Building a House

Interior Finishing

39. Alarm Prewiring

If you want an alarm system now or sometime in the future you should have the house pre wired.

40. Built-In Vacuum:

The rough-in for a built-in Vacuum System should also be installed now.

• Even if you do not want an Alarm System or Built-In Vacuum it is much easier and cheaper to have them roughed-in now.  If you decide to sell the house some day it can be a good selling feature.

41. Insulation:

Insulation may now be installed except for the blown insulation which is better done after the ceiling has been boarded.

• Poly Vapour is placed between the insulation and the drywall and the insulation is sealed around the windows, doors and all outlets.
• Drywall should be delivered after the Insulation is installed.
• Note: Insulation can be used for sound proofing. Consider bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms, and in between the floors.

42. Insulation Inspection:

Inspection from City Hall. The blown ceiling insulation will be inspected during the Final Inspection.

43. Drywall:

Drywall may be started after the Insulation has been inspected and passed.

• Boarding goes quickly. The taping and sanding depends on the time of year and what kind of heat you can supply. You may have to get a heater from the Rental Company.
• Any additional sound proofing can be done by the drywallers. For example sound bars, etc.

44. Cleaning:

The house must receive a thorough cleaning before the finishing is begun.

• If you haven't already done so don't forget to pick out your Light Fixtures.

45: Finishing Carpenter:

At this stage get all your finishing materials brought in.

• The Painter may want to paint any mouldings or doors before the Finishing Carpenter touches them. In this case the Painter should come in before the Finishing Carpenter.  Where linoleum is to be laid, the installer might prefer to have the moulding done after they are finished. Moulding is usually put on before the carpet is laid.

46. Moulding Shops:

There are many different types of mouldings to choose from. Mouldings may be used in many ways and places in your home to hide or accent a wall, window or doorway.

47. Painting:

The Painter will usually paint the kitchen and bathrooms first so the Cabinets can be installed.

• The Painter will also do all the caulking of the trim to make it appear almost seamless.
• If you wish to do the painting and decorating yourself, there are many shops which will have everything you need along with advice and ideas.

48. Linoleum:

The flooring should be installed before the cabinets are installed.

• Although some people may disagree and want to install the cabinets before the lino we feel that if you install the lino first, the lino will have fewer cuts in it, which might eventually break or curl and there is less chance of moisture seeping under the lino and weakening the glue.
• The painting is usually finished in the rooms where the cabinets are to be installed first, when the painting is finished the flooring should be done.

49: Cabinets:

When the Painter is finished painting the rooms where Cabinets are to be installed, the Cabinets should be delivered and installed.

• The best way is get several quotes; most will be basically the same price, some higher some lower. The quality of materials used is sometimes overlooked, so always double check the cheaper prices. They may not be worth it.

50: Tile Work:

Any Ceramic Tile work can now be done.

• Remember, too many people in the house at the same time is not a good idea.

51. Plumbing:

The kitchen and bathroom fixtures should be installed.

• At this time they will install the sinks, taps and toilets, they will hook-up the water tank.

52. Closet Organizers:

In each closet you will probably want shelves and/or rods, there are many types to chose from.

• Closet Organizers should be installed after the house has been painted.

53. Light Fixtures:

The Electrician will now hang the Light Fixtures and put on the wall plates.

• Some Electricians will include an allowance for light fixtures. Make sure you know what is included in the the price they gave you.

54. Blinds:

Blinds and/or curtains may be put in after painting is done.

55. Hardwood Floors:

Your flooring should be the last thing installed. You do not want the new floor scratched.

• Hardwood Flooring is durable, clean and very beautiful with many styles and colours to chose from. It can be installed in only your Entrance Hall or your entire house.

56. Carpet:

When the Painting, Cabinets, and Tile are done the carpet may be installed.

• The Carpet should be the very last thing that gets installed. You do not want any stains even before you have had chance to make the first one.
• Clean: Even though most of the trades people clean up their own mess, you want to make very sure that especially the floor is clean and nothing is protruding before the lino or carpets are put down.

57. Finishing:

There are usually some marks on the walls from the Cabinets or Flooring and the Painter will come back to touch-up those spots.  Also if necessary the finishing Carpenter will finish anything that still needs doing.

58. Final Inspection:

Final Inspection is done by City Hall and when this is passed you will receive your Occupancy Permit.

• Some municipalities will, if asked, allow you to move in without an Occupancy Permit, and some will fine you if you do. Ask!

M O V E  I N ! ! ! !