Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Ceiling Framing
Ceiling Framing guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Ceiling Framing? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Ceiling Framing work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Ceiling Framing work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Ceiling Framing labor cost? What are the important Ceiling Framing quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Ceiling Framing - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Ceiling Framing? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Ceiling Framing expect to pay between $1.14 to $1.53 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Ceiling Framing work? | Design approval and/or permits from your local building authority are usually required for Ceiling Framing. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Ceiling Framing work begins. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Ceiling Framing work? | The operation and performance of the framing lumber may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Ceiling Framing carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Ceiling Framing something that I can do myself? | The typical Ceiling Framing project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Ceiling Framing requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Ceiling Framing work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Ceiling Framing - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Ceiling Framing. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Ceiling Framing work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Ceiling Framing will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed framing lumber layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The framing lumber will be constructed so that the lines formed by diagonally opposite corners are the same length (no more than 1/8 inch difference)
- Install framing lumber with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- Finished framing lumber will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- The framing lumber will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
Ceiling Framing - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Ceiling Framing. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the framing lumber work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Determine if permit is required for Ceiling Framing by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of framing lumber, before any work begins
- Review quantity calculations for framing lumber and any associated construction materials; overage /waste should be less than 7.5% of calculated quantities
- Manage delivery of framing lumber; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store framing lumber in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Install framing lumber using vinyl coated framing nails, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Correct any permit issues; schedule and confirm final permit inspection signoff
- Inspect Ceiling Framing and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
