Why It’s Time To Start Planning Your 2026 Projects Now – With Our Help
For those who want to make 2026 their strongest year yet, now is the time to start planning. In an industry where lead times, materials, and labour availability can make or break a schedule, forward planning is the difference between a smooth start to the new year and playing catch-up well into spring.
In this guide, we’ll tell you more about what you’ll be getting by planning your projects in advance, and how our oak-framed kits can help you get started as soon as possible.
Getting a Competitive Edge From Early Planning
By starting to design and schedule your 2026 projects now, you’ll be taking control of every element. This includes material procurement and site scheduling, as well as staffing and client management. By January, while others are scrambling to plan their projects and have them set out smoothly, you’ll already have projects locked in, costs confirmed, and your supply chain secured.
Planning early also means you can quote more accurately, manage cash flow better, and give your clients the confidence that their project timelines are realistic. It’s a hallmark of professionalism, and it’s something your clients notice.
Managing Supply, Demand, and Lead Times
With an average turnaround of around 6-8 weeks from signoff to delivery at our site, it’s essential to get your orders in early. By starting to plan your 2026 builds now, you’ll secure your place in the production queue before next year’s rush begins. That means you can secure delivery windows and avoid the frustration of delayed starts when suppliers reach capacity.
Aligning With Clients’ Goals
Many homeowners, developers, and architects are already outlining their goals for 2026. Whether it’s an oak-framed garage, garden room, or bespoke porch, clients are thinking ahead to the projects that will transform their properties next year. Being ready to meet those clients with accurate designs, clear quotes, and realistic build timelines sets you apart as a trade professional who’s organised, reliable, and proactive.
By starting early, you’ll also have more time to collaborate on design details, address planning considerations, and refine specifications before production begins. That means fewer surprises later and happier clients when the work starts.
Key Considerations When Planning 2026 Projects
Before locking in your schedule for the year ahead, it’s worth reviewing a few essential considerations:
Project Scope and Budget: Take stock of your current client enquiries and separate confirmed projects from those that still need follow-ups. This ensures you can allocate time and resources effectively, without overcommitting or underselling.
Seasonal Scheduling: Consider the seasons when mapping out your workload. Groundwork-heavy builds are best completed in the warmer months, while enclosed or interior projects can be prioritised for autumn and winter.
Planning Permissions: Applications can take longer than expected, especially for larger or more complex builds. Submitting them early, or having your client submit them early, reduces the risk of administrative hold-ups that can delay your start dates.
Trusted Suppliers: The partners you choose directly impact your timelines. Work with suppliers known for reliability, quality, and transparent lead times to keep every project on track from the outset.
How We Make Planning Simple
At Oak Frames Direct, we make it easy for you to plan ahead with confidence. From your first quote to final delivery, our process is designed to save you time, reduce admin, and simplify project coordination.
Here’s how we’ll help you make planning simple:
Fast Drawings and Clear Timelines: Our typical turnaround includes 1–2 weeks for drawings and around 6-8 weeks for build and delivery. You’ll know exactly when your frame will arrive because we will work closely with you on supply and delivery. There will be no guesswork and no hidden delays.
Instant Online Quoting: Instead of planning costs out by hand, you can use our simple online builder to configure and price your oak frame in minutes. It’s a quick, accurate way to get costs locked in ahead of schedule.
Precision-Engineered Quality: Every oak frame is made using high-quality green oak or Douglas-fir timber from sustainable French sources, machine-cut to exact measurements for perfect assembly.
Q-Mark Certification Standards: We’re proud to be Q-Mark-certified. This means our frames are built to industry-leading standards, covering 22 separate regulations for safety, durability, and performance. This is a level few in the market can match.
Trade-Friendly Kits: All frames arrive as easy-to-assemble kits, complete with full instructions and nationwide delivery options. We make installation simple, saving you valuable time on site.
Your One-Stop Shop for Oak Frame Projects
Whatever your future projects involve, you can rest assured that we’ll have the solution. From single-bay garages to large multi-bay complexes, bespoke porches, garden rooms, and pergolas, we supply everything you need in one place. All are built to order, delivered on time, and engineered to last.
Our team works closely with trade professionals across the UK, helping them deliver projects that meet all client expectations while keeping timelines and budgets firmly on track. With clear processes, fast turnarounds, and proven reliability, we’re the one-stop shop you can depend on for all your oak-frame kit supply needs in 2026 and beyond.
Get Ahead for 2026
Start your next project the smart way by planning early, ordering with confidence, and partnering with Oak Frames Direct.
Get your instant quote online through one of our builders today, or speak to our friendly team about your upcoming trade projects. Together, we’ll make sure 2026 is your most efficient, profitable, and productive year yet.
Darren Hook has been in the Oak Framed Building industry for over 30 years. He took over the business from his father and has been the driving force behind acquiring Trada Q-Mark certification. He has a lifelong love for traditional and sustainable building methods.
