Are you a company that offers custom designs as well as building?

Great question! While we don’t have an in-house design staff, we do have local partners that we work with who offer full architectural services. They’re a creative and passionate bunch, and we’d be happy to work with them, or collaborate with an architect or designer of your choosing. Even more exciting, we are able to build off a schematic design (conceptual sketches), that we will review and refine with the client, as the design organically evolves during the construction phase. We love this collaborative process, co-creating with our clients! This is where some of our most interesting projects have originated and we welcome any new ideas you may have.

When do we get involved in the project?

Right away! We want you to be part of the design process, as much, or as little, as you want. We can take the helm and deliver a beautiful result, but we’d rather have you with us every step of the way. With your guidance, we can develop a better understanding of your goals, and how you’d like the project to proceed. It allows us to better achieve budget goals, provide recommendations when it comes to logistical considerations and resources, and ultimately, to develop solutions, if any problems should arise during the design or construction phase.

I’m interested in building a home outside your area. Can I still use your services?

Yes, you can! When we work on projects away from home, we use a collaborative process. Some of the construction may be built off-site. But, don’t worry. Our crew will install it in a relatively short period of time. Then, for finishing touches, we would typically employ local tradesmen in your area. All of this would be under our supervision, of course, to ensure top quality, high-performance, as well as compliance with local regulations.

I want my home to express my unique personality – are you open to unusual ideas?

Of course. Our reputation is built on embracing the unknown! We want your home to reflect your individual style. So, give us your wildest dreams, your most outlandish requests. Want a forest abode that looks as if it emerged from the trees, or the medieval feel of a European castle? We will try our best to make your vision, any vision, come true!

What if I don’t want a timber frame home? Can I ask for any style of construction?

We don’t want to put limits on your imagination, so of course we can accommodate other styles of construction. We have years of experience in all types of builds. Even most of our timber frame houses have a substantial portion that is conventionally framed.

How long does it take to build a new home?

We know you’re excited about turning your dream home into reality, but it’s important to take time during the design phase to consider and select the various options. But generally, our builds take anywhere from six months to a year, once construction begins. It all depends on how grand your vision is!

Renovate a Post and Beam Home in Connecticut | Barn Builders in Connecticut| Old Mill Builders

A modern Connecticut post and beam home is built to comply with present safety and construction regulations. But if you own an older post and beam property, there may come a point when a renovation becomes necessary to comply with updated building codes. Such a project requires careful planning to preserve the home’s historical value, especially if it’s a listed property.

In this blog, we will share the challenges and opportunities of renovating this type of home. Discover how our team at Old Mill Builders can ensure a smooth project from start to finish.

Challenges of renovating a post and beam home

Cost
Connecticut post and beam homes can be expensive to renovate, costing up to 25% more than conventional construction with timber frames for the same house. This is due to the specialized and extra labor required.
Moisture
Older post and beam homes are susceptible to moisture damage. Without proper care and maintenance, the wood can rot and decay, especially at the connection points with complex joinery.
Time-consuming
Renovating post and beam homes can take a significant amount of time especially when weather conditions such as rain and high humidity extend the drying and treatment process.

Opportunities when renovating a post and beam home

During renovation, you can enhance post-and-beam construction’s inherent sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly insulation and energy-efficient windows while retaining the biodegradable structural elements.
You can also strategically reinforce existing oak beams to enhance fire resistance and meet modern safety standards while preserving the historic material.
Renovation provides the chance to create open, dramatic spaces that complement the original post-and-beam structure. At Old Mill Builders, we specialize in designs that highlight the exposed beams as ornamental features to add unique character to the space.
Renovations can include treatments to enhance the pest resistance of existing pine beams or the replacement with treated wood, significantly extending the lifespan of the home and ensuring its continued structural integrity.

Don’t hesitate to contact us here at Old Mill Builders if you are interested in renovating your post and beam home in Connecticut. We’ll use our experience and expertise to deliver an even stronger, more beautiful home that you and your family can enjoy for many years.

Challenges of renovating a post and beam home

Opportunities when renovating a post and beam home

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