A new case study published by APA – The Engineered Wood Association describes how a Pennsylvania Homebuilder uses the advanced framing construction method to stand out above the competition in his marketplace. Advanced framing is a system of construction framing techniques designed to optimize material usage and increase energy efficiency. Structures built with advanced framing techniques are more resource efficient and offer more space for cavity insulation than similar structures built with conventional framing.

“When we can show a customer that they’re going to save $100 to $300 a month on energy costs, depending on which house style they go with, compared to our competitor’s homes, they become very interested in how we do that,” said Jon Sukonik of The Sukonik Building Company located in Limerick, Pennsylvania, just northwest of Philadelphia.

In the case study, the Sukoniks and APA engineered wood specialists worked with architects on advanced framing details for beams, headers and other structural requirements. “Involving all of the players early in the process helps assure a seamless transition between framing methods and reduces questions from the field,” says Mary Uher, APA Regional Field Services Manager. Once the plans were finalized, building code officials for the township, the township manager, the zoning officer, and subcontractors were brought up-to-date on the plans and able to ask questions.

The APA Case Study: Advanced Framing Boosts Energy Performance, Form T-110, is available for download at no cost on the APA website at https://www.apawood.org/T110 .