You've gotten competing bids from framing contractors, picked your winner, and now the real work begins. Moving from an accepted estimate to active construction requires clear communication, signed contracts, and a solid timeline—all things that separate smooth projects from chaotic ones.
Understand What "Accepted" Really Means
Before your contractor swings a hammer, make sure you both agree on scope. An accepted bid isn't binding until you've signed a contract that spells out what's included: lumber grades, labor for walls and roof framing, temporary bracing, cleanup, and any site-specific conditions. Ask your contractor to walk you through the bid line-by-line so there are no surprises about what $X,000 actually covers.
Many framing jobs run $8–$15 per square foot for standard residential construction, though this varies by region, complexity, and current lumber costs. If your bid feels significantly different from others you've received, dig into the scope details before proceeding.
Nail Down the Contract Essentials
Your framing contract should include:
- Project start and completion dates (with weather contingencies noted)
- Payment schedule—typically 50% down, 50% on substantial completion, though some contractors request 30/30/40 splits
- Materials and labor breakdown so you understand what you're paying for
- Change order process describing how requests for extra work are priced and approved
- Warranty language covering workmanship (usually 1 year) and material defects
- Insurance and licensing confirmation—verify your contractor carries general liability and workers' comp
- Permit responsibility clarifying who pulls permits and pays permit fees
Don't skip this step. A one-page contract beats a handshake and a text chain every time.
Prepare Your Site
Once a contract is signed, your contractor will likely give you a 1–2 week notice before mobilization. Use that time to:
- Clear the building footprint of debris, old materials, or obstacles
- Confirm utility locations if digging footings or running new lines
- Ensure site access for delivery trucks and equipment
- Arrange temporary power if your framing contractor needs it for tools
- Set up portable toilets or designate restroom access if required by contract
Most framing jobs need 8–10 weeks from start to roof deck completion on a typical single-family home, though this stretches with weather delays, permit hold-ups, or material shortages.
Material Delivery and Inspection
Your framing contractor will likely arrange lumber and material delivery. When it arrives:
- Check that delivered lumber matches the contract spec (grade, dimension, quantity)
- Confirm treated wood is used where required (below-grade headers, basement rim joists, etc.)
- Inspect bundles for obvious splits or warping—minor checking is normal, but major damage should be flagged
- Verify hardware (joist hangers, connectors, fasteners) is on-site and matches the design
Document delivery photos. If materials sit exposed for weeks before framing starts, ask your contractor about weather protection.
Weekly Communication During Construction
Once work begins, establish a check-in rhythm. Weekly site walks (even 15 minutes) catch framing errors early when they're easier to fix. Typical milestones include:
- Foundation wall framing complete
- Floor system framing in place
- Wall framing stood and braced
- Roof framing roughed in
- Roof sheathing installed
Ask your contractor for a basic schedule showing these phases. If you notice work that looks misaligned with the plans—walls out of plumb, undersized headers, missing bracing—speak up immediately. Framing is the skeleton of your building; fixing mistakes now is exponentially cheaper than later.
Payment and Substantial Completion
As work progresses, align payments to completed phases. When your contractor claims "substantial completion," inspect the work against the contract scope before releasing final payment. Look for:
- All walls properly sheathed and braced
- Roof fully decked and ready for the next trade
- Temporary bracing left in place as required
- Clean site with debris removed
Hold back 10% of the total contract price as retainage until punch-list items are corrected and final inspections pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if my framing contractor's price is fair? Get at least three detailed bids, ensure they're all quoting the same scope and lumber grade, and compare price-per-square-foot. Check the contractor's licensing, insurance, and references before assuming the lowest bid is the best deal.
Q: What if my framing contractor finds structural issues during construction? Your contractor should document them with photos and notify you immediately so you can involve your engineer or structural consultant. Changes to address issues are handled through a change order and adjusted timeline.
Q: Can I use Mercoly to find vetted framing contractors in my area? Yes—Mercoly lets you compare and contact trusted framing contractors locally, review credentials, and request detailed bids all in one place.
Ready to move forward? Request framing bids from verified contractors today.