A framing contractor's work is the structural skeleton of your building—get the contract wrong, and you're risking delays, budget overruns, and safety issues down the road. Your contract protects both you and the contractor by setting clear expectations on scope, timeline, and payment. This guide breaks down exactly what should be in a framing contractor agreement before you sign anything.
Scope of Work: Be Specific About What's Included
The scope of work is where most disputes happen. Don't settle for vague language like "frame the house." Instead, specify:
- Wall framing materials (2x4, 2x6, engineered lumber, etc.)
- Whether the contractor supplies materials or you do
- Floor joists, roof trusses, or both
- Removal of existing framing (if applicable)
- Installation of headers, beams, and load-bearing walls
- Whether drywall backing, blocking, or fire-stopping is included
Ask your framing contractor whether they handle temporary bracing, weather protection (tarps, house wrapping), or cleanup. These details matter because some contractors consider them separate line items. A detailed scope prevents the "that wasn't in my contract" conversation mid-project.
Timeline and Schedule Deadlines
Framing typically takes 2–4 weeks for a standard single-family home, depending on size and complexity. Your contract should list:
- Start date and expected completion date
- Key milestones (first floor framed by X date, roof trusses installed by Y date)
- Weather delays and how they're handled
- Consequences for contractor delays (typically a daily penalty or completion deadline)
- Your responsibility to have inspections ready on schedule
If you're weather-sensitive or coordinating with other trades, build in 1–2 week buffers. Framing delays cascade to electrical, plumbing, and roofing, so accountability matters.
Payment Terms and Schedule
Framing contracts typically use one of these payment models:
- Fixed price: One lump sum for the entire job (common for straightforward projects)
- Cost-plus: Actual material and labor costs, plus a markup (usually 15–25%)
- Progress payments: 30% down, 40% halfway through, 30% on completion
Never pay 100% upfront. A reasonable down payment is 25–33%. Schedule the remainder to align with completion milestones. If the contract includes a final payment due on completion, the contractor has incentive to finish on time.
Also confirm what "completion" means—do they haul debris, or is that your cost? Are permit fees included? Does the price cover layout and rebar for concrete footing, or just the wood framing?
Insurance, Licenses, and Liability
This protects you if someone gets hurt on your property. Your contract should require the framing contractor to carry:
- General liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage)
- Workers' compensation insurance (required in most states)
- A valid state contractor's license (verify online with your state licensing board)
Ask them to provide a Certificate of Insurance naming you as "additional insured" before work starts. A contractor without insurance isn't just a financial risk—it's a legal liability you inherit if their worker gets hurt.
Warranty and Quality Standards
Framing isn't finished until it passes inspection. Your contract should state:
- The contractor will correct any work that fails structural or building code inspection at no extra cost
- Warranty period (typically 1 year for labor, defects)
- Who handles callbacks if walls settle or framing issues appear later
Reference applicable building codes (International Building Code, local amendments, or your area's specific standards) in writing. Don't assume the contractor knows your municipality's requirements.
Change Orders and Extra Costs
Scope creep kills budgets. Any change to the original scope—additional walls, upgrading to engineered lumber, adding beam sizing—requires a written change order signed by both parties before work starts.
The change order should specify the cost, how it affects the timeline, and whether it impacts payment milestones. This prevents "surprise" invoices at the end.
Termination and Dispute Resolution
Include language for what happens if either party wants out:
- Notice period (typically 7–14 days)
- How payment is calculated if work is terminated mid-project
- Whether disputes go to mediation, arbitration, or court
If you're comparing multiple framing contractors, Mercoly makes it easier to review contract terms and find trusted providers side-by-side, so you're not hunting down five different agreements on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I require the framing contractor to pull the building permit? Typically yes—most framing contractors handle this and include it in their bid. Confirm this is in writing, along with whether permit fees are included in the contract price.
Q: What's a reasonable contingency if the framing contractor gets injured on my property? That's what their workers' compensation insurance covers. Your homeowner's policy should have liability coverage, but verify with your insurer that you're protected if their worker is hurt.
Q: Can I withhold the final payment until after the framing inspection passes? Absolutely—this is standard practice. Many contractors expect final payment within 7 days of passing inspection, so build that into your timeline.
Get these details in writing, review with a local contractor or builder if you're unsure, and you'll avoid costly disputes down the road.