New Construction Framing (countertops, transfer, contractors)

[bc4672]

We are having a new construction built. What type of items should I look for during framing? Are there things that I need to look for so that I will not have to spend money later to get something fixed. We have a pre-drywall meeting in the next couple of weeks. I want to start getting items fixed before then.

[BobKovacs]

If you don't know what you're looking at, it's a little difficult to explain what's "good framing practice" over the internet. That being said, there are a few things you can look for that are pretty common:

- EVERY hole in every metal joist hanger, strap, tie-down, etc., should have a nail in it. They'll tell you "we've got enough in there", but there's a reason the manufacturers put so many holes in them.
- Follow the load path down and look for obvious discontinuous load transfers. This isn't as easy for the untrained person to see, but beams should sit on posts, which transfer all the way to the foundation
- Check for broken/damaged members in roof and/or floor trusses. These typically required a fix from an engineer.

Other than that, there's not much that you're going to find that the building inspector shouldn't. Some things NOT to be concerned over:

- "Dirty" framing- it's just framing- a little dirt won't hurt it
- "Bark" on the edge of studs/joists- they took it into account when the material was graded at the mill- it's fine
- Minor splitting at the ends of members. Now, substantial splitting is a different story, but don't go bananas over minor stuff

Good luck,

Bob

[Buckhead_Broker]

Look to see if rooms are square. Take a piece of string, attach it at the corner of a room and extend it to the opposite corner, then mark the string with a pen. Now, take the string and go to the two corners that you didn't use when measuring. The distance should be the same. If it's off a 1/2 inch or so, don't get anxious. The drywall sub can usually compensate for minor errors in framing. I do recommend, however, holding back a percentage of the framing contractors fee (10% should do) until the drywall sub has completed hanging the drywall. Then do the same string test in the same rooms to see if your drywall sub was able to rememdy the out-of-square situation.

Also, look for walls where countertops will be attached. If the wall is not flush, and the drywall sub cannot correct it, you will have gaps between your countertops/backsplash and the drywall. That's a sure sign of shoddy workmanship.

If there are any engineered trusses in your home, make certain they have not been compromised with cuts through the top/bottom plates or through the center that would diminish their strength.