From Wood to Walls: Greenwood Interns Dive into Framing Innovation at BFS

Like many modern builders, Greenwood Homes uses a practice known as “panelized construction” to frame the main structure of the home. This means that the major framing components, including wall panels, roof trusses, and floor trusses, are assembled offsite, then those panels are transported and put together onsite to complete the home’s frame. This is in contrast to “stick building,” where raw lumber is cut and assembled piece-by-piece on the homesite.

Recently, our construction interns spent a day touring the Builders FirstSource (BFS) plant to see how our framing components are built with precision, safety, and sustainability in mind. We believe that great builders are grown from great experience, and nothing beats getting hands-on exposure to how homes come together from the ground up!

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Framing Process
The tour took interns through every stage of the process, starting with how lumber is stored and maintained to prevent mold and moisture damage. They then followed the flow of material selection, where only the strongest, imperfection-free boards are chosen to reduce onsite errors and ensure a better fit during installation.

Next, the group saw how laser-guided systems label lumber and guide cutting and nailing, ensuring flawless assembly and minimizing human error. This technology not only enhances accuracy, but also supports a leaner, more predictable build timeline.

Safety in Action: A Culture That Protects
One of the most impactful parts of the tour was learning about BFS’s top-tier safety protocols. Interns observed how the facility maintains clear, organized workspaces, follows strict compliance practices, and empowers employees through ongoing safety training. These efforts have led to a superb safety record - and showed our team how a culture of care translates into better outcomes for workers and homes alike.

Why Factory-Framed Components Matter
One key takeaway from the tour: framing at the factory isn’t just about speed. It’s about smart building. Assembled off-site, these framing components reduce waste, improve quality, and allow our job sites to move faster. When they arrive at the job site, they are assembled tightly much more quickly than is possible for a stick-built home, getting our homes under roof sooner. This protects them from the elements and allows other key phases of construction to begin earlier.

Looking Ahead
For our interns, this wasn’t just a field trip - it was a foundational learning experience. By understanding the “why” behind framing practices, they’re building a knowledge base that will serve them in their careers for years to come.

Thank you to Builders FirstSource for opening your doors and giving our future builders a closer look at what goes into every Greenwood home!