Fairly new to posting in this forum but have been a long time reader.  I am very impressed with the expertise of the contractors/builders that post here.

I am starting the journey of building a 3000sqft timber frame house in South Carolina.  I had thoughts about being my own GC but after reading some posts plus looking at my own work schedule I decided against it.  There is no way I would have time to spend on building.  However being an engineer by trade and a project manager I will follow the build closely.

From time to time call on you guys for advise or opinions, I am sure I will have a lot of questions.

Some details about the house:

as mentioned its 3000sqft with a walkout basement
Timbers are white pine
Timber frame supplier has been nominated
Land is already purchased (about 40acres)
I have a GC in mind but has not been selected yet

I already have questions/concerns but I will save them for another post.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated

Will you be getting competitive bids from the potential GC's?

I probably should. One of the guys that works for the timber frame company has offered to GC my house. The other guy I was thinking of has experience in building timber frames, just with a competitor. The timber frame company will install the timbers and after that it is a normal build, the only part that concerns me is the foundation needed for timbers, if something special is needed.

For the basement I am planning on using Superior Walls, your thoughts?

For 1st floor and 2nd floor walls I was planning on going with SIP's, but was told I could reach the same R-value with 2x6 and regular insulation. I know there has been a lot of different opinions on this subject, being in SC I figured SIP's would not be worth the extra cost.

BTW, I have read a lot of your posts ICFHybrid and value your opinion.

You need to get competitive bids. You learn a lot about your own build during the process of working up the bid. And then, you learn a fair amount about the prospective bidders while they work up their proposals. The whole process helps protect you as the person who is writing the checks, so there are no surprises.