame has been crafted, there are two options. You can either collect your product from our site (or have your contractor collect it), or we can arrange a date for a smooth and efficient delivery to your property. This will normally be about a week after your product frames have been manufactured and finished.
Once the materials are at your site:
- Unloading the Oak Frame: Our delivery team ensures that the materials are safely offloaded, with subcontractors or site managers present to receive them. If lifting equipment is required, this should be pre-arranged based on our guidance.
- Storage Considerations: If the frame is not being installed immediately, we can provide guidance on the proper storage of oak components, ensuring they remain protected from the elements.
- Installation Readiness: We pack the necessary technical documents and manuals into your product kit, which can be given to your subcontractors, ensuring a structured and efficient build process.
Step Five: Assembly and Installation
Whether you choose to work with an approved contractor or your own subcontractors, our operations team provides expert guidance to ensure the frame is correctly installed to the highest standards.
Support Throughout the Build
Assembling your precision-engineered oak frame requires accuracy, and our team remains available online or over the phone to assist subcontractors throughout the installation process. Our operations department provides:
- Detailed technical guidance to help subcontractors understand how the oak frame should be fitted.
- Best practice recommendations to ensure structural integrity and correct jointing techniques.
- Ongoing support and troubleshooting, should any questions or challenges arise on-site.
By maintaining this level of support, we ensure that your subcontractors can work with confidence, helping to prevent errors, delays, or misalignment during the build.
Our Approved Contractors vs. Independent Subcontractors
If you choose to have your frame assembled by an approved contractor, it qualifies for our comprehensive 10-year guarantee, ensuring long-term protection and peace of mind. These contractors are trained to work specifically with our oak frames, ensuring the best possible fit and finish.
Precision-Fit Installation for a Timeless Build
Our oak frames are designed with traditional mortise and tenon joints, ensuring a precise fit with minimal adjustments required. Once the main frame is in place, your subcontractors can proceed with:
- Roofing and weatherproofing
- Internal and external finishes
- Any additional customisations
Step Six: Final Checks and Project Completion
Once assembly is complete, your subcontractors should carry out final inspections to ensure that:
- The oak frame is correctly jointed and secured according to the provided technical guidance.
- All load-bearing elements are properly aligned and structurally sound.
- Any additional roofing, cladding, or insulation work integrates smoothly with the frame.
- The wood is protected from unnecessary exposure during any further construction work.
Your Straightforward Installation
We believe that every oak-framed project should be a seamless, stress-free experience, regardless of who is involved in its construction. By choosing English Heritage Buildings, you gain a trusted partner who brings together expertise, precision craftsmanship, and clear communication, ensuring that every aspect of your build is carefully managed and executed to the highest standards.
If you’re planning an oak-framed garage, extension, garden room, or commercial structure, and want to ensure a smooth collaboration between our team and your subcontractors, get in touch today.
