All phases
8
MEP Trim-out & Fixtures
Everything gets its face on and its first power-up.
Typical duration: 2–3 weeks
3 steps
0/17 complete
13–5 days
Plumbing Fixtures & Water Heater Start-up
Set fixtures, trim valves, connect appliances, and commission hot water.
Plumbing
Prerequisites & handoff
- Tile and flooring complete
- Countertops installed
- Water service live
Critical measurements & tolerances
- Water heater T&P discharge full size, downhill, terminating 6"–24" above grade or drain pan
- Water heater set at 120°F to reduce scald risk
- Expansion tank on closed systems; pressure-reducing valve where static pressure exceeds 80 psi
- Toilet bolted to flange with new wax or waxless seal, closet ring at or slightly above finish floor
- Traps and tailpieces with no flat sections; dishwasher high loop or air gap
Permits & inspection milestones
- Plumbing final inspection
- Backflow / cross-connection test where applicable
Field tips & tricks
- Fill and run every fixture, then check under the sink with a dry paper towel 20 minutes later. That towel finds leaks eyes do not.
- Photograph angle stop and shutoff locations for the homeowner binder.
- Set the water heater temperature and label the main shutoff before the walkthrough — it always gets asked about.
Reference documents
View in library →- International Plumbing Code (IPC) · Code reference
- Moen Faucet & Valve Installation Instructions · Install guide
Field checklist
0 / 5 complete- Fixtures set and sealed
- Water heater installed and started
- PRV / expansion tank verified
- Appliance connections made
- Leak check documented
23–5 days
Electrical Trim, Devices & Panel Labeling
Devices, fixtures, panel schedule, and full circuit testing.
Electrical
Prerequisites & handoff
- Paint complete
- Fixtures on site
- Meter released
Critical measurements & tolerances
- Devices plumb and flush to plate, no gaps over 1/8"
- Torque every terminal to the listed value — a torque screwdriver is now expected by many inspectors
- Panel directory legibly labeled by circuit and room
- GFCI / AFCI test-and-reset verified on every protected circuit
- Exterior and wet-location devices with weather-resistant, in-use covers
Permits & inspection milestones
- Electrical final inspection
- Utility permanent power release
Field tips & tricks
- Test every receptacle with a tester and every GFCI with its button. Inspectors pick randomly and one miss reschedules a day.
- Vacuum and wipe the panel interior. A clean panel with a typed directory sets the tone for the whole final inspection.
Reference documents
View in library →- NFPA 70 National Electrical Code — free access · Code reference
- Eaton Load Center & Breaker Instructions · Install guide
Field checklist
0 / 6 complete- Devices and plates installed
- Fixtures hung and lamped
- Terminals torqued
- GFCI / AFCI tested
- Panel directory typed
- Electrical final passed
32–4 days
HVAC Condensers, Grilles & Commissioning
Set outdoor units, register the system, balance airflow, and document performance.
HVAC
Prerequisites & handoff
- Flatwork / pad poured
- Power available
- Filters and grilles on site
Critical measurements & tolerances
- Condenser on level pad, min 12"–24" service clearance per manufacturer, above flood elevation
- Refrigerant charge verified by subcooling / superheat to manufacturer target
- Total external static pressure measured and within equipment rating
- Airflow balanced to Manual D design CFM per room, typically within 10%
- Condensate primary plus secondary pan and float switch; trap and slope 1/8" per foot
- Thermostat 48"–60" AFF, away from supply registers and direct sun
Permits & inspection milestones
- Mechanical final inspection
- Duct leakage and system commissioning report
Field tips & tricks
- Document static pressure, charge, and room CFM in a start-up report. It settles comfort complaints and supports the warranty.
- Pour or set the condenser pad level. A tilted unit is a service call and an oil-return problem.
- Replace the filter after drywall dust. Commissioning through a loaded filter gives you fiction, not data.
Reference documents
View in library →- RESNET HERS & Blower-Door Testing Standards · Industry standard
- Carrier Residential Equipment Installation Instructions · Install guide
Field checklist
0 / 6 complete- Condensers set and charged
- Grilles and registers installed
- Static pressure measured
- Airflow balanced
- Condensate protection verified
- Start-up report filed