There are many ways to build a house, the most common being 'Brick and Block' or solid construction. This method is often referred to as the traditional method as it is the most common construction method in the UK.

Timber Frame has over the years taken a larger share of the market, particularly with the Self Builders, as it requires less skill to erect the frame and can be erected much quicker than the brick and block method. Once you have put the frame up and made the building dry, you can work on the inside at the same time as the outside.

Another advantage of timber frame was the better insulation values! This advantage however, has now been lost due to the legislation that has been introduced to improve the insulation standards of all new homes, and is set to improve even further in the future.

Recent legislation has also been introduced to improve the sound transmission in new dwellings. This is useful for timber frame as the passage of sound was often an aspect of the timber framed house that people disliked.

There are of course, many other ways to build your home, you can build 'Steel Framed', 'Straw', 'Concrete', 'Oak', 'Polystyrene' even underground houses! Some of these would require skills that are not as readily available as others and even more importantly, you still have to get the local authority to accept the design and materials that you wish to use. This can sometimes be easier said than done!

If you wishto go down one of the more specialised methods of construction, I would recommend that you take advise from the specialist firms and designers who practise in that field.