Framing Cost Calculator
It will cost, on average $3,492 for rough carpentry framing. However, it can range anywhere between $1,410 and $5,928 depending on the type and size of the project. A garage, basement or a closet can cost thousands less than a new home. Regardless of the size of the project, youÂ’ll pay between $7 to $16 per square foot for combined labor and materials. Framing makes up an average of 18% of new home construction costs.
If you're building a new home or constructing an addition, this type of carpentry is essential to your project. It can be tough to predict the installation costs for a specific project, but this guide will walk you through general ranges and considerations. ItÂ’s also best to understand house framing basics first. The first step is to contact a general contractor to determine the prices and best course of action.
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Costs for House Framing
Though overall pricing tends to run between $4 to $10 per square foot for labor with an additional $3 to $6 per square foot for materials, specific jobs have their own considerations.
Labor Rates Per Square Foot
Labor runs between $4 to $10 per square foot. In urban areas, expect to pay on the higher end of this range--perhaps a little above depending on demand. The size of the project will make a significant impact on the cost of installation. Some professionals charge per square foot versus the amount of time a project takes. Regardless, bigger homes will take longer and will require more materials.
Carpenter Construction Prices Per Square Meter
It will cost between $44 and $115 per square meter for house framing. U.S. contractors donÂ’t use a per meter pricing structure. However, this figure gives a rough baseline for comparing international building costs.
Home Sheathing
Sheathing will cost an additional $2 to $8 per square foot. Contractors often do sheathing since it adds structural elements to the home. Often, these contractors will also install Tyvek house wrap for an additional $0.50 to $2 per square foot.
Building a Frame for a New 2,000 Square Foot House
The average, 2,000-square foot single story home runs between $14,000 and $32,000 with an additional $4,000 to $16,000 for sheathing and wrap. This is a fraction of the total average home building cost of $285,000. The second story of a two-story home generally runs about $3 per square foot more than the first floor.
Home Addition Carpentry
Framing makes up about 8% to 12% of a home addition’s cost. Final pricing depends on what type of addition you’re adding – home addition costs range drastically. Plus, the grade of material influences pricing significantly.
For example, for a 500 square foot addition, framing will run between $3,500 to $8,000 while the total project would range from $30,000 to $100,000. Depending on what youÂ’re adding, you may need to hire an architect or structural engineer to determine the best placement for an addition prior to framing.
Basement Framing Charges
Basement walls in established homes run on the lower end of the cost spectrum at about $5 per square foot. They arenÂ’t load-bearing, donÂ’t have much complexity and donÂ’t usually require extensive planning.
Attached or Detached Garages
Expect to be on the lowest end of the framing range or about $4 to $5 per square foot. Garages are usually the simplest structure to build.
Wall, Ceiling & Interior Reframing Rates
On average, interior wall projects cost $1,800. Interior walls and ceilings follow the same rates as listed above, usually in the $7 to $12 per square foot range. Interior walls present a different challenge when adding them to an established home. There is less room to work, more care must be taken regarding dust and debris, and the homeowner is often living in the residence during construction.
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Roof Framing Costs
Though roof framing pricing remains roughly the same as the rest of the home, most roofs fall in the $6 to $9 per square foot range. Simple designs without any dormers and few valleys or hips – the place where two slopes join – will fall on the low end. Complex designs with numerous angle changes and dormers will end up on the higher end of the spectrum.
To avoid rafters and stick roof construction altogether and lower overall project costs, consider using premade roof trusses (see below).
Roof Truss Prices
Roof trusses cost between $35 to $150 per truss depending on the length of the truss. Trusses can run anywhere from 10 feet to 36 feet or more. A standard 2,000 square foot home runs between $7,200 to $12,000 including labor and equipment. They also tend to be installed at 24 inches on center while rafters are usually 16 inches on center requiring fewer materials.
Roof trusses are pre-made roof framing members. Though they cost more per piece than wood rafters, youÂ’ll save money overall because they take far less time to install than a new stick frame roof.
New Structures vs. Replacing Roof Framing
New construction will often cost quite a bit less than replacing a roof. Expect to pay an average of $20 per hour for labor plus $3 to $6 per square foot in materials. Replacing an old roof frame requires additional home demolition costs of an additional $4 to $15 per square foot. You can save money on labor by using roof trusses as described above.
Garages and Other Detached Structures
Garages are the same as a home roof – costs depend on the type of roof you’re installing and your climate. The heavier the roof, and the more snow weight it will need to support, the closer together the load bearing rafters or trusses need to be.
Converting a Flat Roof to Pitched
Converting a flat roof to a pitched roof is essentially framing a new roof for an average of $6 to $9 per square foot. Detailed flat to pitched roof conversion costs include hourly rates which tend to be higher in addition to considerations like complexity, equipment and material prices.
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Average Framing Material Estimator
Framing materials run from $3 to $6 per square foot. Since lumber pricing fluctuates, it can be tough to predict costs in advance. YouÂ’ll end up paying about $350 to $500 for 1,000 board feet of lumber. Metal framing costs historically tend to run a bit higher than wood by about 10%. Check with your local lumber yard or general contractor for local pricing.
Wood | Steel |
---|---|
$1 to $5 per square foot* | $2 to $4 per square foot |
Popular choice | Extremely durable |
Easy to work with | Requires professional installation |
Insect prone | Insect and rot proof |
*Wood pricing increased by 30% between 2017 and Summer 2018 and is expected to continue rising. Wood range is inclusive of most common types of wood varieties and grades for framing.
Lumber Frame
Lumber runs between $1 to $5 per square foot with overages ranging from 15 to 20 percent waste. A 2,000 square foot home comes in at $6,000 to $12,000 in materials. For sheathing, add an additional 15 to 22 percent. Lumber is easy to work with, quick to install, and lasts the life of the home.
Steel Frame
Steel framed homes run between $9.50 to $11 per square foot or about $19,000 to $22,000 for a 2,000 square foot home. Some homes use steel though it's commonly used in commercial construction. Steel installation is slightly more expensive – about $1.50 more per square foot. But it’s extremely durable and makes less of an impact on the environment. It holds up better against termites.
Wood & Metal Calculator
Code requires homes to have studs every 16 inches on center for load bearing walls and 24 inches on center for non-load bearing walls. Using a framing material calculator or consulting with your architect or contractor is the best way to determine exact material needs. To find our how much of the materials you need, follow these tips:
- Sketch the layout.
- Determine the linear feet of wall.
- Add one extra stud at each corner and two at any openings.
- Add 15% for waste on your estimate.
- Determine prefabricated roof trusses by measuring the slope side wall and divide by 16, round up.
Frame Building Considerations
The complexity of your plans along with how often you change them only add to the closing price tag. Always have the professional sign a detailed contract with all charges and contingencies listed with costs.
Size & Complexity
Most contractors charge between $4 and $10 per square foot for framing. The more complex your plans are, the more you can expect to pay. Every intersecting wall requires more studs, increasing material needs. Extra slopes and valleys add both to time and materials. Price depends on your house planÂ’s complexity.
Size matters because contractors estimate per square foot. However, it matters far less than complexity. For example, a simple, 3,000-square foot home estimated at $4 per square foot only costs $12,000 while a complex, 2,000-square foot, two-story home estimated at $9 per square foot has a higher total price of $18,000.
Residential vs. Commercial Framing
Commercial pricing is slightly higher with a range from $12 to $40 per square foot including labor, installation and insulation. Most commercial buildings use steel construction rather than wood.
Changes
If you decide to make any changes after the framing has begun, it will increase the price. Increases depend on many variables specific to each project – making a general estimate for this guide impossible.
Simple things like adding a door, changing the location of a window or adding loads to a second floor all affect the final bill. This can happen in large home projects if you think of something new you'd like to add. Try to keep these changes to a minimum.
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FAQ
How Do You Come up with a Rough Estimate for a Framing Job?
Most commonly, a contractor comes up with rough estimates by looking at a plan, determining the complexity of the work and applying a square foot price. For detailed bids, ask the professional to break out costs as line items. The detailed bid should include insurance, travel expenses, waste, materials, labor, tools and equipment, and administrative expenses (legal, accounting, etc.).
How Much Do Framers Make?
Framers tend to make between $12 to $30 per hour with and average hourly rate of $20. They usually receive additional benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions for another 30% of their salary. Framer salaries are just one small part of overall constructions costs which include overhead, marketing, insurance, travel and tools and supplies.
What are some Tips for Hiring a Framer or Contractor
Here are some tips to follow when hiring a framer or contractor:
- Get at least three bids.
- Ask to see samples of previous work or talk to previous clients.
- Use a General Contractor to find framing contractors. Framing contractors tend to have loyalty to general contractors who provide them ongoing work vs. a homeowner with a one-off project. This translates into better rates and better work.
- Interview all contractors and trust your instincts – go with the professional you feel is right for the job.
- Get a clear and detailed contract.
- Submit all changes and request to your contractor in writing.
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