It costs between $3,500 and $35,000 to frame a house. Because of the wide cost range, you should always talk to a professional to get a more accurate, personalized cost estimate. Contact framing contractors near you, and start requesting free price quotes today.

A framing contractor is an expert at creating a building’s frame, which is a vital component. It gives your building shape and structure. And a strong frame can help ensure the building’s structural integrity. In order for a major construction project to move forward, the framing must be completed.

First, search for top-rated framers near you on Thumbtack. Then, do the following:

• Read their profiles and customer reviews.
• Look at photos of past construction projects they’ve worked on.
• Check to see if they are properly licensed and certified in your state.
• Reach out to your top three framers and ask for cost estimates. 

After you’ve completed this research, hire a framer you believe offers fair pricing for high-quality work. Feel free to ask them a few questions before you make your decision. For example, you can ask about their process, their references, the time it takes to complete your project and more.

You have a few options when it comes to wood for your frame, including dimensional and engineered lumber. When it comes to wood species, you could opt for:

• Douglas fir
• Oak
• Pine
• Red cedar
• Spruce

Ask framing contractors near you what type of lumber they recommend for your house and budget.

Carpenters are skilled craftsmen who build things out of wood. Depending on what the carpenter builds, they may be referred to by various names. A framer is a carpenter who puts up the framing on a house. A trim or finish carpenter installs the finishing touches of prefabricated or custom trim and detail work once a house has been built and the walls are up. A furniture maker or woodworker builds furniture — such as tables, beds and dressers — out of wood. A cabinetmaker is a carpenter who builds custom and semi-custom wood cabinets. If you’re having a home built or remodeled, your general contractor will either provide or subcontract the carpentry work for the framing, cabinets and trim. You can hire a carpenter directly to update the trim in your home, build you a piece of custom furniture, or repair or replace your wood cabinets.

Carpenters are trained to work with wood. That means that any part of your home that is built of wood is very likely to involve a carpenter. Framing carpenters will put up the wood that makes up the bones of your home. If you’re having a wood floor installed, it may be done by a carpenter — although being a carpenter is not a requirement to install flooring. Trim, baseboards, wainscoting and any other detail work is typically installed by a finish carpenter. The wood boxes of custom cabinets will be built and installed by a carpenter.

Although all of these components in your new or remodeled home are built by carpenters who specialize in building things with wood, a general contractor typically oversees construction of the entire house. If the general contractor is also a carpenter skilled in all these areas, they may well construct your entire home. More often, the general contractor subcontracts out the various building stages to different individuals, including carpenters.

On average, finish carpenters charge $60 per hour. However, this hourly rate will vary depending on where you live, the scope of the project and other factors. For a more accurate estimate, ask for price quotes from at least three finish carpenters in your area.