Article written by Harry Tremain, Estimating Manager at Deeside Timberframe
When people think about timber frame construction, they often focus on speed, sustainability, and offsite efficiency—and rightly so. But for me, it all begins with value. My role as Estimating Manager is to translate our clients’ ambitions into clear, costed, and commercially viable solutions. At Deeside Timberframe, that starts long before we cut the first piece of timber.
Estimating is about much more than quoting a number. It’s about understanding the scope, anticipating the challenges, and identifying opportunities to add value. Every project we price—whether it’s for affordable housing, private residential, or commercial development—goes through a thorough review process. We assess architectural and engineering information, examine site-specific requirements, and align our estimate with the client’s programme, performance expectations, and budget targets.
In many ways, we’re the bridge between the client’s vision and the practical delivery of the project. That means balancing accuracy with agility, and working closely with colleagues across Design, Technical, and Operations to make sure what we price is not only right—but buildable.
What makes Deeside Timberframe different is the level of collaboration we build into the estimating process. From the outset, we involve our in-house experts to test assumptions, suggest alternatives, and value engineer smarter solutions. That might mean recommending a more efficient wall type, advising on U-value options, or tweaking a design to minimise material waste and simplify site assembly.
For us, estimating isn’t a standalone service—it’s the first step in a fully integrated project journey. By working hand-in-hand with our design and manufacturing teams, we can give clients clarity and confidence from day one.
Managing Risk, Maximising Certainty
In today’s market, cost certainty is everything. Labour shortages, material price fluctuations, and evolving regulations all put pressure on margins and timelines. That’s why early-stage estimating—done properly—plays such a crucial role in de-risking delivery.
Timber frame offers clients a real opportunity to drive efficiency, especially when they understand the timing and programming benefits. By factoring in reduced prelim costs, shorter build durations, and a faster route to weather-tight, our estimates help clients make more informed commercial decisions.
Ultimately, my job is about trust. Clients come to us with an idea—and it’s our responsibility to price that idea honestly, accurately, and strategically. We’re not interested in just winning work; we’re here to build long-term partnerships that are grounded in transparency and performance.
I take real pride in knowing that the numbers we put forward reflect the true value of building with timber frame. And as Deeside Timberframe continues to grow across the UK, I look forward to helping more developers unlock the full potential of offsite construction—right from the very first quote.
For more information on how Deeside Timberframe can support your next project with sustainable timber frame solutions, please contact info@deesidetimberframe.com or call 01569 767 123.