04/28/2026
"From Dirt to Keys" 🔑
Now that we have a dried-in home, the systems that make your home a modern day luxury are installed. Plumbing, Electrical, and Heating/Cooling are installed within the walls and attic space of your home.
Important details that go into the plumbing top-out include supply-line installation, drains and venting for the lead jacks, exterior hose-bib placement, fixture and hot water heater location, and installation of bathtubs. We must have plumbing fixtures selected to ensure the proper installation of valves and fixture placement, i.e. Bathtubs can have deck mounted faucets, wall mounted faucets, or floor mounted faucets. Each of these different mounts entail a process that varies from one another.
Electrical rough-in establishes outlet and switch locations, lighting, panel layout, and dedicated circuits. We encourage our homeowners to think ahead for future needs, as it is easier to drop the wires prior to closing in walls. Specialty rough-in items to be discussed during this phase may include: ethernet, cable, speakers, soffit lighting, Christmas light receptacles, flood light placement, doorbells, and security needs. Can lights are also an integral part of today's homes, and are more costly to add after the home is completed.
The HVAC rough-in is designed to fit your unique home layout, improper planning during the HVAC rough-in proves to be costly in the long-run. Single-story homes are retrofitted for one unit in most cases and two units for large homes. All two-story homes should be retrofitted with either two units or one unit for the downstairs and a mini-split system for individual rooms (this is the case for most bonus rooms). Once the certified installer has determined the proper plan for your home, they will run the ducts, return air placements, and interior equipment. The outside condenser will be placed during the final phase of your home when power is turned on.
The fireplace is also installed at this phase, although they're more for pretty than anything down here. There are a few options for fireplaces and it is important to do your research when deciding what the best option for your home will be.
These three trades mark another milestone in the construction of your home. Each trade must work together to coordinate between one another for the home to operate at its maximum efficiency, especially with limited wall and attic space. Once the "open-wall' inspection is green-lighted the home is ready for wall insulation.
Builder Advice:
Why this phase deserves extra attention.
What goes inside the walls matters more than what goes on them. Thoughtful planning during rough-in leads to a home that functions well, is easier to maintain, and adapts to future needs.
