Final Finishes: Complete Guide

Overview

Final finishes transform your construction site into a move-in ready home. This phase involves dozens of small tasks - light fixtures, outlets, hardware, appliances, and addressing the punch list. While individually simple, the volume of tasks requires systematic organization.

This is one of the most satisfying phases. Each completed item brings you closer to occupancy, and progress is highly visible.

When This Phase Happens

Final finishes happen after all major work is complete.

Must be complete first:

What comes after:

Punch List Overview

What is a punch list? A systematic list of all remaining tasks, defects, and touch-ups required before the project is complete. Professional builders use punch lists on every project.

How to create your punch list:

  1. Walk through entire house with notebook
  2. Inspect every room systematically
  3. Note every incomplete item, defect, or touch-up needed
  4. Include exterior
  5. Organize by room or trade
  6. Estimate time for each item
  7. Prioritize for final inspection

Typical punch list items:

Step-by-Step Process

Days 1-3: Electrical Fixtures and Devices

Light fixture installation:

  1. Turn off power at breaker
  2. Connect fixture wires (black to black, white to white, ground to ground)
  3. Secure fixture to ceiling box
  4. Install bulbs and shades
  5. Test operation
  6. Repeat for all fixtures (typically 20-30 fixtures)

Outlet and switch covers:

  1. Install covers on all outlets and switches (typically 60-80)
  2. Ensure proper alignment (horizontal/vertical)
  3. Paint-grade: Use paintable covers, paint before installing
  4. Use screws provided with covers (not drywall screws)

Smoke and CO detectors:

  1. Install per code requirements (one per bedroom, one per floor, one outside sleeping areas)
  2. Connect to hardwired circuits (installed during electrical rough-in)
  3. Install backup batteries
  4. Test all detectors
  5. Link interconnected system (one sounds, all sound)

Exterior lighting:

  1. Install porch lights
  2. Install motion sensor lights (security)
  3. Install landscape lighting (if planned)
  4. Test all exterior outlets (GFCI protected)

Days 4-6: Plumbing Fixtures and Appliances

Final plumbing fixtures:

Appliance installation:

Refrigerator:

  1. Slide into position (verify fit before removing packaging)
  2. Level front-to-back and side-to-side
  3. Connect water line for ice maker (if applicable)
  4. Plug in and test

Dishwasher:

  1. Slide into cabinet opening
  2. Level and secure to underside of counter
  3. Connect water supply line
  4. Connect drain line to disposal or drain
  5. Connect electrical (typically hardwired)
  6. Test operation, check for leaks

Range/Cooktop:

  1. Gas: Hire licensed professional for gas connection
  2. Electric: Verify proper 240V circuit, secure connection
  3. Slide into position
  4. Level
  5. Secure anti-tip bracket (code required)
  6. Test operation

Microwave (if over-range):

  1. Install mounting bracket
  2. Lift microwave into position (requires 2-3 people)
  3. Secure to wall and cabinet
  4. Connect electrical
  5. Install charcoal and grease filters
  6. Test operation

Washer/Dryer:

  1. Position in laundry area
  2. Connect water supply (washer)
  3. Connect drain (washer)
  4. Connect dryer vent (critical for safety - must vent outside)
  5. Connect dryer power (240V electric or gas line)
  6. Level both units
  7. Test operation

Days 7-9: Hardware and Accessories

Door hardware:

  1. Install doorknobs and deadbolts on exterior doors
  2. Install privacy locks on bedroom and bath doors
  3. Install passage sets on other interior doors
  4. Install door stops (floor or wall mount)
  5. Adjust strike plates for proper latching
  6. Ensure all doors open and close smoothly

Cabinet hardware:

  1. Install knobs or pulls on all cabinets (kitchen and baths)
  2. Use template for consistent placement
  3. Verify all doors and drawers align properly
  4. Adjust hinges as needed

Closet accessories:

  1. Install closet rods
  2. Install shelf brackets
  3. Install specialty organizers if planned

Window treatments (if providing):

  1. Install curtain rods or blinds
  2. Follow manufacturer instructions
  3. Level all rods

Days 10-12: Exterior Final Touches

Exterior items:

  1. Install house numbers (clearly visible from street - code requirement in many areas)
  2. Install mailbox (per postal service requirements)
  3. Install doorbell or video doorbell
  4. Install exterior door hardware (handlesets)
  5. Install garage door opener
  6. Test garage door safety sensors (required by code)

Gutters and downspouts (if not already complete):

  1. Install gutters along all eaves
  2. Install downspouts
  3. Slope gutters toward downspouts (1/4" per 10 feet)
  4. Extend downspouts 4-6 feet from foundation
  5. Install leaf guards if desired

Driveway and walks:

  1. Final grading around all walks
  2. Seal concrete (if applicable)
  3. Install driveway markers if needed
  4. Ensure proper drainage away from house

Days 13-14: Punch List Completion

Systematic room-by-room review:

  1. Create detailed punch list (if not already done)
  2. Work through list systematically
  3. Focus on one room at a time for satisfaction
  4. Check off completed items

Common punch list items:

Paint touch-ups:

Drywall repairs:

Trim adjustments:

Cleaning:

Caulking:

Hardware check:

Floor protection removal:

Final Day: Pre-Inspection Walk-Through

Prepare for final inspection:

  1. Complete entire punch list

  2. Clean house thoroughly

  3. Ensure all utilities operational

  4. Test all systems:

    • All lights work
    • All outlets work (use outlet tester)
    • All plumbing fixtures work, no leaks
    • HVAC operates properly
    • All appliances functional
    • All smoke/CO detectors work
    • Garage door safety sensors work

  5. Verify code compliance items:

    • House numbers visible
    • Smoke detectors in all required locations
    • CO detectors if gas appliances
    • Handrails on stairs secure
    • GFCI outlets test properly
    • Tamper-resistant outlets in required locations

  6. Have documentation ready:

    • Building permit
    • All inspection records
    • Product manuals and warranties
    • Paint color records
    • As-built drawings (if available)

Code Requirements for Final Inspection

IRC requirements inspectors check:

Common final inspection failures:

  1. Missing or non-functional smoke detectors
  2. Garage door opener safety sensors not working
  3. GFCI outlets not functioning
  4. Handrails not secure
  5. Missing house numbers
  6. Incomplete punch list items (inspector may note but not fail)

Final Inspection Process

What to expect:

  1. Inspector conducts walk-through (45-90 minutes typical)
  2. Tests safety items (smoke detectors, GFCI, CO detectors)
  3. Verifies all systems operational
  4. Checks for code compliance
  5. Provides inspection report

If you pass:

If you fail:

💡Pro Tip

Be present for final inspection. Answer inspector's questions. Take notes on any items they mention. Most inspectors are helpful and will explain what they're looking for.

Subcontractor Considerations

Most final finishes are easy DIY tasks. Consider hiring for:

Appliance installation:

Complex fixtures:

Garage door opener: $200-$400 installed

Typical DIY savings: $1,500-$3,000 by installing most fixtures yourself

Common Mistakes

1. Rushing Final Inspection

Why it's a problem: Fail inspection, delays occupancy, stress. How to avoid: Complete thorough punch list before calling for inspection. Cost if you don't: Re-inspection fees, delayed move-in, carrying costs.

2. Missing Smoke Detector Locations

Why it's a problem: Code violation, failed inspection, safety hazard. How to avoid: One in each bedroom, one outside each sleeping area, one per floor minimum. Interconnected. Cost if you don't: Failed inspection, $200-$500 to add and wire.

3. Non-Functional GFCI

Why it's a problem: Code violation, safety hazard, failed inspection. How to avoid: Test all GFCI outlets before inspection. Replace any that don't trip. Cost if you don't: Failed inspection, troubleshooting time.

4. Garage Door Sensor Issues

Why it's a problem: Safety hazard, code requirement, failed inspection. How to avoid: Test sensors - door should reverse if beam broken. Adjust if needed. Cost if you don't: Failed inspection, $100-$200 repair.

5. Incomplete Punch List

Why it's a problem: Unfinished appearance, inspector may note items, delays satisfaction. How to avoid: Work through punch list systematically. Don't rush. Cost if you don't: Items get forgotten, must fix later at higher cost.

6. No House Numbers

Why it's a problem: Code requirement in most jurisdictions, safety issue (emergency services). How to avoid: Install clearly visible numbers (4"+ tall, contrasting color). Cost if you don't: Failed inspection or inspector note.

7. Forgetting Product Manuals

Why it's a problem: Can't operate systems, troubleshooting difficult, warranty issues. How to avoid: Collect all manuals in binder. Create list of model numbers. Cost if you don't: Difficulty using systems, warranty claims harder.

8. Poor Cleaning

Why it's a problem: Construction dust everywhere, HVAC contamination, poor first impression. How to avoid: Thorough cleaning before final inspection. Consider professional post-construction cleaning. Cost if you don't: Hours of cleaning yourself, HVAC filter replacement.

Quality Checkpoints

Before final inspection:

Budget Breakdown

Example for 2,000 sq ft house:

Final finishes budget breakdown for 2,000 sq ft house
ItemCostNotes
**Fixtures and Hardware**
Light fixtures (25 units)$1,000-$3,000Mix of styles
Outlet/switch covers (75)$75-$225Standard white
Smoke/CO detectors$150-$400Hardwired, interconnected
Door hardware (15 doors)$450-$1,200Knobs and deadbolts
Cabinet hardware$200-$600Included in cabinets or separate
Towel bars, TP holders$150-$400All bathrooms
**Appliances**
Refrigerator$800-$3,000Included in kitchen budget
DishwasherIncludedIn kitchen budget
RangeIncludedIn kitchen budget
MicrowaveIncludedIn kitchen budget
Washer/Dryer$1,000-$2,500Separate purchase
**Exterior**
House numbers$20-$80Visible from street
Mailbox$50-$200Per USPS requirements
Doorbell$50-$300Basic to video
**Misc**
Garage door opener$200-$500With installation
Window treatments$500-$2,000Basic coverage
Cleaning supplies$100-$200Final cleaning
**Labor (if hiring any)**$500-$2,000Selective tasks
**Total****$5,245-$16,705**Wide range based on selections

Timeline Tips

Scheduling:

Prioritization:

  1. Safety items first (smoke detectors, GFCI, safety sensors)
  2. Required items second (code requirements)
  3. Functional items third (make house livable)
  4. Aesthetic items last (nice-to-have)

What Comes Next

After final inspection passes:

  1. Receive Certificate of Occupancy
  2. Close construction loan / convert to mortgage
  3. Final landscaping (often done before CO but not required)
  4. Move in!
  5. Enjoy your new home

Link to: Landscaping Phase

Related Resources

Need Final Finishes Help?

Final finishes involve many small tasks. If you need help organizing your punch list or ensuring you're ready for final inspection, a consultation can help.