Choosing Framing Subcontractors

Think About:

• Do they install hardware, or do they expect GC to?

• Do they install weather barriers, flashings, and windows?

• Do they perform temporary safety installations (rails, covers)?

• Can they read engineering details and respond to revisions fast?

• Do they handle shear walls and straps to code accuracy?

• Do they clean up daily — or does GC need laborers?

Subcontractors to Select:

• Framing subcontractor (primary)

• Sheathing installation crew (if separate)

• Truss installation specialists

• Temporary safety / fall protection installer

• Craning subcontractor (steel or large beams)

• Surveyor for elevation/layout confirmation

Choose a framing partner who protects schedule and structure.

Choosing Framing Materials

Think About:

• Correct grade and species of lumber per structural notes

• Engineered products with approved shop drawings

• Load path continuity → hardware + connectors must match engineer design

• Weather exposure → do we need treated lumber anywhere?

• Compatibility with WRB, window, and trim systems

Materials to Select (as applicable):
Structural:

• Dimensional lumber: 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, etc.

• LVLs / Glu-lams / Parallams

• TJI joists / floor trusses / roof trusses

• Posts & beams (engineered)

Sheathing:

• Subfloor panels (rated + thickness)

• Wall sheathing (plywood/OSB)

• Roof sheathing with correct exposure

Hardware + Fasteners:

• Simpson hold-downs & clips (by part #)

• Anchor bolts + washers

• Joist hangers

• Nail plates + metal straps

• Nails, screws, adhesives

Weather-Proof Layer:

• House wrap + tapes

• Roofing underlayment

• Flashing tapes for corners + penetrations

Temporary Materials:

• Bracing lumber

• Tarps for weather protection

Frame to what is specified, not what’s convenient.

Choosing Tools, Equipment & Rentals

Think About:

• Access for forklift or crane to deliver structural members

• Multi-story safety → rails, netting, hole covers

• Power planning for saws and compressors

• Heavy lifting requirements for large beams

Tools & Equipment to Select:
Access/Placement:

• Telehandler or crane

• Material lifts / hoists

• Temporary stairs and railings

• Scaffolding / staging platforms

Cutting + Fastening:

• Circular saws / miter saws / table saws

• Nail guns (framing, sheathing, siding)

• Impact drivers, drills

• Layout tools (chalk line, squares, levels)

Structural Precision:

• Laser level / elevation markers

• Tape measures, plumb lasers

• Hardware setting tools for connectors

Safety:

• Fall protection equipment

• Hole covers and guardrails

• Temporary lighting if interior framing continues early

Missing one item can stop multiple trades behind you.

Choosing Vendors & Supply Sources

Think About:

• Timely delivery → sheathing or beams arriving too early = damage

• Special order lead times for engineered products

• Hardware shortages → require multiple sources

• Bundling deliveries to reduce handling

Vendor Types to Evaluate:

• Lumber yard + engineered products supplier

• Truss manufacturer (shop drawings required)

• Hardware/connector supplier (Simpson certified)

• Rental company for lifts + scaffolding

• Weatherproofing supplier (house wrap + tapes)

Vendor reliability is schedule reliability.

Choosing Engineering & Field Support

Think About:

• Truss changes → quick re-engineering response needed

• Unknown field conflicts between plans and reality

• Clear documentation of load path corrections

Support Partners to Select:

• Structural engineer (project contact)

• Truss design engineer

• Field technician (if special inspections required)

• Surveyor to verify floor + roof elevations

Field decisions must be stamped, not assumed.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com