New Build - The Framing Stage Video Walk Through

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Are you building a new home? Take a video tour of the framing in this custom home and get tips for what you should look for during this stage.

When we first decided to build I remember scouring the internet for what I should expect. I wanted to see details and raw footage of the process and I really couldn't find much. I did run across a few good posts, but sometimes you just need something simple and to the point, not overly produced. So today I'm going to share a few things to consider if you are approaching the framing stage in your home, or to just give you some ideas if you plan to build or remodel. Don't forget to take a little video tour of our home in its framing stage and see what it looks like and what to expect.

New Construction Framing Walk Through Video

The framing stage was so fun for me. We had spent SO long looking at our floor plan and when the walls started going up it was literally like the paper was coming to life! As soon as our foundation was poured the joists went in and the next thing was the framing! I won't lie, there were multiple times where I thought to myself, it's so much bigger than I imagined. Then they'd make some changes and I'd have a mini panic attack because it felt super small. And that cycle will repeat a few times.

Even when the drywall was up and it was a big open space it felt like it just wasn't going to work with the cabinets. But the cabinets came and everything was perfectly scaled. Just know these are natural emotions to go through ;). Don't forget to verify all your measurements and take furniture placement into consideration!

Tips for the Framing Stage

Be On-Site

Once you get to the framing stage, there isn't a whole lot you can change. The floor plans have been drawn and everything is in place. However, it is EXTREMELY important to be on-site as much as possible during this phase. We caught several mistakes that were made, and while I'm sure they would have caught them too... the sooner you can inform them the better to avoid any delays! A couple of our pocket doors were installed opposite of how they should've been. Had the framer finished up and left, he would've needed to be called back out. Since I caught it though we were able to address it while he was still on site.

Double Check Everything

Make sure things are square. Obviously, it won't be perfect, there's no such thing. However, there are just a couple of spots I wish I would've had them look at, but I didn't really notice it til sheetrock and floors were in. Luckily, it really isn't a big deal at all and is hardly noticeable, but something to keep in mind.

Take Lots of Pictures

It is so helpful to be able to go back and see where studs are and how walls are constructed for future projects! I would highly suggest getting pictures of electrical, HVAC, and plumbing in the walls as well! Then down the road you'll know if there's an obstruction in the wall where you want to do something!

Meet with Contractors

One of the first things I told our project manager is I want to be on-site and talk with contracts as much as possible. I work from home, so I know that provides a little extra flexibility. If you cannot be on-site during the day, ask to walk through with your project manager. Make note of everything you would tell the contractors. It may even help to type up a document to put all your thoughts. Then give that document to your builder.

You will absolutely need to be there for your electrical walk-through unless you've hired an interior designer to do that for you and you've discussed everything. But we even met with our HVAC guys. There's not always a ton of options when it comes to that kind of thing, but I was able to get a few return vents where I wanted them as well as just making sure nothing in the walls was obstructing.

The plumber is another one we met with. He was able to talk to me about the placement of showerheads, and valve placement. Some of these things I had never even considered. Take advantage of these guys' knowledge. A lot of times their job is fixing things that don't work for people, so they have a pretty good idea of where things should go, or at the very least some great insight.

Framing is such an exciting step, makes sure and enjoy every moment of it!