Framing Contractors
Description
Companies in this industry are engaged in structural framing and sheathing of buildings. No major companies dominate the industry.
Wood-framed single-family housing, the primary source of business for framing contractors, is more prevalent in the US than in many other parts of the world. Urban density, timber availability, historical building patterns, and income levels limit residential wood framing activity.
The US framing contractor industry includes about 12,000 establishments (single-location companies or branches of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $20 billion.
Contractors in the industry use steel as well as wood 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. The industry is fragmented, and small companies are prevalent with the top 50 firms accounting for only 20% of the industry.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major services of framing contractors include construction of single detached residential buildings, which accounts for about 30% of the industry revenue. New apartment buildings (about 10%) and new single attached residential buildings (5%) are the following largest sectors.
Framing is one of many steps in building a house and typically represents about 60-70% 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 elements, typically two-by-four or two-by-six lumber, at consistent intervals. These studs provide a stable frame to which the walls are attached. Once the studs are raised, the roof is constructed using horizontal joists, trusses, and rafters. The roof is usually formed with pre-manufactured trusses that are delivered to the job site and hoisted onto the walls using cranes. The framing is inspected by local authorities to ensure local building codes are followed, and then the contractor is paid.
The availability of skilled labor is an ongoing concern. A typical 2,400-square-foot house takes about two to three weeks to frame, depending on the design and number of framers on the job.
The primary raw material for framing is lumber, generally two-by-fours from eight to 20 feet long. Lumber is bought from local lumberyards for specific jobs; framing contractors try to carry little inventory.
Wood-framed single-family housing, the primary source of business for framing contractors, is more prevalent in the US than in many other parts of the world. Urban density, timber availability, historical building patterns, and income levels limit residential wood framing activity.
The US framing contractor industry includes about 12,000 establishments (single-location companies or branches of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $20 billion.
Contractors in the industry use steel as well as wood 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. The industry is fragmented, and small companies are prevalent with the top 50 firms accounting for only 20% of the industry.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major services of framing contractors include construction of single detached residential buildings, which accounts for about 30% of the industry revenue. New apartment buildings (about 10%) and new single attached residential buildings (5%) are the following largest sectors.
Framing is one of many steps in building a house and typically represents about 60-70% 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 elements, typically two-by-four or two-by-six lumber, at consistent intervals. These studs provide a stable frame to which the walls are attached. Once the studs are raised, the roof is constructed using horizontal joists, trusses, and rafters. The roof is usually formed with pre-manufactured trusses that are delivered to the job site and hoisted onto the walls using cranes. The framing is inspected by local authorities to ensure local building codes are followed, and then the contractor is paid.
The availability of skilled labor is an ongoing concern. A typical 2,400-square-foot house takes about two to three weeks to frame, depending on the design and number of framers on the job.
The primary raw material for framing is lumber, generally two-by-fours from eight to 20 feet long. Lumber is bought from local lumberyards for specific jobs; framing contractors try to carry little inventory.
Table of Contents
- Industry Overview
- Quarterly Industry Update
- Business Challenges
- Business Trends
- Industry Opportunities
- Call Preparation Questions
- Financial Information
- Industry Forecast
- Web Links and Acronyms
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