The last stages of residential construction are incredibly exciting.
You’ve spent months seeing your house go from mere foundation to finished framing. Now you’re almost to the finish line.
Except…
It’s around this time that many homeowners are caught unaware.
Here’s the deal…
These final stages require very specific timing. Otherwise your finishing work will get damaged or cause costly delays.
Knowing what to expect will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- How Long Until Construction is Finished?
- What are the Final Stages of Construction?
- Why Paint is So Important
- What Comes After Painting Drywall?
- What to Expect During Your Final Walkthrough
How Long Until Construction is Finished?
On average it takes anywhere from 6-12 months to build a new single-family residence. But most of that time is spent framing and working on the home’s infrastructure.
The last stages of construction are what really make it feel like home sweet home.
Here’s the exciting part…
These final stages can take anywhere from four to eight weeks depending on the size and complexity of your home. Various trades need to come back in and do their finishing work.
However, there is a set order that they need to work in.
Why? Because if they don’t the finishing work will get ruined.
For example: If flooring is installed too early it can easily be damaged by painters. Drywall painters come too late in the game and cabinets can’t be fitted.
Don’t stress… If your builder is experienced they’ll have everything lined up like clockwork.
What are the Final Stages of Construction?
During the last phases of construction, your house really starts to take shape.
Here’s what’s included:
- Interior trim work
- Cabinet and countertop installation
- Painting
- Floors
- Fixture hookups
- Landscaping
Notice how painting is right in the middle of that list.
That’s because painting is one of the most important stages of your homes finishing work.
If wall and trim surfaces aren’t properly painted your house will never look finished. Plus your investment is at risk for damage.
You don’t want to scrimp on painting…
Partner with superior painting services that specialize in new home construction. Your residential and commercial painting will be done quickly and with experience in mind.
Why Paint is So Important
You may be thinking, painting is paint-ing. What’s the big deal?
Painting is one of the best ways to protect your drywall and woodwork.
Not only does paint provide a finished look but it provides long-lasting durability.
Think about it…
Most Realtors agree that painting each room of your home is one of the top projects to complete for homeowner satisfaction. Paint is also a top project when it comes to returning your investment when it’s time to sell.
Professional painters follow a detailed order when painting a home.
- Painters will prime ceilings and “spray-in-place” your ceilings.
- Trim carpenters come back and install interior trim work.
- Painters come back and do touch up work, such as filling in nail holes, before they apply the finish coats.
This back and forth continues until the painting portion of your home is complete.
Painting takes time and patience. If done correctly you’ll never see a paintbrush stroke or nail hole.
What Comes After Painting Drywall?
If painting is done correctly your floors can be installed.
Don’t stress if you’re wondering…
Hardwood floors, tile floors, vinyl floors, and carpeting all go down after painting is finished.
Why?
Because if flooring was installed first drilling down staples or nails could ruin all of your painters hard work.
Makes sense.
Once the flooring is complete the last mechanicals are installed.
- Plumbers will connect sinks, toilets, faucets
- Electricians will install light fixtures and connect outlets and switches.
- HVAC technicians will finish up ductwork and install registers.
After the inside of your home is complete they’ll move to the exterior:
- Pour driveway/walkway concrete
- Install landscaping and sod
- Exterior painting and touch ups
- Complete deck or patio construction
Suddenly your house has gone from empty to amazing. If your builder knows what they’re doing this entire process could take as little as four weeks.
But they have to do it in the correct order!
Take painters for example. If painters weren’t here to finish off your home’s interior, cabinets could not be installed.
Everything is important during these final stages.
Expectations During Your Final Walkthrough
Your house still needs to pass an official inspection before you get the keys.
A building inspector will come out and examine your entire home.
They’ll make sure electrical, plumbing, and structural elements all meet local building codes. If everything passes you’ll be issued a certificate of occupancy.
Hold up…
Your walkthrough with the builder is even more important.
You want to make sure everything is done to your standards before you move in.
- Are there any visible paint defects?
- Are there any new scratches on walls or doors?
- Is caulking cracked around baseboards?
- Is all hardware installed properly?
- Are there any problems with flooring?
Make a list. Take pictures. Document everything you want your builder to go back and touch up.
You don’t want to move in, start living, and then realize your painting is sloppy.
Do yourself a favor and double-check everything.
How to Work With Your Builder During These Final Stages
All of these trades should be in contact with your builder.
If you’re reading this you obviously care about your new home. Here are a few tips to ensure everything goes smoothly.
First, communication is key.
Know what each trade should be doing and when. If you notice something is taking too long, follow up with your builder.
- DON’T make any changes during this time.
- Paint color? Flooring material? These things NEED to be finalized before the final stages of construction.
- If you’re unhappy with the painters doing their job, SAY SOMETHING.
It’s easier and less expensive to fix something now rather than after your house is completed.
Seriously.
Your house should be finished within four to eight weeks.
Each stage of finishing work is crucial to the homes development. Painting plays a huge role in making your house feel complete and keeping it protected for years to come.
The final phases of residential building are the best.
You’ve waited this long to see your house finished. Don’t miss anything during those final stages.