Framing Costs

Learn How to Estimate Framing Costs on Your Rehab Projects
Overview
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Things to Look For
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Price Ranges
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Repair Items
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Labor Costs
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Material Costs
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Location Factor
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Other Factors
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Calculating Your Budget
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Examples
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Other Resources

Overview

Structural framing is the backbone of any house, providing essential support and stability. As a house flipper, you might encounter projects that involve significant structural modifications or additions. This guide helps you understand the costs associated with structural framing and make informed decisions for your renovations.

Things to Look For

When evaluating structural framing, look for signs of damage, such as sagging beams, cracked joists, or uneven floors.  Pay attention to any indications of previous modifications or repairs that might not meet current building codes.

For a detailed inspection checklist and guidance on assessing structural framing, refer to our Structural Framing Inspection Guide.

Price Ranges

Structural framing costs can vary widely depending on the project's scope and complexity. New additions, including framing for floors, walls, and roofs, typically range from $5 to $12 per square foot. Individual framing assemblies, such as floor joists or roof rafters, can cost **$3 to $12 per square foot**.

Category Repair Items

Labor & Installation Costs

Labor costs for structural framing depend on the project complexity and local labor rates.

  • Typical labor rate: $50 - $100 per hour per carpenter
  • Crew size: Varies depending on the project size
  • Estimated cost: $5 - $12 per square foot (this can vary significantly based on the complexity of the framing)

Factors that can influence labor costs include:

  • Accessibility: Difficult-to-access areas may require more labor.
  • Complexity: Complex roof lines or intricate framing details increase labor time.
  • Structural engineering:  If structural engineering is required, this will add to the cost.

Installation Timeline

The installation time for structural framing depends on the project's size and complexity. A small framing project might take a few days, while a large addition could take several weeks.

Material Costs

Location Factor

Location Adjustment

The prices in the table are based on typical framing projects in an average suburban area. Structural framing costs can vary substantially by location. If you are located in the East or West Coast, you could expect to pay 15% to 50% more than the recommended price provided. Consult our location multiplier index for more accurate pricing in your market.

Determining Your Local Prices

Other Factors

#1 Project Size

In construction, there is a term called economies-of-scale.  The larger the framing project, the more efficient the contractor can be installing the framing.

#2 Location

The location where you are installing the framing will have a significant impact.  If you are installing the framing in downtown San Francisco the framing will obviously cost much more than the same framing being installed in Suburbia.

#3 Seasonality

Spring and Summer is peak framing season and Framing Contractors are generally swamped with work, so if you are getting a framing installed during this time you will likely pay a premium.

How to Estimate Framing Costs

Measurements

estimating framing costs

Calculating Your Budget

Example

  • Replace/install subflooring, L+M ($35 - $50 per sheet)
  • Replace/install plywood roof sheathing, L+M ($35 - $50 per sheet)
  • Load bearing structural beam, L+M ($500 - $5k each)

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