#5 – Why the Frame Matters: The Backbone of Your Home

A home’s frame is more than just wood, nails, and beams; it’s the skeleton that holds up every other component. The frame, combined with a strong foundation, forms the backbone of your home, giving it the structural integrity it needs to withstand time and nature. If your frame is strong, the house can support all of the beautiful finishes you choose—granite countertops, hardwood floors, elegant crown molding—without risk of sagging, cracking, or other long-term issues.

When a frame is constructed with subpar materials or shortcuts, homeowners eventually pay the price. Cracks in walls, uneven floors, squeaky boards, and shifting countertops are all telltale signs of a poorly constructed frame. No amount of aesthetic upgrades can make up for a frame that lacks quality. At SunCoast, we don’t cut corners; we’re dedicated to creating homes that provide safety, beauty, and longevity. We use only the best materials and work with an expert crew who build with precision and pride.

Quality Over Cost-Cutting: Why Shortcuts Aren’t Worth It

One of the biggest mistakes in framing is cutting costs by using low-grade materials or taking shortcuts. For example, a crooked piece of lumber may save a few dollars in the short term, but unwanted compromises come with it. We’ve seen what happens when builders choose cheap materials or rush through construction to increase profit margins or meet tight deadlines. But that’s not how we operate at SunCoast. We build homes that last, because a home is an investment that should grow in value and withstand whatever life throws at it.

Modern tools and materials have evolved over the years. While pneumatic nail guns have sped up assembly, and engineered lumber has become popular for its strength and reliability, these advancements are only as good as the team using them. A tool in the hands of an inexperienced crew can still result in substandard work, whereas in the hands of a skilled builder, they can help create something exceptional. That’s why at SunCoast, our founder, Eugene, is deeply involved in the framing process. He is known for his “picky” approach, paying close attention to details that others may ignore. This expertise is why we can confidently say our framing process is second to none.

Traditional Framing Methods Meet Modern Demands

Framing techniques have been around for centuries. Some houses are still built with the old-fashioned post-and-beam method, while others use balloon framing, a Victorian-era technique with continuous, extra-long studs. At SunCoast, we primarily use platform framing, a method that constructs one-story platforms with sturdy stud walls on each level, resting on a well-sheathed subfloor. Each story is framed one at a time, gradually stacking them until the house is ready for the roof.

We also integrate modern truss systems when appropriate, adding engineered trusses between floors and sometimes custom roof trusses. However, if trusses are in short supply, we adapt. For instance, during COVID, obtaining roof trusses on time was nearly impossible due to supply shortages. But Eugene has decades of experience with stick-building roofs, so we simply reverted to this time-tested method, one that even our best engineers approve of. Eugene’s versatility and expertise mean that no matter the supply chain situation, we’re able to maintain quality standards without compromise. This adaptability is part of what sets us apart in the North Carolina coastal construction industry.

Reinforcing for Coastal Strength: Extra Precautions for a Hurricane-Prone Region

Living near the coast means dealing with a unique set of environmental challenges, such as heavy winds, hurricanes, and salt air. As a result, our frames are strengthened with metal straps, ties, and other reinforcements to withstand the elements. North Carolina building codes now require these elements, but we’ve been using them as standard practice because we know how important they are to protecting your home in extreme weather.

Additionally, we use engineered materials like I-joists and LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) beams, which provide remarkable strength without excessive weight. I-joists are built with a high-grade OSB (oriented strand board) core, with horizontal “flanges” of lumber or LVL. They are strong yet light, allowing us to install long stretches—up to 60 feet—without sacrificing structural integrity. And thanks to their innovative design, I-joists also allow us to run plumbing and ductwork through the frame without affecting stability.

LVL beams are even more robust, with layers of wood veneers compressed and bonded under heat and pressure. LVLs are almost 20% stronger than standard lumber, making them ideal for load-bearing areas like ridge beams and headers above doors. These beams provide maximum support in tight spaces and are heavy enough to function as steel but versatile enough to be cut with a regular saw. All of these reinforcements combine to make a frame that will stand strong against North Carolina’s toughest coastal weather.