Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Wall Framing
Wall Framing guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Wall Framing? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Wall Framing work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Wall Framing work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Wall Framing labor cost? What are the important Wall Framing quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Wall Framing - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Wall Framing? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Wall Framing expect to pay between $0.64 to $1.04 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Wall Framing work? | Your Wall Framing project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Wall Framing work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Wall Framing work? | The operation and performance of the framing lumber may be adversely affected by inexperience or poor installation techniques. Hire service providers for Wall Framing carefully and be sure to tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (from the list below). |
| Is Wall Framing something that I can do myself? | The typical Wall Framing project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Wall Framing requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Wall Framing work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Wall Framing - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Wall Framing. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Wall 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 Wall 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
- Vertical edges of framing lumber will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- 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
Wall Framing - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Wall 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 Wall 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 Wall 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
