In framing, the question of speed versus quality always comes up. You want to get the job done as fast as possible—but you must have a quality building, and quality takes time. The most important thing to consider is the structural integrity of the building. Once that requirement is satisfied, the faster the job can be done, the better.
It is a lot easier to talk about the importance of quality than it is to define it for a framer. Quality to one framer can be the product of a “wood butcher" to another framer. Framers learn under different lead framers who have different goals and objectives, and different standards of what quality workmanship is. You need to establish your own definition of quality of workmanship for the framers working for you.
The best way to do this is by observing or auditing their completed work, then giving them feedback on what you saw and what you would like to see.
To audit the work, check a portion of what has been done. If that sample is done well, most likely the rest is done right. If you find a mistake, find out why it was made, correct any similar errors, and make sure the framer knows why this happened.
A checklist is helpful when you audit individual tasks. It will help you remember all the parts that need checking. For example, the following list could be used for shear walls.
The following guidelines can be used to control the quality of experienced and new framers’ work, and the work at the end of the job.
For an experienced framer you have worked with before:
1. Casually observe as part of routine.
2. Audit work after completion, or at regular intervals.
For new-to-the-task framers:
1. Review framing tips (at the end of this chapter).
2. When possible, demonstrate work.
3. Watch as the new framer gets started.
4. Ask the new framer to come and get you for review after the first piece is finished.
5. After a half hour to an hour, review the work.
6. End of day: review the work.
7. End of task: audit the work.
End of job:
1. Audit 10% of each individual task.
2. If mistakes are found, review all task work.
3. Correct all mistakes.
4. Check for omissions.
□ Nailing pattern for sheathing
□ Blocking, if required
□ Distance between sheathing nails and the edge (3/8n minimum)
□ Nails are not driven too deep
□ Lumber grade, if specified
□ Hold-down sizes and location
□ Hold-down bolt sizes
□ Tightness of bolts
□ Studs under beams
□ Drywall backing
□ Fireblocking
□ Nailing sheathing
□ Headers furred out
□ Thresholds cut
□ Crawl space access
□ Attic access
□ Dimensions of rough openings on doors and windows
□ Check door openings for plumb
□ Drop ceilings and soffits framed
□ Stair handrail backing
□ All temporary braces removed
□ Joist hangers and timber connectors
Pick-up lists are important to keep things organized at the end of the job. The superintendent typically creates this list of tasks that have to be done before you are finished with the job. When the list is first given to you, review it to make sure everything is clear to you. It is sometimes easiest to ask the superintendent to accompany you around the site to make sure you understand exactly what he is trying to communicate.
You may have to consult the plans to get all the information you need in order to understand the work that needs to be done. If the superintendent does not have a written list, make your own list as you walk around the site discussing each task.
Remember that quality control is not just for the owner’s benefit in the finished product. Quality control also makes your work go more smoothly. When your framers’ cuts are square and true to length, the framing fits together a lot more easily.
If the building is square, when you cut joists and rafters, you can cut them all at once, the same length, instead of having to measure each one. When you get to the roof, the trusses will fit.
