What's the difference between rough framing and finish carpentry?

Rough framing is the structural work — walls, floors, roof, and sheathing. Finish carpentry is the visible stuff — trim, doors, cabinets, and molding. They're often bid and performed by different crews.

What's included in rough framing?

Floor systems, wall framing, roof framing or truss setting, sheathing, structural hardware, and code-required blocking. It doesn't include trim, doors, windows, or finish work.

How is rough framing priced?

Usually per square foot of floor area. Prices vary by region, complexity, and whether it's labor-only or including materials.

Who installs windows and doors?

Window and door installation can go either way — sometimes the framer installs them, sometimes a separate crew. Define this clearly in your scope.

Can I modify this template?

Yes. Add or remove items based on your specific project and how you split scope between rough framing and other trades.

Rough Framing Scope of Work Template | Free Download 2026

Rough framing is the structural phase — floors, walls, roof, and sheathing. It's everything that happens before insulation, drywall, and finishes go in. Having a clear scope of work means everyone knows what's being framed and how. This template focuses specifically on rough framing work. It's ideal for separating rough framing scope from finish carpentry when they're bid separately. Adjust it for your project plans and hand it over.

Project Overview

This scope covers rough framing including structural wall, floor, and roof framing, sheathing, and hardware. It does not include finish carpentry, trim, or cabinet installation.

Typical Projects Include:

New construction rough framing
Addition or bump-out framing
Second-story addition
Garage or shop building
Interior wall rough framing for remodels
Roof reframing

Scope of Work

Layout & Prep

Task	Description
Foundation Layout	Snap chalk lines and verify foundation dimensions match building plans.
Sill Plate Installation	Drill and install sill plates with anchor bolts and sill seal gasket.
Material Organization	Sort and stage lumber deliveries. Identify and set aside engineered members.

Structural Framing

Task	Description
Floor Framing	Install beams, floor joists, rim board, blocking, and subfloor decking.
Wall Framing	Build and raise exterior and interior walls. Install headers, cripples, and corner assemblies.
Roof Structure	Set trusses or build conventional rafters with ridge board. Install ceiling joists and collar ties.
Sheathing	Install roof and wall sheathing per nailing schedule. Include roof underlayment if in scope.

Hardware & Inspection

Task	Description
Structural Hardware	Install all engineered connectors — joist hangers, hold-downs, straps, and hurricane clips.
Blocking	Install fire blocking, draft stopping, and backing as required by code and plans.
Inspection Prep	Review work against plans, clean up, and schedule framing inspection.

Timeline & Milestones

Rough framing timeline for a typical residential project.

Phase	Duration	Description
Layout & Sill	1 day	Layout verification and sill plate installation.
Framing	1-3 weeks	Floor, wall, and roof framing.
Sheathing & Hardware	2-4 days	Sheathing, hardware, blocking, and inspection.

Roles & Responsibilities

Client / General Contractor

•Provide approved plans and engineering
•Supply or coordinate materials
•Ensure foundation is complete and level
•Schedule crane for truss setting
•Process payments per agreement

Framing Crew

•Frame per approved plans
•Install all structural hardware
•Install blocking per code and specs
•Maintain a clean and safe work site
•Pass framing inspection

Materials & Equipment

Lumber

•Dimension lumber (2x4, 2x6, 2x8, etc.)
•Engineered beams (LVL, PSL)
•Engineered joists (TJI)
•Plates and blocking

Sheathing & Deck

•OSB or plywood sheathing
•T&G subfloor
•Roof underlayment (if included)

Hardware & Fasteners

•Structural connectors per engineering
•Framing nails (16d and 10d)
•Sheathing nails per code schedule
•Anchor bolts and sill seal

Quality Control Standards

Plan Accuracy

All wall locations, openings, and structural members match approved plans.

Structural Integrity

All connections made per engineering. No missed hangers, straps, or hold-downs.

Nailing

Sheathing and framing nailed per building code nailing schedule.

Safety Protocols

Fall Protection

Guardrails or harnesses for all work above 6 feet.

Truss Handling

Never walk on unbraced trusses. Brace per truss manufacturer's guidelines.

Power Tool Safety

Use proper guards and safety features on all saws and nailers.

Project Documentation

Signed scope of work
Approved building plans
Engineering schedules (truss, beam, hardware)
Framing inspection record
As-built photos
Material delivery receipts

Financial Terms

Payment Structure

Payments based on rough framing milestones.

Terms & Conditions

•Deposit at mobilization (typically 20-30%)
•Progress payment at wall completion
•Progress payment at dry-in (roof sheathed)
•Final payment after framing inspection
•Change orders in writing before extra work

Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off

The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:

1Structure framed per approved plans
2All sheathing installed with correct nailing
3Hardware installed per engineering
4Blocking complete
5Framing inspection passed
6Site cleaned up

Frequently Asked Questions

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Rough Framing Scope of Work Template