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Why Poor Framing Happens: The Project Manager Problem No One Warns Homeowners About
- Suzy Albornoz
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 7
The post-Covid construction boom brought a wave of new “project managers” into the industry. Many of these individuals came from completely unrelated trades. Homeowners often assume these individuals have the training to oversee a build. However, the truth is far more concerning.
A recent project in Collingwood exposed just how dangerous this trend has become.
A Real-World Case: When a Painter Becomes a Project Manager
A homeowner hired a project manager to oversee a full addition build. This included framing, structure, envelope, and everything in between. What the homeowner didn’t know was that this PM had spent his career as a painter, not a builder.
While painting is a skilled trade, it does not prepare someone to:
Evaluate structural framing
Understand load-bearing requirements
Coordinate trades in the correct sequence
Identify deficiencies behind the walls
Protect the building envelope
Ensure exterior systems (like siding) install correctly
Because he lacked the necessary training, he relied entirely on trades to guide him. When trades disagreed or flagged issues, he couldn’t determine who was right. This is where homeowners get hurt.
Why Poor Framing Equals Bad Siding (and a Bad Exterior Overall)
Many homeowners assume siding issues are caused by the siding installer. However, siding is only as good as the structure beneath it. Poor framing leads to several problems, including:
Uneven walls
Twisted studs
Out-of-square openings
Wavy sheathing
Misaligned corners
Gaps that compromise weatherproofing
When the bones are crooked, the exterior will always show it.
In the Collingwood project, the PM and client couldn’t understand why siding alignment was impossible. They assumed the siding and installation were the issue. The real problem was the poor framing that he, as the Project Manager, had approved without knowing what to look for.
When a project manager lacks the training to identify structural errors, those mistakes get buried behind new materials. They only show up once it’s too late.
The Rise of Unqualified Project Managers: A Post-Covid Reality
During Covid, many people switched careers. Some tradespeople from unrelated fields—painting, landscaping, flooring, even retail—rebranded themselves as “project managers.”
The problem? A title doesn’t equal expertise. Construction is not an industry where you can “learn as you go” on someone else’s home.
Red Flags Homeowners Should Watch For
Here are the biggest warning signs that your project manager may not be qualified:
🚩 1. Their background isn’t in structural or building trades
If they were previously a painter, tiler, or handyman, they may not understand framing, building science, or exterior systems.
🚩 2. They can’t explain why something is wrong
A real PM can identify issues and explain the consequences clearly.
🚩 3. They rely on trades to make decisions for them
Trades should collaborate—not manage the manager.
🚩 4. They get defensive when questioned
Inexperience often shows up as insecurity.
🚩 5. They can’t walk you through the building sequence
If they can’t explain what happens before and after each stage, they shouldn’t be running the job.
🚩 6. They dismiss concerns from qualified trades
This is a major red flag—and a costly one.
How to Protect Yourself as a Homeowner
✔️ Ask about their background — not just their title
“What trade did you come from?” is a fair and necessary question.
✔️ Request references from similar projects
Not just any project—focus on the same scope and complexity. Follow up with these references, speak to them, and ask about their experience working with the PM.
✔️ Confirm they understand building science
This is especially important for additions, exteriors, and anything involving the building envelope.
✔️ Get a second opinion from a qualified trade
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Don’t hesitate to have an experienced and qualified tradesperson give you a second opinion. Ensure they have specific product knowledge and installation experience.
✔️ Look for companies with established reputations
Longevity matters. Experience matters. Training matters.
Homeowners Deserve Better
You've heard the saying: You get what you pay for. This is one case where the homeowner paid a steep price. Poor framing doesn’t just cause crooked siding; it creates long-term problems that can cost homeowners thousands. Too often, these issues stem from project managers who lack the training or experience to oversee a build.
The construction industry needs higher standards, better licensing, and more transparency. Until then, homeowners must stay informed, ask the right questions, and choose qualified professionals who actually understand the work behind the walls.
Your home deserves more than someone learning on the job.
If you’re planning a renovation, addition, or full exterior upgrade—or if you’re already in the middle of a project and something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At CanMac Siding, we’ve been protecting homeowners since 2004. We bring decades of hands-on experience in siding, soffit, fascia, eavestroughs, trims, and full exterior systems in the Greater Toronto Halton area. We’ve seen every mistake in the book—and we know how to prevent them.
We’re here for you if you:
Need guidance before starting a project
Want a second opinion on framing or exterior work
Have questions about materials, durability, or performance
Want to see siding options in person
Need help understanding whether your PM is steering you right
Your home is your biggest investment.
Let us help you protect it. Reach out anytime—we’re always happy to guide homeowners with honesty, clarity, and real industry expertise.
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