The Correct Sequence of Finishing Work on a Private House

Our clients often ask about the correct sequence for finishing a house. The order really does matter, and it's worth discussing with your crew, since it indirectly tells you something about their qualifications. Here is the order of operations we recommend.

(Before the work begins, you need to prepare the construction site.)

In general, this stage includes the following tasks.

1. Erecting scaffolding or a construction tunnel.
2. Setting up a working platform on the roof for work on the chimneys and pipes.
3. Protecting the roof with boarded insulation and PVC sheeting.
4. Hanging high-density protective construction mesh.
5. Installing protective coverings on windows and doors (applying films and fixing rigid sheeting when removing masonry cladding).
6. Installing protected power wiring. Grounding the steel scaffolding.

If necessary, the following are removed:

• the roof drainage system;
• the roof lining;
• old decorative trim;
• video surveillance systems and television antennas;
• the power supply, which is moved to a temporary support;
• window, floor, and basement moldings;
• wall and basement coverings, with the openings cleared;
• lighting fixtures;
• the cladding of entrance panels;
• canopies and awnings, and so on.

Work then begins on the bases of the walls, the plinths, and the pipes. We recommend the following sequence.

1. Installing, replacing, or repairing windows and doors.
2. Routing the power and lighting electrical system on the facade.
3. Moving the gas supply away from the wall when the walls are being insulated (performed by a specialized company).
4. Cleaning, dusting, washing, and treating the walls and basement with biocidal agents.
5. Leveling the surfaces of the walls and basement, chimneys, and vents, with reinforcement where necessary.
6. Laying screeds in the entrance areas with the proper slopes.
7. Applying reinforcing and waterproofing impregnations in entrance areas and on stepped walkways.
8. Installing embedded parts for lighting fixtures, heavy decorative elements, antennas, and so on.
9. Insulating the walls, basement, foundation area, and backsplash.
10. Applying base plaster with fiberglass and steel mesh, corners, and beads.
11. Working on the slopes of the openings.
12. Installing and finishing decorative bands, cornices and other separating elements, rosettes, and bas-reliefs.
13. Installing the casing of the openings, shutters, and bars.
14. Installing window, facade, and plinth drip moldings.
15. Installing fences and balustrades.
16. Applying finishing decorative coatings (paint, plaster).
17. Facing the walls with stone, tile, wood, fiber cement panels, and so on.
18. Facing the basement area. Sealing the joints with backer rod and sealants.
19. Stenciling, laying majolica, mosaics, and so on.
20. Installing the fascia boards and panels, and trimming the roof overhangs.
21. Installing the roof gutters and downpipes.
22. Installing the pipe caps and weather hoods.
23. Installing the grounding and lightning protection.
24. Installing electrical fixtures, outlets, switches, and automation.
25. Mounting video surveillance systems and antennas.
26. Facing the patios and steps.
27. Surfacing the terrace (tile, WPC, decking, textured concrete).
28. Applying a hydrophobic treatment to the stone coatings.

1. Removing the protective structures from the window and door openings.
2. Dismantling and removing the scaffolding.

1. Installing glass and metal canopies.
2. Installing trellises for climbing plants.
3. Installing awnings and pergolas.
4. Grouting work below grade.
5. Installing the channels that divert storm water from the gutters.
6. Placing the finishing layer on the apron.
7. Paving the adjacent landscaped areas and paths.

1. Cleaning the construction site and removing debris.
2. Removing the site sheds and portable toilets.
3. Preparing and handing over the documentation for concealed work (if any).

Working on the wall surface.

What is the vertical and horizontal sequence of work on a wall?

For an EIFS system, the house is divided into "sections" — areas with a uniform surface. Starting from the upper left corner, you work your way to the right. The work proceeds step by step, from the top floor down to the bottom. A team of 3 to 4 plasterers takes part in the work.

If you finish the base from the bottom up, then when you work on the upper levels, drops of mortar will stain the finished surfaces below.