Framing Contractors Key Terms

Learn about framing contractors

By Marjorie Gilbert

Framing contractors are contractors who specialize in framing both residential and commercial buildings. The framing is literally the backbone of the building, so it is imperative that the framing contractor is both qualified and skilled in his profession. Failure to frame properly adversely affects the integrity of the building which could result in the building's collapse.

Below are some key words to consider when hiring framing contractors. It should help you know what to look for as well as what questions to ask.

Insurance

One of the first questions to ask framing contractors is whether or not they are insured. This protects your company should something happen to the building as well as protect the framer himself. Keep a copy of the framing contractor's certificate of insurance on hand for the duration of the job. In some states, a framing contractor needs to be licensed. Ask for a copy of the licensee as well.
Try: Companies like Service Magic list contractors, framing contractors included, that have been pre-screened, meaning they are listed as having insurance and licenses. Cool Insuring Agency offers insurance for all contractors, including framing contractors as well.

References

Another important step when considering framing contractors is asking for references. It is important to determine the work the framing contractor is capable of doing, how other clients have found him or her, whether or not he does his work in a timely fashion, and more. You can also view the framing contractor's previous work.
Try: Oregon Framing Contractors gives good tips on what to ask for for references from framing contractors (#2). Follow these steps in your own state.

Wood framing

A type of framing found most often is wood framing, or framing with wood rather than some other material. As the building code may vary from state to state, the framing contractor must be familiar with the building codes in the area in which the contraction takes place.
Try: Info for Building details wood framing information for you to review.

Cold-formed steel framing

Cold-formed steel framing refers to framing with steel. This is something commercial framing contractors specialize in, though the numbers of residential buildings that utilize cold-formed steel framing in their construction are increasing. These contractors, like residential framing contractors, must also abide by the regulations regarding commercial construction.
Try: Cemco Steel has a very good section on cold-formed steel framing.

Timber framing

Timber framing refers to a type of framing that is, according to one framing contractor, a "specialized version of post and beam that is built like furniture, using mortise and tenon joinery, held in place with wooden pegs". Framing contractors use timber framing for not just barns, but residential and commercial buildings as well.
Try: Northern Lights Timber Framing is an excellent resource, for it defines timber framing.

Frame with ECO-block

ECO-Block is a combination of high-density plastic and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Framing contractors make use of these blocks when framing, and it is a system that may well replace framing with wood. Framing with ECO-block is considered greener, has higher R value that conventional framing as well as requires less labor to construct.
Try: The ECO-Block site offers a cross-section of the process. It is very informative as well as interesting.