I usually end up taking new people in the area on Timber Frame Tours, because they just don't get the concept. And because this is such a big timber framing community, there are plenty enough frames to show, so they get the point. I often have to explain that, no, they're not pre-fab homes, and no, they're not log homes. But I do like informing people to what a timber frame is, and I do tend to ramble on a bit obsessively, and make sure that I show them different styles and the difference between hand cut and machine cut frames (there are a few of both around). And the cost...yes, the cost. I know that one can build a timber frame with very little cost if one is willing to do it themselves. My husband designed and built a rustic straw bale frame for his buddy for under $20,000 CND (not including the $1000 CND in beer), using mostly salvaged wood a bunch of us volunteering labour - beer and experience being the pay-off
