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

• For alarm systems, check out the difference between systems before deciding. It is no longer cheap to get a house rough wired for this purpose, and a wireless system could be as good an option for you as hardwired.

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

• Even if you do not want a built-in vacuum, it is much easier and cheaper to have them roughed in now.
• If you decide to sell the house someday, it is a good selling feature.

After you get your framing inspection approved, the insulation can now be brought in and installed. If you use blown insulation in the ceilings, it has to wait until the ceilings are boarded.

• Ensure the house is clean and no materials are in the way or interfere in any way with the installation of the insulation.
• A poly vapour barrier is placed on the warm side of exterior walls and ceilings and needs to be sealed around the windows, doors and all outlets and items protruding from these walls and ceilings.
• Note: Insulation can be used for soundproofing. Consider bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms, and in between the floors.

Inspection from City Hall. The inspector will inspect the blown ceiling insulation during the final inspection.

• Drywall should be delivered after the insulation is installed and inspected.
• Also, make sure the floors are clean before drywall delivery.

Boarding can start after the insulation has been inspected and approved by the inspector.

• Boarding goes quickly. The taping and sanding depend on the time of year and what kind of heat you can supply. You may have to get a heater from the Rental Company.
• The boarders can do any additional soundproofing you require, for example, soundbars, Donnaconna board, etc.

The house must receive a thorough cleaning before the finishing starts.

• If you haven't already done so, don't forget to pick out your light fixtures.

At this stage, get all your finishing materials brought in.

• You can nail baseboards in place before carpet installation. Raise them by placing a 3/8" spacer underneath and then nail them in place. There shouldn't be any problems with the carpet installation doing it this way.
• Installing baseboards first when installing tile or lino is possible, but you will get a much nicer look when you do it after installing these types of flooring.
• If you install laminate or hardwood flooring, you should install the baseboards after this type of flooring is done.
• Some painters like to pre-paint the mouldings before installation, and some won't touch them until after you nail them in place.

There are many different types and styles of mouldings to choose from, and they come in either paint or stain grade.

• Mouldings can be used in many ways to hide things or accent walls, windows, and doorways.
• If you are doing your finishing work, using paint-grade material is much more forgiving.

If you are in a rush, the painter should paint the kitchen and bathrooms first to install cabinets.

• 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, many shops will have everything you need, including advice and ideas.

If you install linoleum in your kitchen or bathrooms, it won't hurt to install these before cabinet installation.

• Some people may disagree and want to install the cabinets before the lino. 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.
• If you do it yourself, tile, hardwood and laminate flooring are easier to install before cabinet installation. Have to be a bit more careful with the cabinet installation.

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

• The best way is to 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 lower prices. They may not be worth it.

Tiling can be done at different times but have it done after the cabinets and before flooring installations.

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

Install the kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

• They will install the sinks, taps and toilets, and they will hook up the water tank.

In each closet, you want shelves and rods. There are many types to choose from.

• You should install shelving after you paint the closets. It is much easier to do touchups if needed than paint around the shelving.

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

• You can install the light fixtures as soon as the boarding and taping have been completed. With textured ceilings, that should be no problem, and you would have a good source of light to finish your projects.

Install blinds and curtains after finishing the painting.

With some exceptions, your flooring should be the last thing installed. You do not want your new floor scratched.

• Hardwood flooring or engineered flooring is durable, clean and can look very beautiful and comes in many styles and colours.
• If you have pets, consider installing good-quality laminate. It is much more durable and won't scratch as easily as other types of flooring.

After the painting, the cabinets are in place, the tile work completed, you can install the carpets, preferably after the sub-trades left the building.

• The Carpet should be the very last thing that gets installed. You do not want any stains even before you have had a chance to make the first one.
• Clean: Even though most tradespeople clean up their mess, you want to ensure that the floor is clean and nothing is protruding before any flooring installation. At this time, also take the time to check your sub-floor one more time to make sure it is screwed properly.

After all the installations, the finishing carpenter should finish his work, and the Painter needs to come back and do the final touch-ups and repairs as required.

The final inspection by the building department that issued your permit, and when this inspection is approved, 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!