After months of planning, permits and foundation work, framing is the exciting stage when your addition finally takes shape. Walls go up, the roof appears, and you can walk through the rooms for the first time. Knowing what to expect helps the process go smoothly.
Step 1: Layout and sill plates
The framing crew starts by checking the foundation against the plans and snapping layout lines. Treated sill plates are installed over the anchor bolts. This is where accuracy matters most, because every wall is built from these lines.
Step 2: Floor system
On a raised foundation, joists or beams are installed to create the floor, then covered with plywood subfloor. On a slab, walls are built directly on the sill plates.
Step 3: Walls and openings
Walls are framed, stood up and braced. Window and door openings are framed with headers sized by the engineer. Where the addition meets the existing house, the crew carefully ties the new structure into the old.
Step 4: Roof framing
Rafters or trusses are installed, followed by roof sheathing. Once the roof is on, the addition is protected from the weather and other trades can begin.
Step 5: Shear walls, hardware and inspection
Shear wall sheathing, hold-downs and straps are installed according to the structural plans. The city inspector then checks the framing before insulation and drywall can begin.
How to keep framing on schedule
- Approve window and door selections early so openings are framed correctly
- Keep the work area clear and accessible for deliveries
- Make design decisions before framing starts, since changes later cost more
- Ask your framer to walk you through the work at key stages
Most single room additions are framed in one to two weeks, while larger or two-story additions take longer. GTKN frames additions and second stories throughout Los Angeles. Call (323) 253-4423 for a free estimate.
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