Side Hustle: becoming a Framing carpenter

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Rising Star
BGOL Patreon Investor
to learn more about becoming a framer http://becomeaframer.com

Framing carpenters put together the wooden structural parts of new houses and other mainly residential structures. It’s a collaborative profession that demands skill, strength, creative problem-solving abilities and communication between framers.

Framers usually arrive at the jobsite around 6-7am, beating rush-hour traffic. There, they are joined by fellow framers and other tradespeople – electricians, plumbers, HVAC installers, etc. – each playing a specific role in bringing a new building to completion.

Contrary to office workers, framers spend their day outdoors, selecting, measuring, sawing, fitting and hammering together wood joists, studs, planks, trusses and panels. As a team, they periodically lift and fasten floor and wall assemblies into place. Framers also collaborate with other trades to facilitate efficient builds.

Most framers work a minimum of 40 hours a week. If your employer is busy, you may be asked to work 12-15 hour days and even weekends – for which you’ll collect higher overtime pay. While the long hours are physically demanding, the job satisfaction is top-notch. With good overtime, a framer who has completed their four-year apprenticeship can easily make a six-figure annual salary. Not too shabby for someone in their early twenties.

Jobsites tend to be informal and lively, with constant back-and-forth banter and joking among co-workers. It makes the day go fast and keeps the job fun, varied and exciting. Those with a sense of humor are highly valued!

SKILLS YOU’LL MASTER AS A FRAMER INCLUDE

  • BASIC MATH
  • ABILITY TO READ AND FOLLOW PLANS/BLUEPRINTS
  • MEASURING AND PLANNING
  • KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING CODES
  • ABILITY TO LIFT AND CARRY HEAVY PIECES OF MATERIAL OR STRUCTURES
  • USE OF SAWS, NAIL-GUNS AND OTHER POWER TOOLS
  • USE OF VARIOUS HAND TOOLS
  • FORKLIFT AND WORK TRUCK OPERATION

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED

Framers are responsible for buying and looking after their own tools.
These typically include:

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The total cash outlay for these ranges between $200-$300.
Be sure to invest in quality gear.

 
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