Tricks of the Trade

A/C & HEATING

• Attic access is installed in the proper location
• Have adequate work space around the unit in the attic
• Have a walkway from the attic access to the unit (check with local building codes as to size)
• Before calling for final inspection make sure all blown insulation is cleared from the A/C pan
• Make sure the exterior drain line is properly draining and is visible per the local building codes
• If the unit is in a closet make certain the door is large enough to remove the unit if any future problems should occur

ALARM SYSTEM

• If the alarm contractor places the contacts in the windows seals make sure they are properly sealed (Check with window manufacture to make certain this does not void the window warranty)
• It is recommended to place contacts on all exterior windows

ARCHITECTS

• Make sure the cost before getting started (know the cost of changes)
• Know how many sets of plans you are included in the base cost (Ask the cost of each additional set)
• Are the plans going to need to be engineered, if so is this included?

 

BLINDS/SHUTTERS

• Make sure all interior trim is installed before measuring

 

BRICK & MASONRY

• Make sure all penetrations are sealed properly ( hose bibs, a/c drains)
• Make sure all lintels are fastened and leveled properly
• Check that roll lock underneath windows have proper fall (they should be sloped away from window)
• Check with mason for pricing on extras (coins, roll locks, arches, etc.)
• Make sure if the mason is responsible for their own clean up
• Check that all brick ties are on and fastened into the studs
• If placing brick on second story make sure flashing is installed (flashing needs to be installed anywhere water can enter the dwelling)
• Ask the mason how much sand is needed and when it should be delivered

 

CABINETS (CUSTOM or PREFAB)

• Make sure to have a signed contract with the specific color, style and delivery date before any payment (Deposit) is made
• Check location of the plumbing and electrical while the cabinet subcontractor is measuring
• Make sure there is adequate walk space, 32" is minimum but 42" is preferred
• If you are installing bar make sure you have enough overhang to slide you chair and knees underneath (make sure the height is appropriate)
• Make sure all doors, door hardware, drawers,  glides, and the cabinets are installed and free of any defects before final payment
• Make sure the appropriate spacing is taken into account for the appliances (oven, stove, microwave, ice maker, etc) or plumbing fixtures (sinks, faucets)

 

CENTRAL VACUMN

• Make sure the outlets are in the proper location.
• Make sure the central unit is located where it is easily accessible.

 

CONCRETE

• Make sure that the measurements on the blue prints equal the foundation before the concrete is poured.
• Check that all the plumbing vent stacks, toilet risers, and tub boxes are in the proper location.
• Make sure the foundation boards are level.
• If installing floor plugs or island cabinets make sure you have conduit ran to an exterior wall so the electrician can pull the wire.
• Make sure the foundation is high enough to slope the water away from the house.

 

DRYWALL

• Count the number of sheets of sheetrock delivered before the installer shows up to make sure you get charged for the correct amount (Sheetrock is figured by the square foot)
• Make sure the subcontractor scrapes the floor and cleans up before final payment.
• Inspect the job for imperfections before final payment.
• If imperfections are discovered when priming for paint, contact the sheetrock subcontractor to correct.

 

ELECTRICIAN

• Make sure all switches and receptacles are in the proper location and are not obscured by doors  or in the way of the mirrors (this is important if using framed hanging mirrors)

 

EROSION CONTROL

• Do not forget to maintain erosion control measures. Keep the construction entrance free from dirt and debris
• Always check after erosion controlled areas after rain to ensure that dirt and debris has not entered the street or gutters. A job can be shut down due to run off

 

EXCAVATION & LAND CLEARING

• Make sure to flag all trees that are to be kept.

 

 

EXTERIOR WINDOWS

• Check that the windows open and close properly before brick or sheetrock is installed.

EXTERMINATORS

• If using a Borate treatment make sure to have the dwelling cleaned and free from all debris and trash before scheduling the treatment.

 

FIREPLACE

• If using brick or natural stone make sure it is properly supported with plywood and brick ties.
• Check that the unit is level and secured.
• Make sure the fireplace is properly vented and the vent stack is level.
• Place the ignition line in an electrical box before the sheetrock subcontractor covers it up.

 

FLASHING

• Flashing should be installed in any area in which water could get in. (Where the siding meets the brick, on a porch where the siding meets the brick roll lock, or around the dormers where the roof meets the house)
• Examples of flashing:
  • sidewall flashing
  • step flashing
  • dormer flashing

 

FLOORING

• Have the flooring subcontractor show the imperfections in the slab before floating or patching the area ( a certain amount of floor prep is typically included in the quote however, there could be additional costs for extensive preparations)
• Make sure the subcontractor cleans the floor before installing carpet, tile or wood
• If installing a wood floor the heating or cooling system should be turned on for                 day prior to having the wood installed. This allow for the moisture to be drawn out of the concrete slab. Also the wood needs to set in the environment for 5 to 7  days before installation 
• Make sure that the tile was properly set. Take a stick and tap (careful not to break) on the tile if it is hollow sounding then it did not get enough glue under it.
• Make sure the grout is up close to the wall and cabinets. This area is a difficult area to fill in.

 

FRAMING

• Be on site the day the framer lays out the walls. It is very easy to move walls, add doors, etc. at this stage if it is neccesary.
• Ask if nails are included in the quote.
• Check with the framer and visit the site daily as this will head off future problems
• Make sure the door openings allow enough room for the casing
• Make sure in the areas where the cabinets are being installed that the studs are straight not bowed. This is needed to keep the counter top backsplashes flush with the wall.

 

GARAGE DOORS

• Make sure the sensor wires are exposed and installed before the sheetrock subcontractor arrives. Theses are located to the right and left of the garage door and in the middle of the ceiling centered with the garage door. Drive a nail into the wall next to the sensor wire and wrap the wire around it. These wires are usually ran by the electrician.
• Make sure the bracket is installed before scheduling the garage door installer

 

GLASS, MIRRORS, & SHOWER DOORS

• Make sure all receptacles are exposed before installing mirrors
• If using hanging mirrors make sure to use the proper size mirror hangers (These are usually rated by weight)
• Have the framer install blocking on the hinge side of the shower door. This is especially important if using h a frameless door. 

 

GRANITE & NATURAL STONE

• Have the sink and faucet information before scheduling the granite. Know the specification on the type of appliances to be installed (ovens, stoves). The Granite fabricator will need to have this information to cut and shape the stone.

 

INSULATION (BATT, BLOWN, SPRAY FOAM)

• Make sure wall cavities are free from trash and debris before scheduling the batt insulation
• Before installing blown insulation make sure all the trades have completely finished. When the insulation is blown it is very difficult to locate wires and also it make a mess every time someone has to go into the attic. It is recommended to wait as long as you can to have this insulation installed.

 

INSURANCE

• Do forget to get builders risk before starting construction.
• Make sure all subcontractors are licensed and insured.

 

IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

• Place irrigation piping that will possibly run under any driveway, patio, walkway or sidewalk before the concrete is poured. This will save money and labor when installing the irrigation system.
• Test the irrigation system for leaks before sodding.
• Check the setting on the system periodically and also make sure the heads are functioning properly.
• If you notice high water bills it could be from a possible sprinkler leak. Keep an eye for standing water or soft places in the yard or flower beds.

 

LANDSCAPING & SITE WORK

• Give the landscaper a budget to stay within. The landscaper can help to choose the type of shrubery, trees and plants that will keep the job in budget.
• Before landscaper is does the final grade ensure that water is diverted away from the dwelling and there is not any standing water.

 

MILLWORK & CUSTOM TRIM

• Order material well in advance. Specialty trim can take extra time to be delivered.

 

PAINTING

• Make sure the exterior windows are caulked.
• Doors are removed to be painted. Check that all doors open and close properly once reinstalled.
• Make sure there is some touch up paint left.

 

PLUMBING CONTRACTOR

• Keep future landscaping possibilities in mind when placing hose bibs. Shrubery will grow and could block access.
• Knowing the common plumbing terminology will help in the communication with the plumber.
  • Shower Valve
  • Tub Valve
  • Tub Box
  • Shower Box
  • 4" Faucet Spread
  • 8" Faucet Spread
  • Toilet Riser
  • Plumbing Stack
  • Hose Bib

 

ROLL OFF DUMPSTERS

• Check with neighborhood associations if there are size restrictions.

 

ROOFING

• Ask if roofing tacks/ nails are included in the quote.
• Make sure that the flashing is installed where needed.
• Check with the roofer to see who is responsible for debris clean up.
• Make sure that all plumbing roof jacks are installed.

 

SEPTIC TANK AND DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

• If installing a grinder pump double check the connection to the street is not underneath the driveway before you pour

 

SILT FENCE INSTALLATION

• There are several types of silt fence. Check with your subcontractor as to the different types and proper installation.

 

TRIM CARPENTRY

• Trim carpenters usually charge by the running foot. Ask what is considered extra. columns, fireplace, mantel, chair rails etc.

TRUSS SYSTEMS

• Consult with the framer to determine when a crane will be needed.

 

VINYL SIDING

• Make sure to sign off on the color selection before the subcontractor starts installation
• Check for loose or sagging vinyl.