Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 7/18/2007

Question
I recently got a quote to frame a 1200 sq. ft. house. The quote seemed quite high to me so I'm thinking about framing it myself. I'm a pretty handy man and have done a couple of small framing projects but haven't really liked the finished prduct. I seem to have a problem after the walls are up with figuring out the roof and eaves. Especially with the part of the roof that hangs out past the wall. is there a good book or something that could go into good detail on this

Answer
Eric,

Taunton Press (publisher of Fine Homebuilding magazine) has a decent book on the subject:

http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070634_tcpg.asp

Also, the little book that comes with the Swanson Speed Square is helpful.  I frame with a combination of the speed square and a good aluminum framing square (be sure it has rafter tables on it).

I have framed many dozens of roofs, from simple to highly complex, and have sometimes found it helpful to draw the roof overhang portion full scale on a sheet of plywood at the jobsite.  Good roof framing requires patience, thought, and attention to detail.  Be sure to allow yourself enough time to learn on the job.  

Best of luck and let me know if you have additional questions.

--Steve Major