Of course, we’re not talking picture frames here. There are similarities. But, a picture without a frame is still a picture. A home without a frame is … well, just a pile of stuff.
What is a Home’s Frame?
If you’re planning to build a home or create a home addition, it needs a structure. The frame is that structure. It defines the home’s look and feel and provides its strength. It’s the bones of your home … the skeleton.
Because of the incredible importance of the framing, pay close attention. And when it comes to money, you shouldn’t try to cut corners and cut costs unreasonably.
Cost of Materials vs. Cost of Labor
As important as the frame is, the cost for the materials alone can be an insignificant part of the entire materials package for a home. The least expensive approach would be to purchase all the lumber and frame it yourself. Most of us can’t do that.
Framing labor costs (as with materials costs) vary tremendously from region to region, state to state and country to country. As a general rule, you can pay as much for labor as it costs to purchase the raw materials. This is why some try to do it themselves.
Are you a do-it-yourselfer? You may feel you can do this, but, how many types of framing jobs are you familiar with? Does a lack of knowledge limit your choice of materials?
Types of Home Framing Materials
Carefully consider your options when it comes to framing. If you’re building a home addition, it’s usually best to stick close to the materials already used in the rest of the home. When you’re building a new home, you have options.
- Traditional wood frame, stick built framing
- Steel framing
- Panelized wood or steel framing packages
- Structural Insulated Panels or SIPS
- Insulating Concrete Forms or ICFS
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The smart homebuilder will consider the material and labor costs for all of them.
Framing Cost Comparisons
Amazingly, most of these various framing systems, once completed, are comparably priced … say, within about 10% or so of each other.
The differences can seem much larger depending upon how much factory labor is built in to the product you purchase, such as when you buy wall panel systems. Be careful when comparing costs that you factor in this labor, as well as labor that will be required on site.
How to Choose Your Best Approach to Framing
Any of these types of framing can work well for you. They all can provide you with the proper strength and insulation. It’s all in the design and engineering. So, if shopping for the best deal, the choice comes down to speed and ease of building.
My advice is simple. If you’re looking to save some money, go with the either:
- Framing approaches that your local contractors are most familiar with, or if you’re an accomplished framer, you can choose …
- The type framing that you and your friends can easily do yourselves
Just remember that your home’s structure, its skeleton, must be done right.
Author: Mel Inglima
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: WordPress plugin Guest Blogger
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- Structural Insulated Panels – A Worthy Green Building Investment
