Creating the Bones--The Remodeling Insider

Well, the New Year has started off with a bang and remodeling ideas are flying around in your head. As I mentioned previously, I am starting an interview series this year called The Remodeling Insider. It will focus on sub-contractors & vendors who actually do much of the labor or supply the great products for a remodeling project. I am creating this project from the ground up and what better way to get started than with a Framing Contractor.

Josh Gunnels, with Frame To Finish, is our inaugural guest and he has tremendous insight into the skeleton of your home. Framing is not the sexiest part of the job, but it very well may be the most important aspect of any project. Frame To Finish is a five year old company located in Nashville, TN. Josh, a native Nashvillian, has more than 14 years experience as a carpenter and contractor in Nashville and in Boston. While attending Boston College, Josh was exposed to the wonderful world of framing in the Northeast. Although he does miss some things about the Boston area, Josh does'nt miss the frigid days outside in the winter battling gusting winds and sub-zero temperatures while driving nails and framing houses.

Frame To Finish frames additions for remodeling, new construction, high end interior carpentry and trim. One of the things I wanted to know from Josh is what are common requests he sees on the job or what are some of the trends to look for over the next year. "Outdoor living spaces are very hot right now...and not just little decks. We are framing outdoor living areas that include outdoor kitchens, flat screens televisions and outdoor fireplaces. Some of these spaces may be up to several 1000 square feet to accomodate large gatherings."

In addition to trends, I asked Josh what topics or items most homeowners overlook that impact the final result of the project. "Sometimes the Cornice Line gets overlooked from a framing perspective as it relates to the wall heights and pitch of the roof. It is important to know what the eves and overhangs will look like and to have proper venting." If that's Greek to you, the cornice detail or cornice line refers to how the roof pitch and wall heighth line up. A great idea in your head does'nt always transfer to a great design when there are different roof pitches and then the cornice line does'nt line up properly. It can throw off not only the framing crew, but it may look awkward as well.

I want to thank Josh Gunnels and his experienced crew at Frame To Finish for sitting down with me and talking about remodeling and how their business impacts your project.

Remember, your life is a work in progress so let your home be too. If you're not changing something, you're just staying put!!