The Hidden Value of Quality Framing in Home Renovation Projects

When homeowners think about remodeling, they often focus on finishes—cabinets, countertops, paint colors, tile. But what makes those visible features stand strong over time? The answer is framing—the essential structure behind every wall, ceiling, and floor.

At Liz Carpentry, we specialize in residential and commercial frame work throughout Key West and the Florida Keys. And we can tell you with confidence: solid framing isn’t just a technical step—it’s what keeps your renovation safe, straight, and standing for decades.

Here’s why framing matters, how it impacts your renovation, and what to look for when hiring a contractor.

What Is Framing?

Framing is the skeleton of a building. It includes all the load-bearing components that create shape, support weight, and allow for safe finishing work. That means:

• Wall studs
  
  
• Ceiling joists and roof trusses
  
  
• Floor joists and beams
  
  
• Headers over doors and windows
  
  
• Sheathing and anchoring systems
  
  

Everything you attach to in a remodel—drywall, tile, cabinets, doors—depends on proper framing beneath.

Why Framing Is So Critical in Renovation Projects

1. It Creates Structural Integrity

The framing system distributes the weight of the roof, ceilings, and any additions evenly. If it's done improperly or shortcuts are taken, you may experience:

• Sagging walls or ceilings
  
  
• Doors that won’t close properly
  
  
• Cracked drywall or tile
  
  
• Unsafe structural shifts over time
  
  

In the Florida Keys, framing must also account for hurricane-force winds and salt air corrosion, making quality craftsmanship even more important.

2. It Ensures Square, Level, and Plumb Surfaces

Ever seen a kitchen where the cabinets look uneven? Or tiles that run off-center?

In many cases, this isn’t due to bad finishing—it’s a framing problem.

Proper framing ensures:

• Flat walls for cabinets and tile
  
  
• Even floors for luxury vinyl, tile, or hardwood
  
  
• Straight ceilings for lighting alignment and drywall installation
  
  
• Consistent measurements across door frames and windows
  
  

In Key West’s older homes, walls are often out of square—and framing is what makes renovation possible without costly, visible flaws.

3. It Supports Insulation, HVAC, and Electrical

Behind the walls, framing must allow space for modern systems like:

• Spray foam or batt insulation
  
  
• Recessed lighting and wiring
  
  
• Plumbing pipes and HVAC ducts
  
  
• In-wall storage and hidden cabinetry
  
  

Framing plans must anticipate these systems and accommodate them with minimal compromise.

4. It Anchors Impact-Rated Doors and Windows

In a coastal area like the Florida Keys, windows and doors must meet hurricane standards. That means:

• Framing must be reinforced
  
  
• Headers must be sized to code
  
  
• Anchoring points must be installed precisely
  
  

At Liz Carpentry, we frame for function and inspection. We know what Florida building departments require—and we build to exceed it.

How Poor Framing Can Cost You

Remodeling over bad or outdated framing may lead to:

• Cabinet and countertop damage from shifting walls
  
  
• Moisture intrusion from uneven window installs
  
  
• Failing inspection (especially for insurance compliance)
  
  
• Long-term structural issues that require costly repairs
  
  

Fixing bad framing after finishes are installed? That’s the expensive part. Getting it right from the start saves time, money, and frustration.

Real Projects, Real Results

“We hired Liz Carpentry to reframe a kitchen during our remodel. The walls had warped from age and moisture. Miguel’s team got everything level and square—and our new cabinets fit perfectly.”
“Our commercial build-out required special framing for storefront glass and hurricane compliance. These guys knew exactly what was needed and passed inspection on the first try.”

Framing doesn’t get the glory—but it gets the job done right.

Our Framing Process at Liz Carpentry

Step 1 – Site Review & Planning

We inspect your existing structure or review plans for new construction, ensuring framing aligns with load paths and design goals.

Step 2 – Material Selection

We use treated lumber, engineered wood, or steel where needed—always factoring in coastal durability and code compliance.

 Step 3 – Construction

Our framing crews install everything from subfloors and wall systems to rafters and trusses—always to code, always with precision.

Step 4 – Inspection & Integration

Before we move on to finishes, we check framing with laser levels, measuring tools, and inspection checklists to ensure it’s ready for drywall, cabinetry, and beyond.

Why Framing Is Especially Important in the Florida Keys

The coastal environment requires more than just “good enough.”

• High humidity can weaken fasteners or warp untreated lumber
  
  
• Hurricane wind loads require special connectors and shear panels
  
  
• Salt air accelerates corrosion of nails and metal hangers
  
  

That’s why we only use corrosion-resistant hardware, pressure-treated framing lumber, and anchoring systems designed for storm zones.

Trust Liz Carpentry for Strong, Smart Framing

Whether you’re remodeling a single room or building a new addition, we take framing seriously—because it’s the foundation of everything else you’ll enjoy for years to come.