Brand Your Timber Home
They Laughed When I Told Them I Was Going To "Brand" My House
How to Add Class To Your Home by Carving or Burning a Message Into the Timbers of Your Home.
Lettering or art burnt into exposed structural beams is a great way to influence your home and lifestyle with a sense of stability and permanency. A classic example is the date the structure was built. More personalized examples may be your family name, a bible verse, a quote, or even artwork.
What to say and where to put it:
Hmmmmm......... What to say? Ask yourself, what are my highest priorities?
If resale is a big concern, you may want to go with something universal such as the date of construction, the address or 'welcome' near the front of your home.
However, if appealing to the broadest possible market is secondary to expressing your taste and values, the sky is the limit! Your reflection of taste could actually increase the value of your home to the right buyer (really no different than choosing an architectural style).
A kitchen could, for example have a quote like 'A dash of love......', or a cooking quote. A picture of a steaming platter of food is another great idea.
Quotes about contentedness, joy, forgiveness and love are powerful statements that make for a happy peaceful home, and are fitting in many locations. A versatile expression could be a simple flower or a nature scene. Room titles are another option such as 'Gathering Room' or 'Library'.
Hobbies or pursuits are subject to change and are attractive to a smaller percentage of buyers; however these are usually the most fun to look at. A thimble and a needle, portrait or silhouette of your pet, carving of your trophy fish, a galloping horse, the ideas are endless.....brainstorm ideas and give yourself enough time to let your instinct sort through the choices. If you want to consult with your timber framer, friends and family, go for it! Just keep in mind that this could influence your expression choice adversely. Ultimately the final choice is yours!
Making your expression reality:
1) Communicate idea to timber framer
2) Get a contract for good communication
Use sketches or notes to convey your idea. If you already have an artist/graphics designer you are comfortable with, he/she could communicate directly with your timber framer.
Your timber framer should provide you with a contract that includes:
A) Picture of your expression (even if it is only wording) Text, style, height, spacing and appearance are best seen in a picture.
B) A picture of the expression's location within the framework.
C) Whether the expression will be carved or 'branded'…whether carving will be relief or 3D.
D) Final price.
* Remember to double check spelling!
Curious about some other topic? Please contact me, thanks.
