What is a Timber Frame & Truss Supplier (Alpha)?

A Timber Frame and Truss Supplier provides pre-fabricated timber wall frames and roof trusses for your home, custom-made off-site to suit your architectural and engineering plans. The “Alpha” package typically refers to your primary structural framing – wall frames, internal load-bearing walls, and main roof trusses – delivered as one shipment for site assembly.


This is one of the most critical material orders for your build and needs to align precisely with your slab, frame set-out, and bracing details.

What does a Timber Frame & Truss Supplier do?

Your supplier will complete works according to your agreed scope of supply.


Typically, they will:

  • Use your architectural and structural plans to generate a full frame layout
  • Prefabricate all structural timber components (frames, lintels, trusses)
  • Deliver the components to site, labelled and bundled for efficient install
  • Provide bracing, fixings, and layout documentation for your carpenter
  • Liaise with your builder, engineer, or surveyor if discrepancies arise


Some suppliers offer wall frame installation or crane coordination as an add-on, but this is often handled by your framing carpenter.

Tip: Finalise Floor, Bracing, and Roof Pitch Before Ordering Frames

Get your engineer’s floor system and bracing plan finalised before ordering frames — missing details lead to hold-ups and costly rework.


And don’t forget the roof pitch — it affects truss height, eaves width, and whether you’ll need a crane to unload onsite.

What to look for in a Frame & Truss Supplier

When reviewing quotes, look for:

  • Confirmation of inclusions (wall frames, roof trusses, lintels, fixings, bracing)
  • Materials used (treated pine, MGP10, LVL, etc.)
  • Timing for shop drawings, manufacture, and delivery
  • Flexibility around changes and on-site adjustments
  • Detailed layout plans and assembly documents
  • Choose a supplier who regularly works with residential builders and has experience coordinating deliveries around slab and framing crews.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Timber Frame & Truss Suppliers, you’ll need:

  • Full architectural plans (floor plan, elevations, sections)
  • Structural engineering drawings (bracing, beam layouts)
  • Roof pitch, wall heights, and slab set-out
  • Site access details and crane/delivery requirements
  • Preferred delivery window (ideally aligned with framing start)

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can my carpenter build the frames on-site instead?

    Yes — but prefab frames save time, reduce waste, and ensure precision. Most builders prefer factory-made trusses and walls.

  • Do I need to coordinate crane hire myself?

    Check the quote — some suppliers include crane unload and some don’t. Your builder or framer can advise what’s needed.



How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.