Reading a framing bid
Confirm whether the bid includes sheathing, house wrap, hardware, and beam installation, or just stick framing. Those exclusions are where two bids that look $8,000 apart end up identical.
- • Engineered lumber (LVL, I-joists) costs more but reduces callbacks from squeaks and deflection.
- • Crane time for trusses is often billed separately.
- • Ask for a materials list so you can shop the lumber package independently.
FAQ
How much does framing cost per square foot?
Material plus labor typically runs $18–28 per square foot in 2026, with complex custom plans exceeding $35.
Is framing labor priced by the hour?
Rarely. Most framing crews bid a lump sum or a per-square-foot rate for the whole shell, with hourly rates reserved for change orders.
How long does framing take?
A crew of four typically frames a 2,000 sq ft house in 2–3 weeks, weather permitting.
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