designs-to-build-roof-trusses
comes after floor joists,
framing the walls, and
sheathing the walls

There are many styles of roofs, thus various designs-to-build-roof-trusses.

We specifically choose a simple house plan so it would cost less with this first home. Those elaborate roof designs will really eat up your money fast.

Our roof has dormers

over the garage,

over the kick-out in the back over the master bath,

and over the portico entry porch.

The trusses for the kick-out over the master bath and the portico entry trusses were built by the framers, on-sight. The engineer-architect designed them in the plans. You can see the crane or hoist lowering the trusses into place.

The trusses are lowered by a crane which is manned by an operator who raises and lowers the trusses into place. The hoist can carry up to 4 trusses at a time.

There has to be at least one man on the ground loading the hoist and then it takes two framers on the roof to guide the truss into place and nail them to the top plate of the exterior walls.

You'll notice in the second picture above, that the trusses are stablized by a horizontal 2x4 which is nailed to each truss for stability until lthe sheathing can be put on.

Note the sheathed end truss on the ground in front

It was interesting to watch this procedure taking place. I had no idea that they were going to use a crane, so obviously I didn't order it. The framer included it in his bill.

You however, knowing that a crane is what they use in the designs-to-build-roof-trusses, can do your own homework and find out what the charge will be to you, if you order the crane and pay directly. Then ask your builder how much he charges for it, and what his bill will be with it and without it and compare that price with with price of you ordering it.

When you decide if you are ordering the crane, or not, include that decision in your framer's contract with you.

This is another hidden cost that might save you a little extra. If I'd known about it.... well you know the story.


MORE
....Sheathing the walls
....Beginning the wooden construction of your home
....Framing the walls
....Floor Joists

NEXT
Sheathing the roof

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