For California residents, the ever-present threat of wildfires can cause an understandable pause in considering wood-framed construction as an option. Dire circumstances aside, wood-framed construction remains popular because of the relative ease and cost of wood acquisition. It remains a safe choice for residential projects because of many safety options available, including fire retardant insulation, framing and covering.
The Construction Contracting Process
Following is a rough presentation of the work that Murphy Construction puts into completing a wood-framed structure like a house. Clients may be looking for a contractor, like Murphy Construction, after having already completed the following steps:
- Developing a floor plan
- Drawing up a materials list for estimates or after having settled on price points
Clients may have already obtained their own government building permits prior to contacting Murphy Construction, but if they haven’t, that’s all right. Murphy Construction professionals know how to get licenses and building approvals prior to starting a job.
Preparations for Construction Crews
Contractors will clear the building site. Crews will perform an on-site survey to stake out the foundation. Excavation and digging footers will be part of the process, prior to the first concrete pour. Murphy Construction professionals will frame and build the main load-bearing structural supports. This step will see the erection of thick pieces of stout wood and may include metal I-beams or concrete pylons.
All of these steps require precise calculations and set up. Load bearing construction should always be done by professionals, like Murphy Construction contractors.
Murphy Construction contractors, after framing a building, then add floor and ceiling joists. Crews will complete the installation of sub-floor panels, covering outer walls and the roof in surface materials including:
- OSB
- Plywood
- Water-resistive barrier
Next, the professionals install shingles to the roof, or other coverings if the roof is to be flat. Walls will be dressed with siding consisting of client’s choice for materials. Examples include vinyl, wood or brick veneers but Murphy Construction also works with stone, other materials and concrete including stamped or textured patterns.
Window installation, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and natural gas utility structures need to be installed by the crews at well. Then, the building inspector will visit your site to approve utilities and framing. After this crucial milestone is met, then the crew can begin adding insulation, interior drywall panels or cement board for damp areas, and the completion of walls and ceilings. From here, additional amenities are added according to client contract.
