Framing Contractors

Framing Contractors

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry are engaged in structural framing and sheathing of buildings. No major companies dominate the industry.

The US framing contractor industry includes about 10,000 establishments (single-location companies or branches of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $7 billion. The industry is forecast to experience a high rate of growth over the next two years. Growth drivers include pent-up demand after the housing crisis of the late 2000s and low mortgage interest rates.

Contractors in the industry use wood as well as steel to frame buildings. Installation of structural steel and precast concrete framing is not included in the industry, however.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven heavily by new home construction. The profitability of individual companies depends on a steady volume of contracted work, accurate work estimation, and cost controls. Large companies have advantages in working in multiple geographies and may have relationships with high-volume production homebuilders. Small companies compete based on quality service and local reputation.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include framing for new construction (85 percent of industry revenue) and remodeling and repair (15 percent). Single-family homes account for 65 percent of framing contractors' business.

Framing is one of many steps in building a house and represents about 15 percent of the total construction cost. Framing begins once the building foundation is laid. The framing structure is bolted to the foundation with anchor bolts. The floors, walls, and roof are created by assembling framing...