If there’s one thing I know after years in the field, it’s that great framing is more than just throwing up a skeleton and calling it a day. It’s about building homes that stand up to Utah’s harsh weather, improve energy efficiency, and save homeowners money over the long haul. That’s where advanced framing comes in.
I want to walk you through the framing strategies we use on the job, why they matter, and how they impact your home’s durability, performance, and overall sustainability. Whether you're building in Salt Lake City, Provo, or Park City, these techniques give your home a serious edge.
Advanced framing, also known as Optimum Value Engineering (OVE), is a set of techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used in home construction while improving energy efficiency and structural performance. It’s smarter, cleaner, and leaner than traditional framing, and especially effective in a state like Utah, where both insulation and structural strength are critical.
Instead of relying on overbuilt, redundant structures, we streamline framing components to maximize space for insulation and minimize thermal bridging. The result? Stronger homes that use less material and retain heat better in winter and stay cooler in summer.
One of the biggest changes we make right off the bat is upgrading from 2x4 to 2x6 studs, spaced 24 inches on center rather than the traditional 16. This gives us room for R-21 insulation instead of R-13, a massive leap in thermal performance. In Utah’s variable climate, that’s a game-changer.
For a recent project in Heber City, we framed an entire custom home using 2x6 studs and high-density fiberglass batts. The homeowner noticed the difference immediately. Quieter interiors, stable temperatures, and lower heating bills in the first month.
Beyond insulation, 2x6 walls also improve load-bearing capacity. That means better resistance to wind and snow loads, which matters when you live in places like Logan or Ogden.
Ladder framing is another core technique we use. Instead of the old-school method of using three studs where interior walls intersect with exterior walls, ladder framing allows us to tie in those walls using horizontal blocking. This frees up space in the wall cavity for uninterrupted insulation and reduces the amount of wood used.
This approach not only reduces thermal bridging but also decreases framing lumber, resulting in both cost savings and sustainability benefits. We extensively utilized ladder framing in a multi-unit housing project in West Jordan. The HVAC crew informed us that it was one of the easiest buildings they have ever worked on because there was more space to run ductwork and wiring without compromising the structure.
In traditional framing, double top plates are the norm. But with advanced framing, we can often use a single top plate as long as we align load paths correctly. That means placing studs, roof trusses, and floor joists directly in line to transfer loads efficiently from top to bottom.
This technique reduces wood usage and increases thermal performance. It's a move we’ve made on nearly every custom home we’ve built in Southern Utah over the past three years. Clients appreciate the improved insulation values, and inspectors like the precision.
You know those dark, cold spots in corners during the winter? That’s often the result of traditional corner framing, which leaves little or no room for insulation. We use California corners instead, framing with two studs and a drywall clip to leave space for insulation in every nook.
In one Draper remodel, this detail alone raised the overall wall R-value by a few points, enough to make a noticeable comfort difference and help the home qualify for an energy efficiency rebate.
Headers are essential above windows and doors, but traditional framing often overdoes it, adding jack studs and solid wood headers that break the insulation barrier. With advanced framing, we size headers accurately based on actual loads and use insulated headers where possible. We also reduce jack studs when they’re not structurally needed.
That means more insulation, less wood, and a cleaner, stronger build. We did this on a recent new construction in Spanish Fork. The homeowner wanted large south-facing windows to capture passive solar heat. Our insulated headers ensured they gained energy efficiency instead of losing it.
Utah’s weather swings are brutal. From frigid winters to blazing summers, homes need serious thermal control. Advanced framing helps homeowners slash their energy bills while maintaining comfort year-round.
It’s also more environmentally responsible. Using less lumber means fewer trees cut down. Fewer framing members means fewer thermal breaks in your wall. And because insulation performs better, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard, which means fewer emissions over the life of the home.
When we take on a new framing job, whether it’s part of a custom build or a major remodel, our process is strategic and precision-driven. Here’s what to expect when you hire Silver Bullet Construction as your home framing contractor:
We regularly document our projects with photos and video walkthroughs. If you're interested in seeing examples of advanced framing in Utah homes, give us a call and we’ll send over a portfolio.
We’re not just another contractor. We’re problem-solvers, innovators, and craftsmen. Our team is committed to building better, not just faster. Advanced framing takes more planning and skill, but the long-term rewards are undeniable.
Utah homeowners choose us because we take the time to get the framing right the first time. We don’t just follow plans, we enhance them. And we work closely with other trades and inspectors to make sure your home is as efficient and strong as it is beautiful.
If you’re building a new home or planning a major remodel, now is the time to think about how your framing choices affect comfort, energy use, and long-term durability.
Call Silver Bullet Construction to schedule a framing consultation. We’ll show you what’s possible with advanced framing in Utah’s unique climate. Whether it’s a cozy mountain cabin or a sleek modern build, we’ll help you create a home that’s strong, smart, and sustainable.
We proudly serve communities across Utah, including Bluffdale, Draper, Utah County, and beyond. No matter where you are, Silver Bullet Construction delivers expert craftsmanship and tailored solutions to meet your construction and remodeling needs.
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