Framing Contractor

The framing contractor is probably the most important subcontractor on your owner builder project. They often not only subcontract as carpenters but also act as general contractors (GC). They can be a great source of information throughout the build. If you are considering hiring a construction consultant and your framer is a GC, it may make sense to hire them as your consultant.

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Be certain to request references when choosing your carpenter> and view some of their current projects. Ask them about their knowledge and use of advanced techniques and timelines for completion. Inquire about the costs for change orders and scheduling lead times. FIND A CONTRACTOR

Lumber Package Delivery

Be sure to ask your framing contractor how much notice they require to be scheduled. If they need 2 weeks, it is important to contact them at underslab plumbing .

Contact them again following your preslab inspection . Assuming you pour concrete the day after inspection, framing can commence as early as 2-3 days later.

Also contact your lumber supplier and schedule delivery of your building materials. The lumber package should arrive 2-3 days before the pour. If you are building on a smaller lot and cannot set materials without interfering with the concrete contractor , plan to drop materials for the carpenters 2-3 days after.

Placement of material is important. A poorly placed lumber pack can create serious logistical issues for your subcontractors . It is a good idea to coordinate with the delivery personnel, your carpenters, and possibly the concrete contractor so the material is staged in an area that is advantageous for all parties. The framing bid may include the lumber package or you may order it independently.

Framing the House

The framing process begins with layout or "snapping lines". The layout crew uses chalk line to establish where all sill plate will be set. They also layout rough openings, widths and heights. The carpenters will be able to read the layout including symbols and measurements that the layout crew puts down on the concrete slab.

A standard home should take approximately 6-12 days to complete rough carpentry.

Step one is to cut the sill plate or base plate.
Step two is to run sill seal. Sill seal is a foam seal that is placed between the slab and the sill plate.
Crews will next begin building wall sections and standing up walls.
Once the walls are stood up and the top plates are finished it will be time to roll trusses.

Layout Video

Trusses

Trusses must be delivered right on time. If they are several days early, there is a risk that they can be damaged. If they are late, the framer may have to push off your schedule. The rough carpenter can help you coordinate with your supplier to ensure an on time delivery of the trusses.

When Trusses are delivered the carpenter will schedule a crane. This is very expensive for him and there are factors that impact his ability to swing trusses safely. Do not expect him to load trusses if it is windy, raining or snowing. This presents an extreme hazard to workers. Once the truss package is on the structure, it takes only a day to stand them and begin sheeting the roof.

Frame Finish and Shear/Tie Inspection

The rough carpenter will now finish the process. They will finish the nailing on shear panels, tighten anchor bolts and tie downs, nail the hurricane ties and any simpson connectors that are called for in the blueprints. Once these items have been completed, be sure to require the carpenters to to a full sweep of the jobsite. It contributes to a successful inspection to have a clean project when the inspector arrives. It sets a tone.

The final item in the initial phase is the Sheet and Shear Inspection. The inspector will verify that all required anchor bolts, ties, hangers or connectors are in place and installed to specifications. This includes using the proper size of fasteners or nails in the proper configuration. You can find out what configurations are required in the blueprints. They are called nailing schedules.

Other items the inspector will look for are header sizes, beams and girders. He or she may also look into the materials used compared to what is called out for in the plans.

The Sheet and Shear Inspection or Frame and Tie Inspection is very intensive. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't pass the 1st time. That isn't unusual.

Window Installation

The carpentry crew is usually contracted to do your window installation as well. Window delivery should be scheduled as soon as crews snap lines and should take place just after sheet and shear inspection. The manufacturer may offer to cover the glass with a protective film. Ask about that. It may be worth paying an extra fee to have it done. There are also 3rd party contractors that specialize in applying the film. Check the yellow pages.

There are many things to consider when selecting windows for your homebuilding project.

SBI!