Building Structure That Holds Everything in Place

Structural framing services for remodels, basements, and additions in Fargo

When you're planning a remodel or addition in Fargo, framing is the stage where the outline of your new space becomes visible and the structure starts to support weight. Whether you're finishing a basement, opening up a wall between two rooms, or adding square footage to your home, framing sets the position of every wall, door, and window. In Fargo, where temperature swings and seasonal moisture are part of the year, getting the layout accurate and building with load-bearing precision matters from the start.

JR and GR Handyman Services LLC builds structural framing for residential remodels, basement conversions, and room additions across Fargo. The work involves cutting and assembling dimensional lumber to form walls, headers, and supports that carry the weight of ceiling joists, roof loads, and finish materials. Headers are sized according to the span and load, and studs are placed on center to meet code requirements. This framing supports drywall installation, door and window trim, electrical boxes, and plumbing runs that come later in the project.

If you're planning a renovation or addition in Fargo and need framing that's built to code and ready for the next phase, reach out to discuss your project layout and timeline.

What happens during the framing stage

Framing begins with marking the floor or existing structure to show where walls will stand, then cutting plates and studs to match the layout. In Fargo projects, we account for door and window openings by installing headers that distribute weight across the span, and we add blocking or extra studs where fixtures, cabinets, or heavy finishes will attach. The frame is assembled with pneumatic nailers and checked for plumb and square before moving to the next section.

Once framing is complete, you'll see defined rooms with doorways in the right places, walls that are straight and ready to accept insulation, and a structure that won't shift under the weight of drywall or roofing. Built for strength and longevity, the framing forms the skeleton that everything else attaches to.

The work includes installing king studs, jack studs, and cripples where openings require them, and adding fire blocking between floors when code requires it. We don't install drywall, electrical wiring, or plumbing as part of the framing service, but the structure is built to accommodate those trades without needing to modify the frame later. This stage prepares your space for insulation, mechanicals, and finish work in sequence.

You probably have questions about your specific layout

Framing brings up practical questions about sizing, timing, and how the structure fits with the rest of your project, so here are answers to some of the most common concerns we hear before work begins.

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What materials do you use for framing in Fargo?
We use kiln-dried dimensional lumber, typically SPF or Douglas fir, sized according to the span and load requirements. Headers are built with doubled two-by material or engineered beams when the opening is wide or carries significant weight.
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How long does it take to frame a basement or addition?
A typical basement layout takes two to four days depending on the number of rooms and complexity of the design. Additions vary based on size and whether the framing ties into existing structure or starts from a new foundation.
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Why does framing need to be done before drywall and electrical work?
Framing creates the structure that holds electrical boxes, plumbing lines, and drywall in place. Without the frame built first, there's nothing to attach those systems to and no way to define room sizes or door locations.
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What happens if the floor isn't level before framing starts?
We shim the bottom plate to correct for uneven floors so the walls stand plumb. If the floor has a severe slope or structural issues, we'll point that out before framing begins so it can be addressed.
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Can you frame around existing HVAC ducts or beams?
Yes, we work around ductwork, posts, and beams by adjusting stud placement and building soffits or chases where needed. The layout is planned so existing mechanicals don't interfere with the new walls or openings.

JR and GR Handyman Services LLC provides framing services throughout Fargo for homeowners who need accurate layouts and load-supporting construction that supports the rest of their remodel or addition. If you're ready to move forward with your project or want to walk through the layout before work begins, get in touch to schedule a consultation.