Framing Scope of Work Checklist: Lumber, Labor, and Logistics (CSI 06 10 00)

The Rough Framing phase sets the pace for the entire project. If the framers are fast and accurate, the MEP trades (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) have an easy job. If the framing is sloppy, every subsequent trade will charge you extra to fix the crooked walls.

Framing bids are notoriously difficult to compare because they vary wildly in structure. Some are “Labor Only,” others include nails/glue, and others include the full lumber package.

To normalize your bids and simplify bid leveling, use this Framing Scope of Work Checklist (aligned with CSI Division 06).

The Standard Inclusions (The “Must Haves”)

Whether buying labor or material, the activity scope must include:

• Wall Framing: Exterior and interior walls, including plates, studs, headers, and cripples.
• Floor Systems: Installation of I-Joists (TJIs), rim board, and subfloor gluing/nailing.
• Roof Framing: Stick-framing rafters or setting engineered trusses.
• Sheathing: Installation of wall (OSB/Plywood) and roof sheathing.
• House Wrap: Installation of the weather-resistive barrier (e.g., Tyvek) and taping seams.
• Stairs: Cutting and installing temporary or permanent stringers.
• Subfloor Prep: Sanding seams and sweeping for the next trade.

The “Scope Gaps” (Where You Lose Money)

1. The “Lumber Package” Definition

Is this a “Turnkey” bid or “Labor Only”?

• The Trap: You think it’s Turnkey. The bid includes “Standard Dimensional Lumber” but excludes “Engineered Lumber” (LVLs, PSLs, Trusses).
• The Fix: If the GC is buying the lumber, the scope is “Labor Only.” If the Sub is buying, require a “Guaranteed Material List”. If they run short on studs, they buy the extra, not you.

2. Structural Hardware (The “Simpson” Bill)

Metal connectors (hangers, straps, hold-downs) can cost thousands of dollars.

• The Trap: The Framer says, “I supply nails; you supply hardware.” You forget to order the specific hurricane ties required by code, delaying the roof inspection.
• The Fix: Explicitly state: “Contractor to provide all fasteners, adhesives, and structural hardware per the Structural Sheets.”

3. Hoisting and Cranes

Steel beams and roof trusses are heavy.

• The Trap: The Framer excludes “Crane Service.” The truss delivery truck drops the trusses in the driveway. You now have to rent a crane for $1,500/day.
• The Fix: Include “All hoisting and crane equipment necessary to set structural members” in the Framer’s scope.

4. Backing and Blocking (The “Pick-up” Work)

This is the work done after the MEPs but before drywall.

• The Trap: The Framer leaves once the roof is on. The drywaller arrives and says, “There is no wood to screw the cabinets/towel bars/curtain rods into.”
• The Fix: Require a “Backing Walkthrough.” The Framer must return to install blocking for cabinets, grab bars, and tv mounts before insulation.

The Waste Management and Jobsite Hygiene

Framing generates a massive amount of waste—sawdust, wood scraps, and hazardous plastic banding. If this is not managed daily, the job site becomes a safety hazard and a bottleneck for other trades.

Your scope of work should specify:

1. Daily Cleanup: The framer is responsible for sweeping all floors and stacking usable scrap in a designated area every day before leaving.
2. Scrap Disposal: All non-usable lumber scraps must be moved to the GC-provided dumpster.
3. Sawdust Control: If framing is happening in an enclosed space (like a basement or addition), specify that the framer must use vacuum-assisted tools or perform a thorough sweep to prevent sawdust from clogging the HVAC or ruining the next trade’s finish work.

Clean job sites are safer and faster. If you don’t put this in the framer’s contract, you’ll end up paying a laborer to do it on Saturday.

Interface Points (Coordination)

• vs. Windows/Doors: Who installs them? In many regions, the Framer sets the windows and exterior doors. In others, a specialized Window Supplier does it. Define this line.
• vs. Roofing: Who installs the drip edge? Often the roofer wants the framer to do it; the framer wants the roofer to do it.

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Validating Framing Bids with Bid Bench

Framing bids are often the most complex PDF documents you will receive, filled with long lists of lumber SKUs.

Bid Bench helps you cut through the noise:

1. Scope Check: Our AI scans for the phrase “Crane Excluded” or “Hardware by Others.”
2. Labor vs. Material: It categorizes costs to show you exactly how much you are paying for labor per square foot vs. material.
3. Inclusion Matrix: Compare three framers side-by-side to see who included the “House Wrap” and who didn’t.

Frame your project on budget.
[Start your 30-day free trial of Bid Bench today.]