How Much Does It Cost To Frame A House In 2024? (2024)

The cost of framing a house varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of the house. According to U.S. Census data, the average size of a single-family house in 2021 was 2,273 square feet. On average, the cost to frame an average-sized family house in 2023 is $25,000, with prices ranging between $12,000 and $40,000. To give you an idea of the costs involved, here is a breakdown of average house framing prices:

By Project Type

Framing is the backbone of your home’s structure and, therefore, is an important expense. The cost of framing a house depends on the specific type of project. Here is a breakdown of average framing prices by project type:

Garage Framing

Garage framing is usually the least expensive type of framing because it is relatively easy to construct. The average framing cost for attached or detached garage framing ranges from $4 to $5 per square foot.

Roof Framing

Proper roof framing is essential for preventing future leaks. Roof framing can range from $6 to $9 per square foot, depending on the project’s complexity. Expect to spend extra if your roof has a lot of angles, valleys and dormers.

Basem*nt Framing

Basem*nt framing is not a very complicated job, since the walls aren’t load-bearing and don’t usually require a lot of planning. The average framing cost per square foot ranges from $5 to $10. However, prices usually go up to $15 with the need for waterproofing and insulation.

Interior Wall Framing

The average interior wall framing prices per square foot range from $7 to $12. Framing walls while constructing a new home will be in the lower price range while adding new walls inside an existing home will be in the higher price range.

Home Addition Framing

Do you want to expand your home with a guest bedroom, a larger kitchen or an extra storage space? The cost of framing an addition is usually higher than the cost of garage framing due to the need for tying the new structure into the existing one. The average cost to frame an addition ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot.

Entire House Framing

A single-story 2,000-square-foot home would cost between $14,000 and $32,000. For houses with a second floor, you can expect to pay $3 extra per square foot. The price of framing of an entire house can vary though, depending on a lot of factors such as the size and the complexity of the structure.

By Square Foot

On average, the house framing cost per square foot is $7 to $16. This includes $4 to $10 framing labor cost plus $3 to $6 per square foot for materials.

By Framing Material

The two main materials that are used for house framing are lumber and metal. Lumber is the most popular choice for homeowners because it is affordable and easy to work with. Wood framing (lumber) costs range between $1 and $5 per square foot. The material costs of steel are cheaper, with average prices between $2 and $4 per square foot, but the installation is more expensive, making it a more costly option.

Project Scope

A larger project will require more materials and labor, which will increase the overall cost. A tiny house will have a different price tag than a mansion. Additionally, the complexity of the project can also impact the cost. If you have a unique design with lots of angles or curves, it will require more time and expertise, which will increase the labor cost to frame a house.

Labor

The framing labor cost can vary depending on where you live and the experience level of your contractor. On average, you can expect to pay between $4 and $10 per square foot for house framing labor costs. However, this can vary widely based on the complexity of the project, the contractor’s experience level and local labor costs.

Residential vs. Commercial Framing

Residential framing costs are typically lower than commercial framing costs due to the different building codes and materials required. Commercial buildings require heavier-duty materials and framing techniques, which drive up the overall cost. Commercial framing typically costs between $12 and $40 per square foot.

New Framing vs. Framing Replacement

If you’re building a new house from scratch, you can expect to pay less for framing than if you’re replacing the framing in an existing home. Framing replacement requires extra labor to remove the old framing and can also uncover additional problems, such as water damage or pest infestations, which will add to the cost.

Home Sheathing

Home sheathing is an essential step in the framing process that involves covering the exterior walls of the house with a protective layer. The average price to add sheathing to your home is between $2 and $8 per square foot.

DIY framing may seem like a cost-effective option, but it’s important to consider the many risks involved, such as safety hazards and potential structural errors. House framing is no beginner-level project. We would recommend hiring a professional framing contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently.

There are several ways to save on the price to frame a house without compromising the structural integrity of the building:

• Source materials from affordable suppliers
• Negotiate with contractors for better pricing
• Use prefabricated wall panels and trusses
• Reduce the number of interior walls
• Consider doing some work yourself if qualified

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed 11 providers on national and local levels. These include three local providers, seven national cost databases and one governmental data bureau. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.