Building A Post and Beam: 5 Tips to Keep Costs Down

Post and Beam homes are typically expected to cost more than a 2×4 “stick built” home.  The reasons for this are many and varied, with the main ones being the cost of the high quality wood timber frame versus inexpensive wood studs, superior insulation, and the typical use of large glass areas.  That being said, there are many ways you can keep the cost of a post and beam home down while maintaining the feel of a timber frame home.  Before starting the design process you need to know your budget and keep it in mind as you navigate the course of the building process.

A rectangle shape structure is cost effective to build.

5 Tips to Keep Costs Down:

1)       Keep it simple!  The least expensive home, per square foot, to build is a basic 2 story rectangle.  Single story structures, ells, dormers, or any type of bump-out are going to add to the cost per square foot.

This shape is extremely efficient.

2)       Forget the cathedral ceiling.  They may add character to your home, but you are using (and paying for) large volumes of space.  Instead of a cathedral ceiling great room, try putting a 10’ or 12’ ceiling over this space.  You will still have a feeling of volume in the great room, but the space above is additional usable square footage.

This great room looses nothing by not not having a cathedral ceiling.

Higher ceilings and open areas negate the need for a vaulted ceiling.

3)       Build a “hybrid”.  A hybrid design may use a true post and beam frame for the main living areas (great room, kitchen, dining room), while using partial or no timber frame in the rest of the structure.  You may find you don’t need the posts showing in bedrooms which will save money.

These homeowners chose a hybrid post and beam look; putting the beams where they most wanted to see them.

4)       Choose drywall for ceilings and walls instead of the more expensive tongue and groove wood planks.  Or use the wood planks on select main areas of your home.

An example of drywall used on both the ceiling and the walls of a post and beam home.

5)       Make informed decisions on interior finishes.  The important goal to remember is you want to build a quality post and beam home with “good bones.”  You don’t have to complete everything at once. Prioritize your list of “must haves” and decide what should be installed as you build and what can be done or upgraded at a later date.

A lovely kitchen/breakfast nook put together without breaking the homeowner's budget.

This small rectangular home lives large with the later addition of a wrap-around porch and attached garage.