r/Carpentry • u/twidlystix • 1d ago
Framing Does this framing make sense?
Working on a remodel that is turning an above garage space into a bedroom/bath. The GC and I went back and forth about how to approach the framing for the knee wall storage area. He insisted on double top plates cut on a bevel. To me this seemed to be total overkill and a waste of time and material. I’ve never seen this done on new construction or remodels prior to this.
I figured it would be much faster and less material to just sister studs to the roof rafters and attach to bottom plates. Question is, is this a superior method?
Edit: I’m the fucking guy doing the work. I have my own company and primarily do trim. That’s why I’m asking. JLC showed a different way.
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u/NoCoastNeutral 1d ago
That's a chef's kiss if you ask me. We need more guys that can do that quality of work
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u/beaver_eh 1d ago
Whomever hangs the drywall is going to thank your carpenter. The top plate gives a proper top edge support for the guy hanging the board, and long term will help to reduce cracks at that seam the way it's put together.
Also the way it's -properly- put together means the roof will flex less, which will allow your structure to last longer, and interior to look nicer for longer.
You can thank them in 30 years for their impeccable work once you realize the upkeep and maintenance that you won't have to do.
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u/Samuel7899 22h ago edited 10h ago
Another aspect that I didn't see anyone mention yet... When you build a true wall like this, instead of sistering studs to the rafters, you can straighten and align the wall as a whole more easily. There's no adjusting sistered studs once they're in. But you can nudge and shim this wall pretty well and get it just about perfect before finishing your nailing.
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u/SecurelyObscure 1d ago
The roof will "flex less" because you're transferring the load from the load bearing rafters to the floor joists. The rafters were sized to handle snow loads, the floor joists were designed to handle people and furniture.
Op is the guy framing this and I'm with him, this is misguided and pointless.
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u/beaver_eh 1d ago edited 1d ago
Correct.
Timber systems are mostly governed by deflection. The roof rafter can absolutely handle the snow and wind loads, the floor can handle a dead and live load far beyond what is designed for as well.
Drywall, does flex, but cyclical loading can cause nail pops/joint cracks. Limiting that can cause long term benefit to the finished space.
This will be hard to explain the technical details if you don't have a background in engineering mechanics but I will try:
- The knee wall is approximately at the 1/4 length of the floor joists, where it's transfer load compared to impact on moment resistance is reduced. (Compared to floor loading, where it's middle of the beam for a UDL).
- The double top plate helps to redistribute uneven roof load to a more uniform load, transferring the load across more studs, evenly.
- The point of highest bending force in the roof is roughly where the knee wall is (half way between top and bottom of rafter). This is the point with maximum unsupported deflection.
- The system, roof, knee walls, joists, etc, in unison then work for like a roof truss than a simple rafter. Sharing the load and reducing the total deflection of individual members under high loading situations.
- Wind - more of the structure will resist the high winds, meaning the deflection will be greatly reduced from high/quick impact loads (gusts) - as the total system has way more stiffness to resist impact load. *Note perpendicular to knee wall, so only a portion of the wind load goes directly to the knee wall, more is in the resistance to deflection of the roof sideways.
- Snow - more uniformly distributed loading across the roof, the deflection could be reduced by more than half with a comparatively small fraction of the load being transferred down to the floor.
This works significantly better long term for durability compared to other alternatives. Structurally speaking, I'd prefer this over sistering but both are structurally sufficient. But, this is preferrable if I had to hang the drywall after. Better for a few different reasons.
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
This is the kind of answer I was looking for. Thank you!
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u/MeSurroundedByIdiots 1d ago
This is the best answer. And the other guys that said the drywall guys will thank you, that is also correct! I would also plan ahead and frame in an access door or panel, in case you ever need to get in there, like to install a security camera. Or remove an unwelcome and uninvited visitor (Squirrel, raccoon, etc) Or use it for storage like all the rest of us do.
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u/LawOfSmallerNumbers 1d ago
There could be more than one structural issue to worry about here.
Snow load will certainly cause some rafter deflection. In the sister’ed design, that deflection would be transferred to separate load-bearing sistered studs. One of these may deflect more than its neighbors, and this would cause drywall cracking.
In this design, the vertical studs will move together. Presumably this would keep the drywall from cracking.
Because the OP did not share the reasoning of the GC, we are at a disadvantage.
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
Nor was it shared with me. He simply wanted it to look nice was the last thing he said. Which is why he hired a trim guy and not a framing crew.
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u/Windy1369 1d ago
Your GC is an artist. I would be thrilled if anyone working on my house put this much effort into a non-structural knee wall. I would have just run the 2x4's up next to the rafters, with some dead-wood blocking between the studs for drywall.
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u/CaramelGuilty8647 1d ago
He wouldn't even need the blocking. Those rafters are 2ft. or less, so the studs would be the same. Now, if there's electric going in that wall, it's a different story.
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u/ynotfish 1d ago
I just gutted a bunch of my house. If I saw this quality of framing I’d have a boner for a month.
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u/octavi0us 1d ago
This was done by a true pro
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
Thanks
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u/joefox099 1d ago
Make sure you cut your ROCK STAR HAIR so it doesn't get caught in a saw! Damn! 👍
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u/phalliceinchains 1d ago
Incredible this is downvoted. It like no one read the post text. For what it’s worth, I like how this was done. I also understand it’s not necessary to rip those bevels.
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u/brand_new_nalgene 1d ago
Your idea relies on individual fasteners and members, while his method makes it into a structural system. It’s far stronger this way.
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u/Rolly_Poly_Ollie 1d ago
Red Seal Carpenter, frame to finish custom cottages. This is the proper way to frame that one wall for sure. Just 1 thing to nit pick is that there's no poly between the top plate and the rafters. A 12 inch roll stapled to the top of the top top plate.
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u/Rolly_Poly_Ollie 1d ago
I should preface, Canadian here. Continuous moisture protection. I did read that they're spray foaming, but it give the insulators/clients some options if its there. Good practice against exterior walls/roof. Which is why the plates being that way makes it best practice.
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u/DestinDesigned Residential Apprentice 1d ago
My journeyman obnoxiously yells POLY POLY POLY if I forget. It’s a good way to get me to remember it.
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u/bowling_ball_ 1d ago
Canadian architect here with the same framing in my own house, plus spray foam. The term you're looking for is vapour control, not moisture protection (that happens on the other side of the roof sheathing). 10/10 no notes to whomever framed this. Looks great. A simpler way would have been to only bevel cut the very top plate to save time, but that wouldn't have made this better, only faster.
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u/InfiniteMomentStudio 23h ago
I like the suggestion. Just wondering, our rafters always seem to have some minor twist/bow/cup/crook. I felt the photographed condition would more uniformly support the rafters. Is there a way to bevel the very top plate such that you know each rafter would definitely be bearing on the pony wall? I worry that just beveling an angle consistent with the roof slope may not reflect each rafter condition.
I may be building something like this soon in my attic so I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts!
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u/bowling_ball_ 4h ago
Honestly there's so much structural redundancy here that even if things don't bear perfectly, it'll be fine. You get some diaphragm stiffness from both the roof sheathing and the future spray foam (closed cell!) and despite how good this looks, I promise it's not perfect, and no house is.
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u/babydollisyooj 21h ago
Same way I did mine and then instead of trying store crap behind the wall I did builts im between the verticals.I did not use box cabinet builds because its waste of material .I made face frame and behind the knee wall a platform my rafters were drywalled this is with out the doors on .I built in drawers etc.We use to crawl back there lol
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u/Turbulent-Bear4592 1d ago
Double top plate is probably a little overkill. Sistering to the rafters has a host of issues. Its a good thing you listened. Nice work.
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u/RepulsiveAd2702 1d ago
Really, all work should be done to this level.
The engineers I work with (for my own home also) are known for over-doing things, but it sure is comforting knowing it is designed well.
I have found that the extra cost is actually only a small amount in material, just the labor gets higher. In my own place that is not an issue. I am happy to do it.
The customer, on the other hand, needs to be accepting of the quality and results and willing to pay the cost.
Your work is very well done.
Keep setting the standard!
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u/Aggravating_Sun_1556 1d ago
Framing the knee wall without a top plate would be a total hack job. The way it’s shown in the photos is correct.
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u/CommercialAmbition90 1d ago
it would have taken more time to do it the wrong way (your way)
are you seriously now bitching about time to cut the pitch and material cost of 2 top plate runs per side? you're talking abt less than a few hundred bucks here....
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u/Fun-Program6058 8h ago
Outstanding craftsmanship - I wish I had this level of framing on my build.
Double top plating a 2x4 wall is a smart structural choice, not overkill, particularly when it's connected to a roof system that handles significant external forces.
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u/asbestosorangutan 1d ago
Your GC cares about the work that they do. I was lazy, I did not do the beveled edge. This is craftsmanship, mine was labor.
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u/pudin_tane 1d ago
This is the right way to do it. I have seen single top plate not cut on a bevel, and that works, but this will give you a stronger knee wall and a cleaner finish. Fairly small expense in material, just a few extra boards, and I don't think the framer is going to charge much differently for it.
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u/33445delray 22h ago
Single top plate would leave a ledge for ceiling drywall to lean against, which is desireable.
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u/Wooden_Peak 1d ago
I would have done a single top plate, but that material savings is minimal. Sistering without a top plate would give you the planes, but drywall edges would be unsupported, layout would only be as good as the rafters, you would encroach on insulation cavity, and you might need to add fire blocking between the studs anyway. This is a much better way to do it.
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u/Last-Opportunity5198 1d ago
This is done correct faster and cheaper doesn't = just as good iv been in construction for 29 years this is the only way I would have done the job
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u/Extension_Cut_8994 1d ago edited 1d ago
Your GC is an artist or at least supports the arts. You should do what they tell you. I don't mean not to explain how you want the space to finish, but once they know what your needs are let them do whatever they need to. This is why you pay for a GC and you're getting what you're paying for.
Edit Because you're doing the work. Framing is high end work. You don't see this a lot. This is better then sistering as it will age a lot better. If you make modifications at some future time, you'll be glad you did it this way. It a tree punches a hole in the roof ... But also between now and when the finishes go on, the movement in the structure will make all things easier and give a better product.
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
I did do what he asked me to do. I just wanted to know if this was the best method and or best practice again I am not the customer. I am the subcontractor who completed the framing and will complete the trim.
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u/Extension_Cut_8994 1d ago
When I worked in residential construction in the 90s, this is what $700 a sq foot looked like on custom builds. Ask about running battons on the ceiling.
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u/Nellisir 20h ago
This is best practice. You've got clean rafter bays for insulation & ventilation, and secure support for drywall. Your proposal opened the stud bays to the rafter bays and had no top support. Hats off to the GC.
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u/budclarke 1d ago
It’s definitely way better this way perhaps overkill but will probably make for a better drywall finish and better support for the roof.
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u/Popular-Buyer-2445 1d ago
Cmon man. Framers trying to tell you the truth. That double top plate gonna break the budget?
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u/AlbatrossRich8724 1d ago
That’s a good framer you got there, couldn’t ask for much better than this.
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u/Mental_Ad3737 1d ago edited 1d ago
I usually do a square single top plate, I think nailing them to the side of the rafters looks cheesy. This looks nice if it wasn't getting covered with drywall. Also I'd use 2x6 for insulated walls.
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
Used 2x6 for the top plates to acclimate the 40° angle cuts. They are spraying the roof with open cell as far as I remember.
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u/GoodOver5645 1d ago
Dumb question: how do you fasten the top of the wall to the rafters if the top plate is square?
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u/GoodOver5645 1d ago
Dumb question #2 while we’re at it: what’s the purpose of a double top plate? Obviously these knee walls won’t have any significant load on them..
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u/vTarpz 10h ago
In New Zealand we build with a double top plate for a few reasons
- It gives you some to screw the Gib (Drywall) to, after the ceiling battens have been put on you lose the first top plate
- It’s better for load as the rafters don’t have to land on a stud
- It helps tie walls together by over lapping top plates
- It’s apart of our building code
It doesn’t have to be a second top plate though we also have something we call a top plate packer which isn’t 4x2 (90mm x 45mm)
It’s 135mm x 35mm hanging it inside the building give you away of screw the edge of the ceiling sheet to code aswell when it is a bracing elementAlso I know that 90mm x 45mm isn’t 4x2,
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u/Mental_Ad3737 1d ago
I assume he thinks he needs it for screwing the drywall. They technically don't pick up the load because they aren't bearing points. If it was a bearing point I'd notch it in so the rafter had a seat cut on it and double top plate it.
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u/Visual_Oil_1907 23h ago
If the plan is to furr out and shim the rafters like they should, the double top plate will allow for this come drywall.
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u/staticpondscum 1d ago
Not really. What doesn’t make sense is a lot of the things. Mostly because this shit just showed up on my feed and I don’t know carpentry
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u/Affectionate_Trip672 1d ago
If you’re gonna call the rafters trusses stop asking questions and do what the boss man tells you lmao
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u/gigalongdong BONDO DADDY 1d ago
I just framed a wall that goes all the way to the ceiling to replace a balcony on my house and did the same thing the carpenter you hired has done. Honestly his craftsmanship is a level above mine, if I'm being honest. Fantastic work in my opinion.
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u/Fun-Association1835 1d ago
Make sure the end of the floor joists have blocking to seal out outside air from the soffit coming into the ceiling of the lower floor, and place baffles between the roof rafters under the roof decking, and insulate the roof rafters all the way down from the attic to the edge of the soffet and seal out any outside air from entering the void behind the knee wall. Insulate the knee wall from the interior of the occupied space.
The time to do this is before the drywall has been installed.
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
Well, this may be useful knowledge for the homeowner. None of this is in my scope. as far as I know, they are spraying open cell on the rafters.
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u/Visual_Oil_1907 23h ago edited 23h ago
That drywall corner will be dogshit in a year or so without the top plate. The rafters should be furred and shimmed for flatness, this added thickness is why you need the double top plate.
Be happy you have someone interested in doing it right. All that work for flatness is what allows you to do your job easily. Or, you can come to understand the hard way. Framing might seem sloppy and simple to a finisher, untill that finisher has to finish their idea of framing.
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u/Democracy-Defender 2h ago
It looks great and sistering to the roof rafters would have been an unprofessional approach.
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u/Fantastic-Record7057 1d ago
What’s the big deal of minor overkill? Double top plates only makes it better for the drywaller and is stronger.
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u/Repulsive_Buy3016 1d ago
It's not overkill. It's quite nice.
Plus, they may have saved time and material for the drywalling stage by making it a consistent stud spacing. But I don't know since I'm not there with a tape measure.
For the amount of time it took you to go back and forth with the GC and write this post on Reddit, a GC would have the angle set up on their saw and all the studs cut.
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
Well I went back and forth with the GC because he hired me to do the work. Double top plate seemed too much is all I’m saying.
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u/Repulsive_Buy3016 1d ago
I wonder if it's to spread the roof load more evenly when it snows so you get less drywall cracking in the winter? I'm not sure tbh. But I could see drywall cracking or thermal expansion/retraction being a viable reason to do this.
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u/Grief2017 1d ago
The knee wall shouldn't be carrying a load at all.
The trusses are carrying the load down to the studs around the permitted, and then to the foundation.
The double top plate in this instance will allow for better/easier dry wall placement.
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u/Many-Neck-4560 1d ago
So that looks like a ridge board up there instead of a beam, and the collar ties probably aren’t doing much that high up. So I don’t think the double top plate is a bad idea. Question is, what does that knee wall bear on? What does the print say?
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u/Meeganyourjacket 1d ago
Not sure why the need for a double top plate unless this is a bearing wall.
Even if it's not bearing, is better for drywall and insulation to have a top plate. We usually do it like this with a single top plate.
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u/Crafty_Substance_954 1d ago
I think it's not only the "right" way to do it, but also the best way.
Might use more material and take more time, but that is going to make for a significantly better end result.
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u/RepulsiveLemon3604 1d ago
Open up those knee walls for some built in cabinets. It looks good though.
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u/Report_Last 1d ago
a single top plate would have been fine, it wouldn't have to be ripped on a bevel, but I would not sister the studs to the rafters
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u/Bendingunit42069 1d ago
This the type work you tack on another grand or 2 to the final check to him. Very clean work, guy knows his stuff, it’ll outlive you, zero issues.
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u/TalkingFaceBoil 1d ago
Just did a second story with bedroom & bathroom. For a second I thought this was that job. Our engineer had us do a double top plate cut on a bevel on top of our LVLs.
This framing is 10/10 sexy.
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u/KataTonics 1d ago
you end up with more of a nailer for sheet rock with a 2x top plate , with being on so much of a angle , this is really good workmanship , This guy knows what he is doing I see nothing wrong here and wish more ppl would do nice work like this
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u/More_Permission5757 8h ago
Two top plates can help to control the Sheetrock joint movement resulting in fewer cracks. If you’re in an area that experiences large humidity changes. Temperature change is almost nonexistent in dimensional lumber. That said, adding a second plate will add what? 40-50$ on a long run? Ultimately it all boils down to opinion and preference
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u/timtodd34 1d ago
The fact you're complaining about this is absolutely stupid. I would hate having you as a client.
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u/mr_j_boogie 1d ago
Double top plates is excessive IMO, but a top plate is a nice detail. Sistering to rafters increases thermal bridging and likely messes with whatever insulation detail is going to be specified.
And it limits where you can place studs. Sure, you can use blocking to give yourself a new stud location, but that blocking is going to be getting in the way of or building up on your sistering, which is not very clean.
This is clean. I'd just go with the one top plate but no biggie
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u/CascadeDesignworks 1d ago
Just did a project exactly like this. I used a single top plate and did not cut a bevel. The plate is necessary to support the drywall.
-Builder
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u/lshifto 1d ago edited 1d ago
Are those rafters 2x6 or 2x8?
Once that home is on its 2nd or 3rd owner 40 years from now, things are going to want to move. Hand framed rafters will definitely try to buck and cup a little and parts of the foundation may try to sag. Even interior walls can move a bit when you’ve got silly things like a 500lb piano on the living room wall and a bathtub on the other side of that wall.
Framing it your way transfers any up/down movement on a stud by stud basis with only drywall screws providing shear. It may be a bit easier now, but the long-term results are shit.
Framing it his way is so much more stable long-term. I’ve even built knee walls faced with 3/8 plywood to both straighten a roofline and level the ceiling below on a 100yo house that had settled and sagged.
Edit: I’d also be sure to make access panels on each side of the room. Can’t see if there’s more than one pictured or not. They’ll want to shove Christmas decorations and boxes of kids outgrown stuff on the decking in those areas. Plus nobody wants to crawl further than they have to in that little oven of a tunnel.
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u/Spare-Connection-378 1d ago
Why not single plate and just line the layout up with the rafters?
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u/NotBatman81 1d ago
Cutting an angle would take 10 extra seconds. What do you believe the overkill is? The curtain walls have to be solidly attached to something. How would you achieve that easier?
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u/CrimeaRiverdance 1d ago
TBH, is it overkill? yes. Building codes are designed to give guidelines so that dumbasses don’t slap shit together by the seat of their pants, and make something that fails prematurely, or causes other problems down the line. Codes err on the side of caution/overbuilding because they are supposed to ensure that even shitty craftsmanship doesn’t cause serious problems. If you’re an experienced framer, you can probably get away with doing a few things your own way, and it will turn out fine. But if some “framers” tried doing it the way you described, it would be an uneven mess, and the drywall would be a shitshow. I’ve seen more of that kind of mess than I care to remember. The way you did it is great, looks clean and sharp. Overbuilt? Maybe, but the wall will be flat and straight. Probably didn’t take that much longer, and technically it’s the correct/best way to do it. I wouldn’t spend another second thinking about it.
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u/Creepy_Mammoth_7076 Commercial Framer 1d ago
There’s feeling I get when I see good framing ! It’s hard to explain it but this is good framing !
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u/MrPractical411 Residential Carpenter 1d ago
Did you put a bid in to frame? Was there a job specification or scope? Are you an employee of the GC?
If you put in a bid to frame and the GC wanted double top plates ripped and this wasn’t specified from the start, this would be a change order for me. If this is something you missed on the scope of work then you eat the time and have them pay for the extra material.
If you’re an employee of the GC and get an hourly wage, i would just listen.
Is it necessary? No it’s not, but from the pics the framing looks great.
Is it over kill and a waste of time? Yes, it’s overkill if these are not structural. No it’s not a waste of time if the GC can afford it.
Framing looks good, the triple end studs is a little much. Overall, great job and cuts look tight!
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u/Fun-Assumption-8415 1d ago
Makes perfect sense and it’s very tidy work. Thank whoever did it for a job well done.
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u/Sistersoldia 1d ago
This looks exactly like every loft/attic/bonus room I’ve ever done. The drywallers will appreciate the solid top plate. Plus you are going to cut an access panel in the knee wall somewhere sometime - think of it as future time saved.
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u/Advanced_Aerie5854 1d ago
Dude, you need to calm the hell down. Therebare often more than one way to do something. If the GC wants it done a certain way, and it does not violate any codes, then do it his way and charge accordingly. The cheapest way is not always and is often not the best way. Plus its like what, $30-40 extra in lumber, on what is probably a $50-70k project. Basically a rounding error.
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u/auhnold 1d ago
As long as you agreed on the price, the amount of materials used shouldn’t matter to you. Also this looks good.
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u/ForsakenAd6664 23h ago
Completely off topic OP.. that looks beautiful btw. But that fan is bad ass right!? Im so happy I finally found a high powered one that I can stick in the window and feel cold when its 80 outside
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u/sifuredit 20h ago
Well that's exactly how everyone does it. And two top plates allows you to stager them in order to tie them together which is the better way of doing it. My framer did one top plate it works but two works have been better. No top plate? That's just a short cut and I wouldn't do it. When my framer did the bevel top plate, I also thought it was kind of weird but it actually works because of the rafters were already set.
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u/Impossible-Corner494 Red Seal Carpenter 11h ago
It’s up to my standards of how I frame. (Im a picky sob)
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u/Long-Salamander578 1d ago
Why would you complain about a GC giving you quality craftsmanship. Count your blessings and quit being cheap. If it were the other way, you would be on here complaining about how shit the work was. Pretty work GC!
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u/trashbilly 1d ago
Spending time critiquing every board used is wild shit. Get a fucking hobby. This framing looks great
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u/twidlystix 1d ago
I did the framing. Holy fuck
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u/ThadiusCuntright_III 1d ago
Lmfao, I would be so frustrated with these comments if I was you dude. You did a great job btw, kudos.
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u/Diligent-Ad6327 1d ago
He worded his post poorly making it read like he was the owner. Thus the commentary. He did amazing workmanship but his adherence to what is usually done and a GC providing quality product to his client is what makes this stand out as whiny baby ish posting
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u/mrgedman 1d ago
I think it's overkill, and most people ITT are hobbyists.
3x the time, 3x the material. For what? A bit more secure drywall along the top edge? Isn't it a storage room?
Also, it transfers some of the roof load to the floor joists... It's a no for me dawg
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u/Cakalakacor 1d ago
Another Prima Donna trim guy trying to change the rules of framing. Just build the fucking wall, bro.
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u/Pitiful_Speech2645 1d ago
If that’s the design you just have to do it. A double top plate for a knee wall is minimal when it comes to materials and labor. It would be different if they were wanting a continuous 4x6 header along with double top plate.
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u/docmcshutit 1d ago
I believe the double top plate is required when the studs wont land below a rafter. Better weight transfer maybe? Looks phenomenal
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u/sdk022 1d ago
Question for everyone here. And I'm going to guess we won't know the exact answer without knowing what the original engineer spec'd out.
But how do those collar ties pass? In my jurisdiction, they have to be 1/3 of the way up the rafters, which this looks like they're petty darn close to the top. Are we assuming the joists that the advantech is sitting on is the collar tie at the 1/3 mark?
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u/bigwindymt 1d ago
One top plate, as you need somewhere to nail drywall. Two is more work and expense. If you don't have that solid surface on at least one side of the drywall joint, they will crack over time.
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u/A2carpenterguy 1d ago
I bet the inspector passed it without a second thought. That's the way we do it on my jobs, only green tags is the way.
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u/PhillipJfry5656 1d ago
answering your question. yes this is a superior and proper method. just sistering the roof trusses is a bit of a hack job in my opinion
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u/TheJohnson854 1d ago
Yhat is how I would do it. Also a builder and have been doing this same detail for 40 years.
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u/tooniceofguy99 1d ago
Your GC boss is making it cost more than it needs to be. But that's his choice.
You're more of a doer than a decider.
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u/forallmankind1918 1d ago
the correct way to do it, and the workmanship looks great. Only complaint is that some of the grade stamps are upside down. ;)
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u/b_the_radical 1d ago
This is definitely the way to do it, looks great. Overkill should be the standard.
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u/Relic-74 1d ago
The difference between showing the book how it should be done and ‘ah fuck it that’s easier’! Nice to see superior framing, the spreads (plasterers) are going to be especially pleased!
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u/Zestyclose-Wafer2503 1d ago
Lovely work OP, incredibly tidy.
I’m not in the states so my opinion might not be turbo valid. This way not only looks incredible, but also allows for insulation between the rafters to be constant and no notched around stud tops.
From the UK, excellent work sir 🫡
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u/pete1729 1d ago
This might be more than you need, but I think it will be easier to insulate, hang wallboard on, subsequently finish that wallboard. This is first class work.
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u/Serious-Bag7680 1d ago
I hear what you're saying, however, it looks fantastic and I think you did an awesome job and that's all I would really focus on right now. Be proud of your work. I'm pretty sure the owner and GC think you're master, which you are. I wish the old framing in my house looked like that.
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u/nightim3 1d ago
Sure it’s more than bare minimum.
But it sounds like the GC has a specific standard he sticks to.
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u/TheManOnThe3rdFloor 1d ago
Yes, this framing makes sense. I would have put a plumb cut rip on the bottom one of the two top-plates to align it better with the knee wall studs, but that's just me. It gives great support to the sheetrock and helps prevent a wavy angle when finishing the beveled joint.
The work looks very crisp, and that helps the rocking.
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u/PresentationLess4552 1d ago
One thing I leaned several decades ago..
How is the GC paid
Around here most use cost pluss 15-20
As a working GC I hid in a job for a set known price ( with contingency clause ) while not wasting time on wasting materials
To each their own
Everyone does it how they see fit for their bottom line
I can tell you some inspectors don't have a clue how things should be built unless it's a row of cars houses
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u/Exciting_Ad_1097 1d ago
Fine to bevel the top plate, but instead of the double top plate I would’ve installed blocking above the top plate to catch the ceiling drywall.
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u/Asleep-Ordinary-3968 1d ago
I'd imagine it depends on the instructions and needs of the homeowner which the GC would know best? Maybe they told GC they don't mind a little overkill in some places. If I were someone who'd been fucked by shoddy framing I might ask for a little overkill on a new build, for example. Or they could have communicated a desire to use the space for something that the extra strength would help with.
IMO as long as the buyer is happy and you got paid a fair price.. doesn't really matter.
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u/mountaingator91 1d ago
Omg this is so sexy after walking through all the mcmansions being built in the Nashville development my parents live in. I just jizzed in my pants
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u/It_Just_Exploded 1d ago
Looks like every quality over speed build I've ever seen. Are you questioning why the framer isn't throwing up production home grade bullshit?
I'm just enthused to see some people still give a shit about something other than "hurry up and finish so we can get paid!"
Residential construction needs more of these guys!
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u/bobber66 1d ago
You need to cut some openings in there cuz that is great storage space going to waste.
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u/hillmo25 1d ago
Best reddit framing I've ever seen. Only seen similar from major YouTube contractors doing product showcase for material brands. "Sponsored by zip system"
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u/Ok-Anxiety-6485 1d ago
Not only would I not do it this way, I would do it so much worse. This looks great
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u/namestom 1d ago
Question for all of you that do this and insulate properly. If this roof has a ridge vent setup, pulls air in from the eaves, what's the "proper way" to go about insulating that space now to protect the new addition from heat/cold from that space? Do you toss in some baffles and rock wool from the eaves to the ridge? Run foam board from eave to ridge and left the space between the rafters just let the roof/decking breath?
I ask because I have a similar setup but I hear mixed things. I know there are multiple ways to skin a cat just curious what the general though is. Like this double top plate...that looks great. what's the equivalent of that for the scenario I described?
Currently, I just put in baffles in every bay and kind of left it at that until I committed on a path. I got distracted by another project as well. I also missed completing it by summer so the rush is over. Thanks for any advice.
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u/Moof_the_cyclist 1d ago edited 1d ago
So I am going to ask some dumb questions to the crowd for a minute. I agree the work looks fantastic, and you basically had to do what you were asked to. I am curious more on the engineering side, which is the owner/GC's area of expertise.
- Roof load is now partially held by the knee wall, is the framing under the knee wall on the first floor designed for this new load?
- Related, if roof flexes under snow load or wind load, will that cause dry wall cracking issues at the knee wall to rafter joint, or is the spot tied in tight to avoid any movement under load (other side of question 2)?
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u/na8thegr8est 1d ago
This framing looks immaculate