Framing crew setting roof members on a two-story wood frame against a blue sky
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Structural framing for homes and additions

The frame is the skeleton of a home. We build wood framing for new residences, additions, second stories and ADUs, and the structural changes inside existing homes, following the engineer’s drawings and California’s seismic requirements.

Our approach

Straight walls, square openings and true floors are decided at framing. Every finish that follows depends on them.

Part of our new construction and major renovations work, serving Los Angeles County. Service areas.

What we do
  • Framing for new homes, additions and second stories
  • ADUs and garage conversions
  • Load-bearing wall removal and new beams
  • Shear walls, hold-downs and seismic connections
  • Engineered lumber and steel connectors
  • Roof framing, stairs and openings
  • Coordination with structural engineers and inspectors
Our work

Framing by Ludi.

Photographs and clips from Ludi projects in Los Angeles.

Process

How the work is done.

Every project is scoped to the property, but the sequence that protects the result stays the same.

Read the structure

We review the architectural and structural drawings and resolve conflicts before lumber is ordered.

Layout

Walls, openings and hold-downs are laid out on the foundation or subfloor and checked against the plans.

Frame and sheath

Walls, floors and roof are framed, sheathed and connected with the specified hardware.

Inspect

Framing and shear walls are inspected before insulation and drywall close them in.

Questions

Framing: common questions.

Read more in our guide: Before the concrete: why reinforcement and formwork decide the finish.

What is a shear wall?

A shear wall is a framed wall sheathed and fastened in a specific pattern to resist sideways forces from earthquakes and wind. In California, shear walls, hold-downs and their connections are specified by the structural engineer and inspected before they are covered.

Can a load-bearing wall be removed?

Usually, with a new beam and posts sized by a structural engineer and a building permit. The load has to be carried down to the foundation, which sometimes means new footings.

How long does framing take on a new home?

For a typical custom home, framing is measured in weeks rather than days, depending on the size, complexity, site access and inspection timing. It is roughly the midpoint of construction.

Is framing inspected?

Yes. The building department inspects framing, shear walls and structural connections before walls are closed. Rough plumbing, electrical and mechanical work are usually inspected at the same stage.

Second-floor wall framing on a new residence, seen from above, with a carpenter measuring lumber
Ludi Construction · Los Angeles

Tell us about your project.

Share the property location, what you would like to change and your timing. Our team will reply with a clear next step.