Where does framing fit your project?
Pick the closest match. Each one shows how we handle that kind of job, then you can go deeper or book a visit.
For homeowners: Framing
Planned for the home you live in, with the work done in order and the site kept clean.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For custom homes: Framing
Included in the full new-build plan, with the trades coordinated under one lead.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For commercial spaces: Framing
Scheduled around occupancy, built to the commercial code and the building use.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For high-rise buildings: Framing
Planned for vertical access, fire separation, sound and the building schedule.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
For renovations: Framing
Scoped with the rest of the renovation so the trades work in the right order.
- Scope agreed in writing before any work starts
- One lead on site from start to handover
- Clear records at handover
Framing
Wall, floor and roof framing built to the drawings and the code. The structure every other trade depends on.
How this guide works
Framing carries the loads and sets the shape of every room. It is built to the drawings, the engineering and the code, then inspected before anything covers it. Work through the decisions in order.
Decision 1: Where framing is used
Framing goes into new builds, additions, renovations and commercial fit-outs. The use decides the member size and the spacing.
| Use | Typical framing | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| New homes | Dimensional lumber or engineered wood | Loads, spacing, bracing |
| Additions and renovations | Matched to the existing structure | Tie-ins, temporary support |
| Commercial | Steel or engineered members | Loads, fire rating, spans |
Our pick: The drawings and the engineering come first. Framing is built to them, not to habit.
Decision 2: Wood or steel
Wood is the standard for houses. Steel suits longer spans, commercial buildings and fire-rated walls.
| Material | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensional lumber | Houses and standard spans | Moisture and shrinkage |
| Engineered wood (LVL, I-joists) | Long spans and floors | Cost, needs the right install |
| Steel studs and joists | Commercial and fire walls | Needs specific fixings |
Our pick: Wood for houses. Steel or engineered wood where the span or the rating needs it.
Decision 3: Spacing and bracing
Stud and joist spacing, and the bracing, decide the strength of the wall and the floor. The code sets the minimums.
| Element | Check |
|---|---|
| Stud spacing | To the code and the drawings |
| Floor joists | Spacing and bearing |
| Bracing and sheathing | Racking strength for the wall |
Our pick: Check the bracing before the sheathing goes on. It is hidden once the wall is covered.
Decision 4: Openings and headers
Openings for doors and windows need headers sized for the load above. The header size depends on the span and what sits above it.
| Opening | Header |
|---|---|
| Standard door or window | Sized to the code table |
| Wide opening | Engineered beam to the drawings |
| Opening in a load-bearing wall | Engineered, with temporary support |
Our pick: Wide openings are engineered. Never size a header by guess.
Decision 5: Inspection before cover
Framing is inspected before insulation, drywall or sheathing covers it. The inspection is what protects the next trades.
| Stage | What is checked |
|---|---|
| Framing | Sizes, spacing, headers, bracing |
| Plumbing and electrical rough-in | Before the walls close |
| Insulation | Before the drywall goes on |
Our pick: Book the framing inspection early. It is the cheapest time to fix a problem.
Decision 6: Warning signs and timing
Framing problems show as cracks, out-of-square openings and sagging floors. Most are structural, so they are checked early.
| Sign | Act by |
|---|---|
| Sagging floor or bouncy spot | Checking the joists and the support |
| Cracks above openings | Checking the header and the load path |
| Doors out of square | Checking the framing and the settlement |
Our pick: Check structural signs with an engineer before any finish is changed.
Decision 7: Permits and inspection
New framing is inspected before it is covered. Changes to load-bearing framing need engineering and a permit.
| Scope | Check |
|---|---|
| New walls and floors | Framing inspection before cover |
| Changing load-bearing framing | Engineering and permit |
| Commercial framing | Check fire rating and code |
Our pick: Book the framing inspection before the cover goes on. It is the cheapest time to fix a problem.
Decision 8: Coordination with the other trades
Framing sets up the work for the trades that follow. Their rough-ins have to fit the framing as it is built.
| Trade | What framing needs |
|---|---|
| Plumbing and electrical | Bays and holes planned before the framing is done |
| Insulation | Cavities clear |
| Drywall | Framing flat and plumb |
| Roofing | Trusses or rafters installed to the design |
Our pick: Plan the rough-in openings on the framing drawings before the first stud goes up.
Decision 9: Warranty and maintenance
Framing lasts when it stays dry and the loads are as designed. Watching for moisture and movement protects it.
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Moisture | Checked after leaks and before finishes |
| Movement | Monitored after the first year |
| Loads | Not changed without engineering |
Our pick: Do not change a load-bearing member without engineering. Check for moisture after any leak.
Questions
Do you frame additions?
Yes. Framing is part of our build and addition work.
Is framing inspected?
Yes, at the stages the municipality requires.
Can you frame around existing structure?
Yes, with the engineering the existing house needs.
Talk to the Plug
Tell us the project and the drawings. We check the framing plan against the site, build to the engineering, and book the inspections.
Related: Second Storey AdditionsCustom Homes & New BuildsAll contracting
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