Trim work for custom homes includes hanging interior doors, and putting on door and window casings.
All that well organized and installed wiring and plumbing can now be completed. Light switches, outlets heat registers, thermostats as well as electrical and plumbing fixtures are installed.
The faceplates for central vacuum, intercom, cable phone and security systems are put in.
The list of work that a trim subcontractor does is long and the work is precise so best left to someone that has experience. Some charge by the opening such as per door window etc. Others charge per cut, so the more cuts the greater the cost. Others charge by the hour or day or the job.
The work that will be performed by the trim subcontractor may include the following.
Set interior and exterior doors and door sills
Set windows and window sills
Install base, crown, chair rail, picture and other molding
Install paneling, raised paneling and wainscoting
Install stairway trim
Install fireplace and main entry door mantels
Install closet shelves and hanger rods
Install any other special trim
Install door and window hardware, door stops, etc.
The workmanship of your trim sub is important because the trim is highly visible. If not done properly it is hard to repair and will detract from the look of your home. When well done, it can make your home look outstanding.
When choosing your trim material you can save money if it is going to be painted, by using a lesser grade of trim.
Fingerjoint trim is made up of smaller pieces of wood that is gluid together to make the longer pieces.
If you are staining your trim you must use solid wood trim and wood doors. Remind your trim sub to use the best pieces in the most visible places.
The installation sequence for the trim work is as follows>
Determine trim required
Select the molding, window and door frames
Install windows and exterior doors as soon as possible after framing
Install interior doors
Install window casing and aprons
Instal trim around cased openings
Install staircase molding, treads, risers, railings,newels, baluster, etc.
Install crown molding. This is done first to avoid scratching the base molding
Install base and cap molding at a height that allows for the installation of hardwood floors if necessary
Install chair rail
Install picture molding
Install sand and stain paneling
Clean all sliding door tracks
Install threshold and weather stripping on exterior doors and windows
Install shoe molding after flooring is installed
Install doorknobs, dead bolts, door stops and window hardware
Rekey locks if necessary and have all locks keyed to one key
Inspect trim work and correct any inperfect trim on your custom home.