Framing for Custom Homes

This part of the custom home building construction is the longest. The skill of your framer will impact the quality of your custom home as well as your ability to stay on schedule. Make sure your carpenter has experience not just working on a site but should have been a master carpenter on several jobs.

There are numerous things that should be done to ensure a quality job is done, such as crowning all material during construction. Crowning is when the natural curve of the lumber is turned in the same direction in all the framing.
The type and quality of lumber must also be specified. A higher grade of lumber will cost more but in the long run will make a better job.
Another consideration is whether to use dimensional lumber which is lumber that has been cut to specific, commonly used sizes such as 2x4 or 2x6 or to use engineered lumber which is framing material made from recycled or fast growth lumber and manufactured for specific strength. The advantage of the latter is that it is stronger, more precise since it will not twist or bow, shrinks less and is environmentally friendly.
The framing is the creation of the basic structure of your custom home, walls, floors, ceiling and roof of the custom home.
There are two main types of framing. Balloon and platform. Platform is the most common. the first level is constructed and then the second level is added on top of the first.
In balloon framing the exterior wall studs are continuous from basement to roof. This method is used where a two story room is on an exterior wall or for Cathedral ceilings on an exterior wall.
First phase of the framing of the custom home is the sub floor. The frame is built and plywood manufactured specifically for this purpose is installed. The walls are then framed in with window and door openings in place. It is crucial during the framing to make sure that walls are square and spacing is as planned. Otherwise the proportions and placement of everything that follows may be a problem. Examples of this would be fireplaces, stairs.
If a one piece shower stall is being used make sure it is in place before the walls go up since most do not fit through standard openings.
Roof framing can be done in two ways. Stick built is the older method and takes more time and lumber and requires load bearing walls for support. Roof trusses are less expensive since there is less labour involved and do not require any support form the interior walls. This allows for more flexibility in the interior layout. Roof sheathing is installed over the frame and then the sheathing is put on the exterior walls. Windows and doors are next.
Throughout the framing process it is important to be aware of the other subs requirements. The plumbing, heating and air conditioning installations require correct framing to allow for ductwork etc. Make sure the blueprints are clear on where these must go and that the framer is aware of them in the construction of your custom home.

Framing for Custom Homes

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