Some tips for hiring a framer or contractor include getting project bids from at least three contractors and asking to see samples of their previous work. You may also ask to speak with previous clients.
Your general contractor should be able to refer you to a local framing contractor. Their established relationship may translate into lower rates and better work. Interview all contractors, trust your instincts, and choose a professional you feel is right for the job. Finally, get a clear contract that details the framing project.
Framing a house usually takes between five and eight weeks. This timeframe can vary depending on the size and complexity of the home and unforeseen factors such as the weather. This doesn’t include any delays involved in acquiring building permits and passing safety inspections. You’ll also need to excavate the land and lay a foundation before framing.
The cost to frame a 3,000-square-foot house depends on the complexity of the plan. The price to frame a one-story house with a simple design may be as low as $15,000. A custom design with multiple stories and more intricate detail can easily exceed $40,000 in framing costs.
Framing interior walls costs between $7 and $16 per square foot. A 12-by-12-foot room spans 144 square feet, so the cost to frame it is anywhere from $1,000 to $2,300. This framing cost estimate includes materials and labor but doesn’t factor in drywall installation, electrical outlets, and framing for doors and windows.