Hey I just got finished building my own timber frame.My advise to you is study it and plan, plan , plan, even before you start cutting any trees, make sure you have a solid plan.The internet has a lot of great sites and discussion boards like this one from guys who have already went through the growing pains...if ya know what I mean.There are pros from all over the world willing to give advise.It took me 2 years of planning before I cut any wood.But when it came time to build there was no questions or head scratching.The plans were drawn and everything went smooth, and I am not a carpenter but learned everything from studying it on line, and talking to people.It also saved me from making some serious mistakes.But above all dont scrimp on your foundation.