Expert Structural Framing for Residential Projects
Framing is the backbone of every home — it determines structural integrity, energy efficiency, and the quality of every finish that follows. Poorly framed walls, floors, and roofs create problems that haunt a project forever: cracked drywall, uneven floors, doors that won't close, and roofs that sag. At Mimar Construction, our framing crews bring 30 years of structural carpentry experience to every project in Ridgewood, Montclair, Greenwich, and communities across Northern NJ and CT.
Whether we're framing a complete custom home from the ground up, adding a second story to an existing house, or restructuring interior walls during a renovation, our framers work from engineered plans and build to exacting tolerances. Every wall is plumb, every floor is level, every corner is square, and every connection is properly fastened according to code and engineering specifications.
We use premium-grade lumber and engineered wood products selected for the specific demands of each project. Our framing teams are experienced with conventional stick framing, engineered truss systems, steel beam integration, and the specialized techniques required for tying new framing into existing structures during additions and renovations.
Framing Services We Provide
Our framing expertise covers the full range of residential structural carpentry:
- New Construction Framing — Complete framing packages for custom homes including floor systems, wall framing, roof framing, and sheathing. We work from engineered plans and coordinate with your general contractor or manage the framing phase as part of a full-service build.
- Addition Framing — Framing for single-story and multi-story additions, including the critical tie-in work that connects new framing to existing structures. This requires precise planning and execution to maintain structural integrity.
- Renovation & Remodeling Framing — Opening up walls, reconfiguring rooms, adding headers and beams for open floor plans, and reinforcing structures during gut renovations. We handle the structural engineering coordination required for load-bearing wall removal.
- Roof Framing & Trusses — Conventional stick-built roofs, engineered truss installation, dormers, hip and valley framing, and complex multi-plane roof systems.
- Structural Repairs — Sistering damaged joists, replacing rotted sill plates, reinforcing sagging beams, and addressing structural deficiencies found during renovation or inspection.
Our Framing Standards
Quality framing requires more than just putting boards together. Here's what sets our framing apart:
- Plan Review & Layout — Before the first board is cut, our lead framers review the architectural and structural plans in detail. We verify dimensions, identify potential conflicts, and plan the framing sequence for maximum efficiency and accuracy.
- Quality Materials — We use kiln-dried lumber graded for structural use, engineered I-joists and LVL beams where specified, Simpson Strong-Tie connectors, and approved fastening systems. No warped, twisted, or substandard lumber makes it into our frames.
- Precision Execution — Walls are framed plumb and straight. Floors are framed level. Window and door openings are sized precisely for the specified units. Sheathing is properly nailed per engineering specifications.
- Inspection Ready — Our framing passes building inspections the first time. We build to code, follow engineering specifications, and document our work so inspectors can verify compliance efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Framing
Framing timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. A single-story addition might take 1 to 2 weeks. Framing a complete custom home typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Complex projects with multiple roof planes, custom details, or structural steel integration may take longer. Weather can also affect the schedule during our Northern NJ and CT winters. We provide a detailed framing timeline as part of the project schedule and keep you updated on progress throughout.
We use a combination of dimensional lumber and engineered wood products depending on the application. Standard wall framing uses kiln-dried spruce-pine-fir (SPF) or Douglas fir. For floor systems, we often use engineered I-joists (such as TJI) for their superior strength, consistency, and resistance to warping. LVL (laminated veneer lumber) beams are used for headers and long spans. Engineered roof trusses are manufactured to exact specifications for each project. All lumber is graded for structural use and stored properly to prevent moisture damage before installation.
Removing a load-bearing wall requires careful engineering and precise execution. First, a structural engineer calculates the loads and specifies the beam size, material (wood LVL, steel, or PSL), and connection details needed to carry the load. We then install temporary support walls to carry the load during construction, remove the existing wall, install the new beam and support posts with proper bearing and connections, and remove the temporary supports. Every load-bearing wall modification requires a building permit and structural engineering approval — we coordinate both.
Yes. Any structural framing work requires a building permit in Northern NJ and CT municipalities. This includes new construction framing, addition framing, and any modifications to load-bearing walls or structural elements during renovations. A framing inspection by the municipal building inspector is required before insulation and drywall can be installed. The inspector verifies that framing matches the approved plans, meets building code requirements, and follows engineering specifications. Our work is consistently inspection-ready, and we schedule inspections promptly to keep projects on track.
Framing projects typically require several inspections. A foundation inspection happens before framing begins (for new construction). The rough framing inspection is the most critical — the inspector verifies wall framing, floor framing, roof framing, sheathing, hardware connections, and compliance with structural plans. For additions, the inspector also checks the tie-in with the existing structure. Additional inspections may be required for specific elements like steel beams, engineered connections, or fire blocking. We coordinate all inspection scheduling and are always present when the inspector arrives.
"We hired Mimar to frame our two-story addition. Their crew was fast, precise, and incredibly organized. The building inspector said it was the cleanest framing job he'd seen in a long time. Everything was plumb, level, and square. Our finish carpenters were thrilled to work on such a well-framed structure."
Framing Service Areas
We provide expert framing services throughout Northern New Jersey and Connecticut, including: