How we estimate framing
Framing estimates turn wall, floor and roof layouts into member counts and lengths. We take off studs and plates by wall type, headers and beams by size, joists and rafters by span, and sheathing by area, using the stud spacing and wall types shown on the drawings.
For light-gauge steel, members are listed by gauge and profile. Engineered lumber, trusses and connectors are separated so they can be priced by the supplier who will provide them.
What we measure
- Exterior and interior wall framing by wall type
- Floor framing: joists, I-joists, rim boards, blocking
- Roof framing: rafters, ceiling joists or truss counts
- Headers, beams, posts and engineered lumber (LVL, PSL, glulam)
- Wall, floor and roof sheathing
- Hold-downs, hangers, straps and fasteners where specified
What to send us
- Architectural floor plans, elevations and wall sections
- Structural framing plans and shear wall schedule
- Truss layout or manufacturer drawings, if available
- Specifications for lumber grades and sheathing
What you receive
- Lumber and steel framing list by size and length
- Sheathing quantities by area and panel count
- Hardware and connector schedule
- Material and labor cost breakdown
- Assumptions, including waste factors used
The exact contents and format are agreed when we quote the estimate.
Units of measure
- United States and Canada
- Board feet (BF), linear feet (LF), piece counts, SF of sheathing
- United Kingdom (and metric projects)
- Linear metres (m), piece counts, m² of sheathing
