With a solid foundation in place, we can proceed to the framing stage. Unlike previous stages, however, most all steps that take place during framing happen in sequence.

Key Steps Explained:

“Framing” is the process of building the wooden “shell” of your home atop the foundation walls. This involves setting structural steel and micro-laminated beam members, erecting exterior framed walls sheathed and covered with house wrap, interior framed walls & stairs, installing sub-floor, roof sheeting, soffits & facia, and windows & exterior doors (other than garage doors), including the exterior trim.

Every home we build has structural steel in it, and typically on each floor or level. The structural steel is prescribed and depicted on the architect’s plans. So, as the framers construct each level of your home, structural steel beams are delivered and set in place.

Obviously, the framing cannot take place without building materials – not only dimensional lumber (like two-by-fours, two-by-sixes, sheets of plywood, etc.) but engineered materials, nails, construction adhesive, joist hangars, structural strapping, soffit vents, etc. Building materials will be delivered to the framers throughout the framing process as needed.

Once the framers have progressed to the point where they have the plywood sheeting on the roof, the roofers will be on-site to “dry in” your home. This is the process of putting roof sheeting (a combination of tar paper and engineered weather-proof material) over the plywood to keep rain water out. After the framers finish with installing exterior trim, the roofers can return to install the actual roofing material for your home.

The framers will also install the windows and exterior doors for your home at this time. And the fireplace contractor will be on-site to install your chosen fireplaces as well.

With a framed structure in place and dried in, mechanical contractors can install their respective equipment as part of the interior rough-in stage.