After anticipation and negotiation, we are delighted to share that we have finally received our mortgage offer. The road to this point was far from straightforward, with one particular issue dominating the discussions: timber cladding.
The Timber Debate
Our original design featured both a timber frame and timber cladding. While aesthetically pleasing and environmentally appealing, this combination raised concerns with the lender. Their hesitation centred on fire safety, a critical factor in construction and lending decisions.
We have ensured that building regulations would be satisfied, as our home is designed to be only one story high and under 11 meters tall, while also maintaining a distance of more than 1 meter from the boundary. This compliance aligns with local fire safety codes and regulations, allowing for the safe use of timber materials without compromising safety standards.
What followed was a series of conversations, clarifications, and proposals. The lender suggested that a masonry sleeve could be introduced between the timber frame and the cladding to improve fire resistance. To us, this sounded like adding an entire wall, which prompted further discussions with our builder.
Rethinking the Structure
The builder explained that moving from a timber frame to a masonry frame would not significantly alter the cost of the project. In fact, it could simplify matters by directly addressing the lender’s concerns rather than layering on additional compromises.
With this in mind, we proposed to the lender that we switch to a masonry frame altogether. This adjustment provided the reassurance they needed, while still allowing us to maintain much of the design we had envisioned.
The Outcome
The lender accepted the revised proposal, and with that, our mortgage offer was finally approved. It was a moment of relief and celebration after weeks of back-and-forth discussions.
This experience highlighted the importance of flexibility in the building process. While timber had been our initial preference, adapting to masonry ultimately ensured the project could move forward without jeopardising financing. Sometimes, compromise is the key to progress.
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