Its exciting time as your house is being framed and you can feel it all starting to take shape. Sometimes it can daunting because you might not know what to look for, what questions to ask and what you can change or not. We share 5 things to look for when at the framing stage of your new home or renovation.
"Don't Panic that it looks small. Its a weird trick of the eye that sometimes at this stage it feels small. Remember empty space has no reference point and from now on it will start to feel bigger and bigger.."
Here are the 5 areas you should remember to look at during construction framing
- Check that it’s been built accurately mistakes can happen especially with door, window sizes and placements so double check with a measuring tape and the plan in hand. Also check your door types - have they framed for a pocket door where you want a swing door.
- Now that the framing is in place you can do the measurements for cabinetry and any type of millwork or specialty items. You can have millwork person and cabinetry company on site with you to do an "as built" walk through. For your own peace of mind walk through the kitchen area as if you are using it and make sure it feels as good in real life as it did on plan.
3. Take note app where you can place switches and plugs, and you can refer those to your electrical plan. Sometimes it’s difficult to know just looking at a plan where you want those switches to double check now that the walls are built. Make sure they are the on the correct side of doors ie not behind them. Imagine yourself walking from the living room at the end of the night up to bed, where do the switches feel comfortable. Make any notes on your electrical plan and date the changes so everyone has the correct version.
4. Closets and niches are another area you want to check now that framing is complete. There may be opportunities because of a structural beam that might give you an extra niche for little extra storage. This is the time to ensure your team knows where tvs and towel racks are hung to ensure they have the right backing. Double check that your closets are the depths in hallways or narrow rooms to ensure you have the space you are anticipating especially if you are ordering closet organizers etc.
5. With the walls up and the windows framed sometimes this is the point where you might want to make a change. It’s not ideal but it’s far better now than when drywall is up and the painters are starting. However if you do make a change don’t just do it on site while walking through make sure that it’s noted, written down and a price attached to it and everybody receives a copy. Communication is key and it will ensure there are no surprise bills at the end.
Your contractor will usually be agreeable to changes however they might cost more than you think. It's important to understand that there is two costs for every change, one of the material and labour and the other is time. You want to be happy with the end result and the more time spent planning the fewer changes will be necessary.
Bonus tip you see something you don’t understand ie why it there a hole cut there, ask questions and keep asking until you get an answer that you do understand.
Construction framing is an exciting time on site in your newly framed home make your time on site productive and effective and enjoy watching your home come alive.