– Our process

Interior Trim

Once the walls are closed, finish carpenters will return to the job site to begin installing interior trim. Trim usually consists of baseboard, doors, casing, crown moulding, and wall and ceiling finishes. If you plan on visiting the project, you can expect the sweet smell of freshly cut lumber and the early stages of the final push. Sometimes, this portion of the project can coincide with the tile and millwork installation. However, one thing to note is if your project includes luxury vinyl tile, the baseboard will be attached to the walls following the LVT installation.

Tile and Hardwood

Tile work is an exciting and gratifying stage of the remodel. Selecting and ordering the tile at the start of the project can be a fun process, but the installation is when the real fun begins. While the prep is messy, the wet saw is noisy, and grout mixing can be dusty, once you see the tile, you’ll be grateful for the steps to achieve the finished product. Typically, tile installers will start in the bathrooms, and if a kitchen remodel is a part of the scope, they’ll return following the countertop installation.

If the scope and space allow it, the hardwood flooring installation can be scheduled concurrently with the tile to push progress along. It is important to remember that the various species, wood cuts, and finish may determine the installation process and timeline. After the hardwood installation, the finisher will sand, stain, and seal. This stage can happen directly after the hardwood installation or further down the timeline to alleviate scheduling constraints or to ensure the best outcome. If the contractor delays the finishing stage, the unfinished floors are protected with heavy-duty construction paper.

Interior Millwork

Contractors sometimes group interior millwork with the trim stage. However, some millwork, such as bathroom vanities, can only be installed following tile. Millwork typically includes cabinets and built-ins and may come pre-finished, unfinished, semi-custom, or fully custom. The level of detail is determined based on your scope and budget. To ensure your expectations align, the contractor will explain the benefits of pre-finished vs. unfinished and semi-custom vs. fully custom during the design phase.

If you choose unfinished custom cabinets, you should expect a higher price for fabrication, installation, and onsite finishing. You can also expect an extended millwork installation timeline to factor in the finishing of the cabinets and built-ins.

Stone Countertops

With cabinets and built-ins in place, the contractor will hire a stone company to template the countertops. Once the contractor receives and approves the template, the stone company will push the slab into production. It is standard to select your desired stone slab during the design phase. Based on local lead times, stone fabrication generally takes seven to ten business days following the template approval. Once the installation date is confirmed, the installers will carefully mobilize the material, attach the stone with heavy-duty adhesive, polish the stone (if needed), and provide care and maintenance information.

A common misconception about paint is the process will go quickly. While smaller spaces, such as a single bathroom or kitchen, can take a few days, multi-room remodels or whole homes can take a month. The reason behind the longer timeline equates to the prep needed, which is crucial when delivering a high-quality paint job. Painters will spend many hours carefully taping, protecting, sanding, and priming to ensure the walls, ceiling, trim, and sometimes millwork is perfect. You should expect the painters to return for touch-ups if the plumbers and electricians return to install their related fixtures.

Finish Plumbing and Electrical

Finish plumbing and electrical rounds out the finish stage of construction. Once the final coat of wall paint is dry, the electrician will return to install the remaining outlet and switch covers, recessed lights, and homeowner-provided fixtures, such as pendant lights, sconces, or specialty fixtures. Appliances will also be delivered and installed if a kitchen is in the scope.

The plumbers typically return a few days after the electricians; however, depending on the space size, they can work side-by-side. Plumbers will install the trim kits to all wet areas, which include the bathroom shower systems, faucets, toilets, and water filtration systems. Once installed, the plumbers will test each fixture to ensure it works efficiently and maintains a safe water temperature.

When all trades receive their final inspections, the contractor can request the final building inspection with the local building department. While waiting for the inspections, the contractor can complete punch-list items, typically including hardware installation, specialty fixtures, such as shower enclosures and bathroom accessories, and demobilization. Again, depending on the size and scope of the project, the punch list may extend past the substantial completion date of the signed-off permit. Once the job site is clear of all facilities, debris, and materials, your contractor will hand you the keys to (finally) enjoy your new spaces!