Frequently Asked Questions

How do we construct our trusses?

We use the age-old art of mortise and tenon Joinery in the construction of our timber truss units. We hand cut every timber in each structure for a good solid fit. Solid oak pegs, shouldered timbers and mortise & tenon joints are used to ensure the structural integrity of each truss.

When to contact us? 

If you want to use timber trusses or beams, it is best if we are contacted during the budget/design stage, to ensure installation of our timber trusses and beams can be made during the framing stage. It is best to place your order before the start of construction.

What do you need to bid my plans?

In order to give you the most accurate quote we will need a final set of blue prints. We can work off of rough drawings but it will be an estimation to the best of our ability only, not an exact bid. In some instances, we would submit alternative options based on our experience. Some of these options include such items as appearance or cosmetic suggestions. Other options might include ones that could result in cost savings without a significant impact on appearance and with no impact on strength.

If your trusses are structural and not merely architectural there will be an additional fee to engineer your plans. If your plans have been previously engineered, an engineer stamp will be required. In many instances minor changes are not a big concern. However, for repetitive or structural changes there will be additional time or engineering charges beyond the contract.

Also, an exact detailed drawing or template will be needed for all cut-work, such as; rafter tails, corbels, support brackets and all other cut-work. We have standard patterns to choose from. If you choose one of our standard patterns, a copy will be faxed to you and you will be required to sign off on it for your order to be approved for production.

Is the lumber specially ordered for my specific timber truss job?

Yes. Generally the lumber is Douglas Fir. Other species will be quoted upon request and would be subject to availability and suitability. All materials are of the highest quality. If your design utilizes metal plates, they are fabricated to exact specifications, as determined by the engineer.

Will the trusses be pre-painted or stained?

No, it will be much less expensive for you to have this done at the job-site.

What else do I need to know?

We do not begin fabrication until the builder or homeowner has signed off on our production bid. While this does require some additional time, we do not want any party to find any surprises. Your timber beams and trusses will be a highly visibly part of your home and will require all parties to be in agreement.

Is a deposit required when the contract is signed?

Since all of the timbers, plates, hardware and other materials involved are purchased specifically for your project, we require a deposit equal to 60% of the total contract price at the time the contract is signed. The balance is to be paid when your order is off-loaded from our truck, by means arranged by you (unless otherwise noted on the contract). In the event that a common carrier is the most cost-effective method of delivery, the balance of the contract price must be prepaid before your truss or beam order can be loaded onto the common carrier.

How will my trusses be off-loaded and installed?

For most large truss orders, a crane will be needed to off-load and set at the job site. Scheduling and coordination of the crane will be the customer’s responsibility. A Ridgeview Timberworks representative will accompany your truss delivery to oversee and assist the primary installation by the installer.