Not all projects will include all of the stages listed below, but whichever phases exist in yours should be scheduled in the same sequence.

 

Site clearing. If a remodeling project involves building a new foundation, obstacles such as trees and shrubs may need to be removed. This could be performed by a landscaper, but more often than not, the excavating contractor can handle it.

 

Foundation excavation. Referring to the site plan, the excavator will set stakes in the ground indicating the foundation layout, then dig. The excavation must be dug to the depth indicated on the foundation plan and wide enough to allow the foundation contractor to set concrete forms and work comfortably. If underground water, sewer, gas or electric services are part of the project, the excavator should dig the required trenches.

 

Foundation work. When excavation is complete, the foundation contractor (mason) can set forms and pour the footings. Concrete footings need to cure for at least five days before the foundation walls can be constructed on top of them. Inspections of the foundation footings and walls are usually required before backfilling may proceed.

 

Backfilling and rough grading. Once foundation walls have cured for at least five days, backfilling—that is, refilling voids—may take place. The fill should be compacted and graded to slope away from the foundation.

 

Demolition. For home additions, it is likely that at least some exterior walls will need to opened up to join the new space to the existing structure. This work may be performed by the general contractor’s crew or by the framing carpenters.

 

Structural framing. Load-bearing walls, floors and roof structures are framed and sheathed. In many locales, an inspection must be performed before housewrap and interior wall finishes can be applied.

 

Windows and exterior door installation. These are the first steps in making the new structure weathertight.

 

Roofing. Finish roofing materials should be applied as soon as possible to protect the structural frame and prevent leaks.

 

Siding and exterior trim installation. This is the final step in making the building envelope weathertight. A membrane such as housewrap and window and door flashings should be in place before siding is applied.

 

Interior partition framing. Working with floorplans, carpenters assemble the stud walls and create rough openings for doorways and wherever else they may be needed. Framers should be familiar with the plumbing, electrical and HVAC design so that they can frame chases wherever they may needed and incorporate mounting blocks and frames where fixtures and registers will later be fastened to walls. Framers can also make things easier for cabinet installers if they know where kitchen and bath cabinets, and other built-ins are to be installed.

 

Rough plumbing. Water-supply, drain and sewerage pipes are run from the service connection to locations where they will be connected to fixtures. Built-in tubs are also usually installed in this phase. In most locales, supply piping systems must be tested under pressure before they are covered up by wall and floor finishes. Drain lines must be inspected for correct sizing and proper venting.

 

Rough electrical. Cable and other wires that will be concealed are run from the service connection point to locations where they will be connected to appliances, outlets, switches and fixtures. Network cables can be installed in this phase. Before wallboard and finish flooring can be applied electrical wiring is subject to inspection for correct selection of cable type, circuit design and adequate wire sizes based on design loads and safe wiring practices at electrical boxes.

 

Rough HVAC. Heating equipment, vents and/or pipes are installed. Systems are subject to Inspection before wallboard and finish flooring may be applied.

 

Basement floor slab and exterior paving. If plumbing lines, electrical cable or other mechanicals will run under a concrete slab, pouring may proceed after inspections of the rough installations. Since the same subcontractor is likely to handle exterior paving of driveways and walkways, this work can be conveniently scheduled for the same phase.

 

Insulation. Wall and ceiling insulation is usually installed after the rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC installations have been inspected.

 

Drywall and other wall finishes. Wallboard and other paneling can be installed and finished after rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC have been approved by inspectors.

 

Ceramic floor and wall tile. Floor and wall tile can be installed after drywall and/or tile underlayments have been put in place. Cement tile underlayments are recommended for high-moisture areas.

 

Flooring. Finish flooring such as wood and resilient sheet flooring are usually installed at this point. Carpet installation should be put off to the very end of the project.

 

Kitchen and bath cabinets installed. Kitchen and bath cabinets and other built-ins are put in place. Countertops are usually installed right after cabinets.

 

Finish plumbing. Sinks and faucets are put in place and connected. Finish plumbing is usually subject to a final inspection.

 

Finish electrical. Where electrical outlets, lighting controls and fixtures haven’t been permanently connected, work should be completed. Switch plates and other electrical device trim should be provided. In most locales a final electrical inspection is required to determine, among other things, whether GFCI-equipped receptacles have been provided where necessary according to code.

 

Finish HVAC. Vent registers and other enclosures are installed. A final inspection is usually required to certify adequate ventilation and fire safety.

 

Interior painting. Ceilings, walls and trim are usually painted in that order.

 

Appliance installation. Cooking appliances, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are connected and put in place.

 

Finish grading and landscaping. Plants should be installed in season and after the possibility of their being disturbed by equipment and workers on the site has passed.

 

Certificate of occupancy. When all final inspections are complete, a certificate of occupancy will be granted certifying that all permit requirements have been fulfilled.