How Labor Shortages Are Impacting Framing Methods in Construction
Colorado’s building boom shows no signs of slowing, yet the construction labor shortage continues to tighten its grip. The latest NAHB / Home Builders Institute Construction Labor Market Report (2024) estimates the industry needs more than 720,000 additional skilled workers each year just to meet demand—an eye-opening figure felt daily on Front Range job sites. For both single-family and multifamily developers, the shortage’s impact on framing is especially acute: longer schedules, rising costs, and greater risk of delays. In response, forward-thinking builders are rapidly embracing labor-efficient framing techniques such as panelized framing, prefabricated framing systems, and other off-site construction solutions.
Below, we dive into how the shortage is reshaping framing practices and outline practical steps developers can take to stay ahead—all backed by Rigid Component Systems, Colorado’s oldest independent truss manufacturer (and a leading provider of wall panels in Colorado).
1. From Stick-Built to Panelized: A Shift Born of Necessity
Traditional stick framing relies on sizable crews cutting and nailing lumber piece-by-piece on site. When the skilled labor shortage in construction makes it hard to assemble those crews, schedules slip. Enter panelized framing. By moving wall- and floor-panel assembly into a factory, builders can slash on-site labor by up to 50 percent and reach dry-in roughly twice as fast (SBCA “Framing the American Dream” study, 2023). Panels arrive ready to install, allowing smaller teams to set units quickly and move straight to mechanical trades.
For both tract homes and multifamily projects—where floor plans often repeat—panelization hits the sweet spot between speed and customization. Independent comparisons of panelized vs. stick-framing labor savings routinely show one to two months trimmed from the critical path on a 100-unit building—without sacrificing design flexibility (ProBuilder / Univ. of Denver field study, 2022).
2. Roof & Floor Trusses: Precision Without the Crew Crunch
Roof systems are another bottleneck when labor is scarce. Roof truss manufacturing in Colorado has therefore grown steadily, replacing complex rafter layouts with factory-built components that drop in place in hours, not days. Likewise, floor-truss prefabrication eliminates mid-span bearing walls and minimizes sub-floor squeaks—all while reducing the number of framers needed aloft.
Rigid Component Systems delivers both products under one roof, offering TPI-quality-audited wood trusses that meet the strictest standards. As an SBCA-certified truss supplier, we integrate directly with panel manufacturers or site-built workflows, giving developers flexibility no matter how far along the industrialized path they are.
3. Financial Upside: Less Labor, More Certainty
Labor is typically 40 – 50 percent of framing cost. By shifting work off-site, developers turn variable labor into predictable material purchase orders, insulating projects from wage spikes and absenteeism. Faster dry-in dates also protect against today’s weather-related and supply-chain productivity challenges. Shaving weeks off framing can cut carrying costs, accelerate lease-up, and ultimately boost internal rates of return.
4. Practical Steps for Developers
Engage Early. Bring truss and panel partners into schematic design. Early coordination streamlines engineering and optimizes spans.
Right-size the Mix. Evaluate truss-manufacturing solutions alongside panels, joists, and stick framing to find the most labor-efficient combination.
Leverage Local Expertise. A Colorado-based partner reduces freight costs and ensures components arrive when the crane does.
Plan Logistics. Off-site framing is fast; make sure foundations, utilities, and inspections keep pace.
Track Metrics. Document crew hours saved and waste reduced. Data strengthens pro formas and investor confidence on future projects.
Why Builders & Developers Trust Rigid Component Systems
Local Capacity: Serving only Colorado, we deliver on time—even during peak season.
Custom Engineering: Every roof and floor truss is optimized for your loads, spans, and fire-rating requirements.
Quality Assurance: SBCA membership plus TPI audits mean you get components that fit the first time.
End-to-End Support: Whether you adopt panels now or phase them in, our team guides you through detailing, logistics, and install best practices.
Ready to Build Smarter?
Colorado’s ongoing construction workforce shortage doesn’t have to dictate your timeline. Partner with Rigid Component Systems for precision-engineered roof and floor trusses, seamless integration with prefabricated framing systems, and the expertise to help you navigate today’s framing labor shortage.
Contact us to review your plans or schedule a plant tour—and discover how off-site solutions can keep your next single-family or multifamily project on schedule and on budget.
