I am grouping the next 4 sub-sections into one post because they are all about the same thing: efficient framing; each one does not warrant a separate discussion.

For 1.2 Detailed Framing Documents, we need to have detailed framing plans or scopes of work and accompanying architectural details for use on the job site.  The drawings need to indicate the specific locations, spacing, and sizes of all framing members in the floors, walls, roof, and ceiling.  Because we hired an architect, we did indeed have these drawings.  We probably paid more for this, but it wasn’t for any LEED points — it was for a well-designed and constructed house.  For this, we get one point.

For 1.3 Detailed Cut List and Lumber Order, our builder needed to have a detailed cut list and lumber order that corresponds directly to the framing plans and/or scopes of work.  For verification, our builder just scanned and sent me the lumber cut sheet, and it is 13 pages of detail.  For this, we get another point.

The last two are either/or points.  That is, we can either get up to three points for various framing efficiency measures, OR, get up to 4 points for off-site fabrication.  Off-site fabrication means we have either panelized construction, where the wall, roof, and floor components are all delivered to the job site pre-framed; or we use modular, prefabricated construction.   My personal opinion is that pre-fab homes are appropriate (and fabulous) for some situations, but I have a hard time believing that they can ever be designed within the context of the site.  And that, from an architectural design perspective, is no-go.  So, we did not consider a pre-fabricated home.

For 1.4 Framing Efficiencies, then, we can get points for the following:

Precut framing packages  – 1 point

Open-web floor trusses – 1

Structural insulated panel (SIP) walls – 1

SIP roof – 1

SIP floors – 1

Stud spacing greater than 16″ on center – 1

Ceiling joist spacing greater than 16″ on center – 0.5

Floor joist spacing greater than 16″ on center – 0.5

Roof rafter spacing greater than 16″ on center – 0.5

Implement two of the following: (a) size headers for actual loads; (b) use ladder blocking or drywall clips, or (c) use 2-stud corners

According to Ben, our builder project manager, we should get the points for precut framing packages, open-web floor trusses, and roof rafter spacing greater than 16″ on center.  That’s 2.5 points for those measures.  (Our architect did not want to use SIPs.) I’m hoping our lead carpenter, Mark, will comment and confirm or deny this, so we can get an accurate point total thus far!

Materials & Resources points so far:  4.5

Cumulative points: 62

Additional points needed to get to Gold: 26