Purpose
CRITICAL PRE-FRAMING VERIFICATION — Confirm WRB (housewrap) inclusion and venting system details before framing begins December 3, 2025.
Time-Sensitive
Framing scheduled to begin December 3, 2025. This call MUST happen Monday December 1st to allow time for any change orders if needed.
Background
Review of the signed contract (2025-10-13) against industry best practices for insulation revealed that certain critical items are not explicitly documented in the contract language. These items must be verified before framing begins, as they are difficult or impossible to address after siding and roofing are installed.
Reference: Critical Pre-Insulation Requirements — Research document outlining pre-insulation requirements
Items to Confirm
1. WRB (Weather Resistive Barrier) / Housewrap
Contract Status: NOT explicitly mentioned Contract says: “7/16” OSB wall sheathing” and “Dutch Lap Herringbone siding”
Questions to Ask:
- Is housewrap/WRB included in the build scope?
- If yes, what brand/type? (Tyvek, Typar, etc.)
- Will it be installed with shingle-style overlap (upper courses overlapping lower)?
- Will it be integrated with window/door flashing?
Why Critical: Without WRB, water penetrating siding has direct path to OSB sheathing, leading to rot and moisture damage. Cannot be added after siding is installed.
Outcome: (fill in after call)
2. Vented Soffit + Ridge Vent System
Contract Status: NOT explicitly mentioned, but VERBALLY CONFIRMED by Marcus on multiple occasions Contract says: “12” O.H. white aluminum soffit and fascia” and “Burnished Slate metal roofing”
Questions to Confirm:
- Confirm aluminum soffits are VENTED (not solid)
- Confirm continuous ridge vent is included
- What type/brand of ridge vent?
Why Critical: Vented roof assembly requires both soffit intake AND ridge exhaust. Without both, moisture accumulates in roof cavity. Your R-49 blown cellulose insulation plan depends on proper venting.
Verbal Confirmation History: Marcus mentioned vented soffits + ridge vent on several occasions during project discussions.
Outcome: (fill in after call)
3. Blocking for Insulation Baffles (If Time Permits)
Contract Status: NOT mentioned
Question:
- Will there be blocking at eaves to support insulation baffles?
Why Important: Baffles maintain air channel from soffit to ridge. Need blocking to secure them. Must be done during framing.
Outcome: (fill in after call)
Secondary Items (Lower Priority)
If the call goes well and there’s time, also ask about:
- Window flashing method (sill pans, taped flanges?)
- OSB seam taping (is this done, or an add-on?)
- Pressure-treated bottom plates (standard practice, just confirm)
- Fire-rated framing for garage ceiling (supports 5/8” Type X drywall?)
Potential Change Order Items
Based on call outcomes, may need to request additions:
| Item | Priority | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRB/Housewrap (if not included) | CRITICAL | $200-400 | Cannot skip this |
| OSB seam taping | HIGH | $100-500 | Major air sealing benefit |
| Blocking for baffles | HIGH | $100-200 | Needed for insulation |
| Window flashing upgrade | MEDIUM | $50-100/window | If not already proper |
Call Outcome
Date/Time Called: (fill in) Spoke With: (fill in) Duration: (fill in)
Summary of Answers
WRB/Housewrap:
- Included: Yes / No / Partial
- Brand/Type: _________________
- Installation Method: _________________
- Notes: _________________
Venting System:
- Vented Soffits Confirmed: Yes / No
- Ridge Vent Confirmed: Yes / No
- Type/Brand: _________________
- Notes: _________________
Baffle Blocking:
- Included: Yes / No / Can Add
- Notes: _________________
Change Order Required?
- No change order needed — all items confirmed included
- Change order submitted for: _________________
- Cost of additions: $_________________
Action Items After Call
- Update Decisions Log with confirmed decisions
- Update Initial Build with confirmed scope items
- If change order needed, get in writing before Dec 3
- Update Timeline if any schedule impact
Related Documents
- Critical Pre-Insulation Requirements — Pre-insulation checklist
- Hershberger’s Contract — Original signed contract
- Insulation Strategy — Insulation plan (assumes vented roof)
- Insulation Baffles and Eave Blocking Guide — Detailed explanation of baffles and blocking
- 2025-11-18 - Call - Marcus Framing Schedule Update — Previous call (Dec 3 start)
- Decisions Log — Decision tracking