Watching Your ADU Take Shape
Framing is the most visually dramatic phase of ADU construction. In just a few days, your project transforms from a flat concrete slab into a three-dimensional structure with walls, windows, and a roof. It's the moment most homeowners say "wow, this is really happening."
What Is Framing?
Framing is the construction of the structural skeleton of your ADU using dimensional lumber (typically 2x4 or 2x6 studs). This skeleton supports everything — the exterior cladding, interior drywall, roof, electrical, plumbing, and all the weight of the finished building.
The Framing Sequence
Day 1-2: Bottom Plates & Wall Assembly
- Pressure-treated bottom plates (sill plates) are bolted to the foundation using the anchor bolts set during the concrete pour
- Wall sections are assembled on the ground — studs, top plates, headers over openings, and cripple studs
- Walls are tilted up into position and braced temporarily
Day 2-3: Wall Raising & Sheathing
- All exterior and interior walls are stood up and connected
- Walls are plumbed (made perfectly vertical) and braced
- Structural sheathing (plywood or OSB) is nailed to exterior walls — this creates the shear walls that resist earthquake forces
- Window and door openings are framed with proper headers
Day 3-5: Roof Framing
- Ceiling joists or roof trusses are set in place
- Rafters are cut and installed (for stick-framed roofs)
- Ridge board or ridge beam is set at the peak
- Roof sheathing is applied
- Fascia and sub-fascia are installed
Day 5-7: Roof Weatherproofing
- Roofing felt or synthetic underlayment is applied
- Flashing is installed at all roof-to-wall connections
- Drip edges are installed at eaves and rakes
- At this point, the structure is "dried in" — protected from rain
Key Structural Elements
Headers: Heavy beams over window and door openings that transfer roof loads around the opening. Larger openings need larger headers.
Shear Walls: Walls with structural plywood nailed in specific patterns to resist lateral forces (wind and earthquakes). The structural engineer specifies their locations.
Hold-Downs: Metal hardware that connects the wall framing to the foundation, preventing uplift during an earthquake.
Straps and Ties: Metal connectors that tie rafters to walls, walls to floors, and other critical connections.
Framing Inspection
After framing is complete, the city inspector performs a framing inspection. They check:
- Stud spacing and sizes match the plans
- Headers are properly sized and supported
- Shear wall nailing patterns are correct
- All hold-down and strap hardware is installed
- Fire blocking is in place between floors and at required locations
- Window and door openings match approved plans
This inspection must pass before any work can be covered up (insulation, drywall, etc.).
What It Costs
Framing labor and materials for an ADU vary based on project scope by project making it one of the largest single costs in the project.
Coming Up Next
Day 8: Electrical — wiring your ADU for modern living, from panel installation to outlet placement to smart home readiness.
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Vision ADU's experienced framing crews build strong, precise structures. Start your ADU project with a free consultation.
Related Vision ADU Resources
- How to Build an ADU, Day 9: Plumbing
- How to Build an ADU, Day 10: Insulation & Drywall
- How to Build an ADU, Day 11: HVAC — Heating & Cooling
- How to Build an ADU, Day 12: Roofing
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