A framer installs a building’s structural members and prepares them for the next phase of construction, which involves the installation of cladding and other materials. In the course of their work, framers may use wood, steel, concrete, and other framing materials. Although training programs are available, and pay is usually determined by experience and skill level, no special education or certification is required.
One of the first people to arrive on a construction site is the construction framer. Framers consult with other members of the construction team about the project’s requirements and work with the foundation crew to prepare for framing. The framer teams can move in once the foundation is in place. They begin by roughing in the framing, which will necessitate the use of supporting props. They secure the framing so it can stand on its own during the lock-up phase.
A framer must be able to work quickly while remaining safe. If the structure is small, framing may only take a few days. Doors, windows, electrical equipment, and other project requirements must all be considered by the framers. Other teams can move in to begin the next stage of construction after they finish, and they rely on solid framing to do their jobs properly. The framers must ensure that the structure is plumb and stable in order for it to support the structure’s weight.
Many painters and framers learn their trade on the job. They begin as construction apprentices, learning how to use tools and work on the job site. They will be able to take on more difficult tasks as time goes on, and may eventually join framing crews. With experience, a framer can advance to the position of supervisor, overseeing a crew and potentially earning more money. Other framers go to school to learn about building techniques and engineering fundamentals.
The nature of this work may be erratic. Many framers work as freelancers, and their income comes from a variety of sources. It may not be possible to work during the winter months, so a framer must be able to budget income from the working months to cover the winter. To supplement their income, some framers take on other projects during the winter, such as minor home improvement tasks.