Once the foundation is complete, framing will start. This is a vital part of the construction process, and should be undertaken with great care, as poor framing will cause serious problems down the road.
The first step for good framing is to establish square and level. Once the framer has established the “high” point in the walls he can level the floor from there, ensuring you will have a level floor. Additionally, the step of squaring the home from the start is very important for the entire home to be square.
Before any framing has started and prior to ordering the framing lumber package, the builder should have consulted with a structural engineer to ensure the proper placement of beams (spacing, size of joist, etc.) to ensure the home will be able to handle the loads you will be placing on it.
The use of engineered floor joist has become very common as they offer a lot of advantages over traditional 2x10 or 2/12’s. They come in different sizes to handle different loads and spans. They are engineered so they are very flat and have a much wider nailing surface than the traditional 2 x 10’s or 2 x 12’s, which only have an approximate 1½” nailing surface.
This becomes important when trying to nail the ends of 2 pieces of plywood on the same joist. Being flat also helps create a good flat floor, not wavy as can happen with traditional joists. T.J.I.’s will come with very detailed instructions as to how they are to be set and fastened. The framer must follow these instructions in their entirety.
These initial steps are essential in ensuring that your home will be properly framed and ensure that the rest of the construction process will give you the results you need.