| Of course, we're not talking picture frames here. | | | | used in the rest of the home. When you're building |
| There are similarities. But, a picture without a | | | | a new home, you have options. |
| frame is still a picture. A home without a frame is | | | | - Traditional wood frame, stick built framing |
| ... well, just a pile of stuff. | | | | - Steel framing |
| What is a Home's Frame? | | | | - Panelized wood or steel framing packages |
| If you're planning to build a home or create a | | | | - Structural Insulated Panels or SIPS |
| home addition, it needs a structure. The frame is | | | | - Insulating Concrete Forms or ICFS Each has its |
| that structure. It defines the home's look and feel | | | | advantages and disadvantages. The smart |
| and provides its strength. It's the bones of your | | | | homebuilder will consider the material and labor |
| home ... the skeleton. | | | | costs for all of them. |
| Because of the incredible importance of the | | | | Framing Cost Comparisons |
| framing, pay close attention. And when it comes | | | | Amazingly, most of these various framing |
| to money, you shouldn't try to cut corners and | | | | systems, once completed, are comparably priced |
| cut costs unreasonably. | | | | ... say, within about 10% or so of each other. |
| Cost of Materials vs. Cost of Labor | | | | The differences can seem much larger depending |
| As important as the frame is, the cost for the | | | | upon how much factory labor is built in to the |
| materials alone can be an insignificant part of the | | | | product you purchase, such as when you buy wall |
| entire materials package for a home. The least | | | | panel systems. Be careful when comparing costs |
| expensive approach would be to purchase all the | | | | that you factor in this labor, as well as labor that |
| lumber and frame it yourself. Most of us can't do | | | | will be required on site. |
| that. | | | | How to Choose Your Best Approach to Framing |
| Framing labor costs (as with materials costs) vary | | | | Any of these types of framing can work well for |
| tremendously from region to region, state to | | | | you. They all can provide you with the proper |
| state and country to country. As a general rule, | | | | strength and insulation. It's all in the design and |
| you can pay as much for labor as it costs to | | | | engineering. So, if shopping for the best deal, the |
| purchase the raw materials. This is why some try | | | | choice comes down to speed and ease of building. |
| to do it themselves. | | | | My advice is simple. If you're looking to save |
| Are you a do-it-yourselfer? You may feel you | | | | some money, go with the either: |
| can do this, but, how many types of framing jobs | | | | - Framing approaches that your local contractors |
| are you familiar with? Does a lack of knowledge | | | | are most familiar with, or if you're an |
| limit your choice of materials? | | | | accomplished framer, you can choose ... |
| Types of Home Framing Materials | | | | - The type framing that you and your friends can |
| Carefully consider your options when it comes to | | | | easily do yourselves |
| framing. If you're building a home addition, it's | | | | Just remember that your home's structure, its |
| usually best to stick close to the materials already | | | | skeleton, must be done right. |