When I shopped around, I was quoted about $25 to $35 per square foot to (timber) frame a 4000 square foot house. Actually, the quotes were $15 to $25 per square foot if I supplied the timbers. These are US prices, about 2 years ago, in the midwest, for an oak frame, and a hammer beam great room.
Of course, then you need to add in the cost of the SIPs _and_ framing the windows and doors within the SIPs (if you go that route). I think I was quoted $15 to $20 per square foot for the SIP as a package with wiring chases and door/window frames precut.
My wild guess would be that a timberframe will cost $20 (low estimate) to $50 (on the high side) per square foot more than a stick built home. Factor in the cost of adding crown molding and extra insulation to the stick framed house to make it as nicely finished as the timber framed house and the gap closes.
FWIW, if you're framing the house yourself, I would think framing a timber frame house _yourself_ (cutting the notches and everything) would take at least 10 times longer than framing a stick house. I have watched small crews (2 people?) start and finish stick framed houses while I was still just notching my timbers. IMHO, the labor, not the materials is what makes a timberframe house more expensive.
my house project - 50% complete?
