Framing
The structural framing of your home includes floors, walls, railings, and window openings. Understanding how these components behave will help you know what to expect as your home settles.
How It Works
Your home's framing consists of:
- Floor joists that support the flooring
- Wall studs that create the wall structure
- Ceiling joists and rafters that support the roof
- Railings for safety at stairs and elevated areas
As wood naturally dries and your home settles, minor movement is normal and expected.
Routine Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect railings for stability | Annually | 5 minutes |
| Check for new squeaks | Seasonally | 5 minutes |
| Dust/polish railings | As needed | 10 minutes |
| Protect railings during moves | As needed | N/A |
Railing Care
Stained or wrought iron railings require minimal maintenance:
Regular care:
- Occasional dusting
- Polishing as needed
Protection:
- Cover railings during move-in
- Protect from sharp objects
- Avoid exposing to moisture
What to expect:
- Stained railings will have variations in color due to wood grain
- Some railings have seams from combining components
- Railings are installed per building codes and cannot be relocated
Troubleshooting
Floor and Stair Squeaks
Some floor and stair squeaks are unavoidable due to:
- Natural wood movement
- Humidity changes
- Temperature variations
- Normal settling
What to expect:
- Squeaks may recur even after repair
- Some squeaking is considered normal
- Not all squeaks can be eliminated
Tips to reduce squeaking:
- Maintain consistent humidity (35-55%)
- Note specific locations for service requests
- Some squeaks diminish over time as home settles
Floor Deflection (Bouncy Floors)
Floors will deflect (bend) when walked on, especially in large open spaces. This is:
- Normal structural behavior
- Not a defect
- Part of the engineering design
This deflection is designed into the structure and does not indicate a problem.
Walls Appearing Uneven
Walls may vary slightly from perfectly plumb due to natural characteristics of construction materials. Minor variations are normal and expected.
What to Avoid
- Don't damage railings during move-in - Cover and protect them
- Don't modify structural elements - Cutting or notching framing can compromise structure
- Don't hang extremely heavy items - Use proper anchors and distribute weight
- Don't ignore significant changes - Report major cracks or shifting to Classic Homes
- Don't alter party walls - Changes can affect noise transmission and fire resistance
Party Walls (Multi-Family Homes)
If your home shares a wall, floor, or ceiling with a neighbor:
Construction:
- Built to meet or exceed noise and fire protection standards
Your responsibility:
- Avoid damage or changes to these assemblies
- Changes can increase noise transmission and reduce fire resistance
What to expect:
- Some sound transmission is normal
- Loud music or high-impact noise may be noticed
Window Openings
Due to the natural wood used in construction, there will be slight variations (out of plumb) in window openings. This is:
- Normal
- Expected
- Not a defect
Understanding Settling
Your home will continue to settle and adjust during the first year and beyond:
- Wood naturally dries and shrinks
- Nail pops may appear in drywall
- Minor cracks may develop
- Squeaks may come and go
This is all part of normal home behavior and not cause for concern unless changes are dramatic.
Related Topics
Warranty Coverage: See Framing Standards for coverage periods and exclusions.