How to Estimate Framing Costs

Overview

Every rehab project is going to require some kind of demolition work to tear out the old, dated components of the house to prep the space for the new modern finishes and fixtures you will be installing in the property. In order to create an accurate estimate, you will need to be able to be estimate the amount of man hours it will take a demolition crew to demolish the interior of the property and haul-off the debris.

Basics Of Estimating Framing Costs

Installation Costs

Structural Framing Assemblies

• New addition framing (floor, walls, roof) ($5 - $12 per square feet)
• Flooring framing assembly (joists, sheathing) ($7 - $10 per square feet)
• Exterior wall framing assembly (studs, sheathing) ($3 - $4 per square feet)
• Roof framing assembly (joists, rafters, sheathing) ($8 - $12 per square feet)

Interior Framing Assemblies

• Interior wall framing, (studs, plates), L+M ($2 - $4 per square feet)
• Interior wall framing, per LF (studs, plates), L+M ($15 - $30 per linear feet)

Miscellaneous Items

• 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)

Other Costs

• 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)

Price Considerations

#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.

Writing A Scope Of Work & Getting Bids

Framing Contractors will generally provide an all inclusive bid to provide all labor, materials and equipment to install the wood framing.

Here is an example of how to write a Scope of Work that insures your Framing Contractor provides an all-inclusive bid.

Example Scope Of Work

All Framing work is to be Contractor Furnished, Contractor Installed.

1. Furnish and install new wall framing and openings per the new floor plans and local building codes.
2. Furnish and install new stair framing per the new floor plans and local building codes. (if applicable)
3. Patch plywood floor sheathing. (if applicable)
4. Include all necessary 2x materials, straps, anchors, fasteners and accessories.
5. Provide pressure treated/fire-resistant lumber as required by local building codes.