Massive shortages have been reported for framing lumber this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Lumber costs are steadily on the rise and it doesn’t look like there will be relief any time soon. Home builders are eager for solutions that can reduce lumber costs without sacrificing quality or structural integrity. One popular solution is value frame engineering at DPIS.

How it Works

Frame engineering takes the smart approach by precisely and meticulously pinpointing strut locations onto beams. This minimizes the number of struts needed while still providing rock-solid structural integrity to the homes. The smaller beam sizes required in this process further reduces the amount of wood required. The precise nature of this technique also allows for the widest range of lumber choices which results in greater efficiencies.

What to Look for in a Frame Engineering Plan

A proper frame engineering process will provide ceiling joist layout, beam locations, rafter layout, and purlin in addition to strut locations. An integrated floor system design is a good idea for high quality homes or homes with more complicated floor loading due to design parameters.

Finding the right plan means finding the most detail. In general, the most extensive plans are more accurate to your specific needs and require a highly knowledgeable engineer to complete.

A good plan should show layout, size, spacing and allowable span for all these areas. And it should integrate each area with a comprehensive, big-picture view as well as the scrutinized details. Our method at DPIS incorporates both of these important factors. Give us a call and discover how frame engineering with DPIS can start saving you money this quarter.