Cut timber yourself or approach a company

Hello dear forum members,

we are currently facing the question of whether to fell our own construction timber for our upcoming single-family house due to beetle infestation in our own forest. We are forced to fell several cubic meters in the next few weeks. These can be used for the roof structure, etc. (Beams, battens, planks, rafters, etc.)

The following problem:
We plan to start building at the beginning of 2022/end of 2021. Gable roof in T-shape with double garage. The floor plan should be approx. (8x10 + 5x6)..
Currently, there is no building plan available, so we have to store the timber for now or cut it only with approximate measurements. The main question for us now is the financial aspect. Is the work worthwhile at all? We will fell the trees ourselves and then have them sawn at the sawmill. We will also build the roof with the help of friendly carpenters.

Is it worthwhile to fell and have the timber sawn yourself, or should you go directly through a company (carpentry) that sells the timber to me or manufactures the entire roof structure?

Does anyone have experience? With a saving of only 2000 - 5000 €, I would have to carefully consider whether the extra effort is worthwhile.

What do you think about the project? I am hoping for good advice. Thanks in advance

Hi,
I see a few problems here.
Firstly, only KVH is used for the roof truss. Here, twists, damage points, and lengths are compensated for. You can have this done with your wood as well.
Your wood must be dry by then, problem storage and drying until processing. Most carpenters plan and order ready-trussed wood, for which you could possibly also supply the wood. If your carpenter still tears it apart then respect.
These are all minor things that can be fixed, but overall I don't think it's worth it, or the work and problem-solving is too great.
However, I know someone who did it exactly like this. But I believe the emotional aspect of using one's own wood was greater than anything else.

I just thought of something. I also know someone who had their wood cut up (spruce) and made all the floors in the house from it. It looks really good, better than you might expect. Of course, spruce is not hardwood, but you get dents from children even in oak.

In the family, we had a case where own wood was cut and processed for a pergola. In the end, it was not only more time-consuming but also more expensive.

If you have to cut wood yourself and enjoy it, it could work if the carpentry cooperates (topic warranty?).

Financially, I don't think it pays off even remotely. I see it more as a hobby.

Just checked with us... the cut timber of the roof frame (+wedge beam) was worth 2,000 €. So if you calculate your work + the sawmill costs, the only savings you will have are emotional moments. It might even be more expensive because the quality of your wood may not be optimal. Nice idea, but rather not good.

I also tend to think that it can only get more expensive, better make firewood out of it and install a big stove. You'll get more out of that.