Frequently Asked Questions

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1. FRAMING
 

What is framing in construction?
Framing is the structural framework that supports walls, floors, and roofs.

What materials are used for framing?
Wood lumber or light-gauge steel.

Do framing changes require permits?
Yes, all structural changes require permits.

What is a load-bearing wall?
A wall that supports weight from above.

How can you tell if a wall is load-bearing?
By reviewing plans or structural layout.

What is standard stud spacing?
16” or 24” on center.

What is blocking used for?
To support cabinets, fixtures, and handrails.

Are headers required over openings?
Yes, doors and windows require headers.

Does framing get inspected?
Yes, before insulation and drywall.

Can framing be modified during remodels?
Yes, with proper engineering.

What lumber grade is used?
Construction-grade lumber.

Is pressure-treated wood required?
Yes, where wood contacts concrete.

What is shear wall framing?
Walls designed to resist lateral forces.

Can framing be done in stages?
Yes.

What causes framing failure?
Poor installation or moisture damage.

Are special fasteners required?
Yes, structural-rated fasteners.

Can framing affect inspections later?
Yes, improper framing fails inspections.

How long does framing take?
Several days to weeks.

Can framing be done in rain?
Limited work is possible.

Should framing be done by licensed contractors?
Yes.

2. ELECTRICAL ROUGH INSTALLATION
 

What is electrical rough-in?
Running wiring, boxes, and circuits before drywall.

Are permits required?
Yes.

What wiring is used?
Romex or conduit.

Are outlet locations regulated?
Yes, by electrical code.

What is a dedicated circuit?
A circuit serving one appliance.

Are GFCI outlets required?
Yes, in wet areas.

Are AFCI breakers required?
Yes, in living spaces.

Is grounding required?
Yes.

Are smoke detectors installed during rough-in?
Yes.

Can wiring be relocated?
Yes.

Are ceiling fan boxes reinforced?
Yes.

Are recessed lights roughed in now?
Yes.

Is low-voltage wiring included?
Optional.

Is the panel upgraded during rough?
Often, yes.

Is electrical inspected?
Yes.

Can aluminum wiring be replaced?
Yes.

What causes failed inspections?
Improper grounding or spacing.

Can electrical be upgraded later?
Yes, but rough-in is best.

Are junction boxes required?
Yes.

Should electricians be licensed?
Yes.

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3. PLUMBING – ROUGH & FINISH

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What is plumbing rough-in?
Installing pipes before walls close.

What is plumbing finish?
Installing fixtures and trim.

Are permits required?
Yes.

What pipe materials are used?
PEX, copper, PVC, ABS.

Are pressure tests required?
Yes.

What is a vent stack?
Allows proper drainage airflow.

Can fixtures be relocated?
Yes.

Are shut-off valves required?
Yes.

What is a cleanout?
Drain access point.

Can old pipes be reused?
If in good condition.

What causes low water pressure?
Pipe or valve issues.

Is slab plumbing harder to change?
Yes.

Are gas lines included?
If applicable.

Do drains need slope?
Yes.

Is plumbing inspected?
Yes.

Can leaks damage framing?
Yes.

Are tankless heaters installed during finish?
Yes.

Do fixtures affect resale value?
Yes.

Is waterproofing tied to plumbing?
Yes.

Should plumbers be licensed?
Yes.

4. INSULATION

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Why is insulation important?
Energy efficiency and comfort.

What types are used?
Batt, blown-in, spray foam.

Is insulation required by code?
Yes.

What is R-value?
Thermal resistance rating.

Where is insulation installed?
Walls, ceilings, floors.

Is vapor barrier required?
Depending on climate.

Does insulation reduce noise?
Yes.

Can insulation prevent mold?
Yes, when installed correctly.

Is attic insulation different?
Yes.

Can insulation settle over time?
Some types can.

Is fire-resistant insulation required?
In certain areas.

Is insulation inspected?
Yes.

Can insulation be replaced?
Yes.

Does insulation affect HVAC sizing?
Yes.

Is spray foam better?
Depends on application.

Can insulation be added later?
Yes.

Does insulation lower energy bills?
Yes.

Is insulation eco-friendly?
Some types are.

Does insulation affect resale?
Yes.

Should insulation be professionally installed?
Yes.

5. DRYWALL INSTALLATION

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What drywall thickness is standard?
½” walls, ⅝” ceilings.

Is moisture-resistant drywall required?
Bathrooms and kitchens.

What is fire-rated drywall?
Type X drywall.

How long does drywall installation take?
1–3 days.

Are screws or nails used?
Primarily screws.

Do ceilings need special board?
Yes.

Can drywall be installed over insulation?
Yes.

Is drywall inspected?
Yes.

Can drywall hide framing issues?
Minor only.

Is drywall soundproof?
With insulation.

Can drywall get wet?
No.

Is green board waterproof?
No.

Are seams visible?
Not when finished properly.

Can drywall be curved?
Yes.

Do corners need bead?
Yes.

Can drywall be patched?
Yes.

Is drywall recyclable?
Yes.

Does drywall affect fire safety?
Yes.

Should drywall be primed?
Yes.

Should drywall be professionally installed?
Yes.

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6. DRYWALL TAPE, MUD & TEXTURE
 

What is drywall taping?
Sealing joints with tape and compound.

How many coats are required?
Typically three.

What textures are common?
Orange peel, knockdown, smooth.

What is a Level 5 finish?
Highest smoothness level.

How long does finishing take?
3–5 days.

Does texture hide imperfections?
Yes.

Can texture be removed?
Yes.

Is sanding required?
Yes.

Does humidity affect drying?
Yes.

Can cracks return?
Yes, if framing moves.

Are corner beads required?
Yes.

Can textured walls be painted?
Yes.

Is texture outdated?
Preference-based.

Can ceilings be textured?
Yes.

Is smooth finish more expensive?
Yes.

Can texture be matched?
Yes.

Does texture affect resale?
Sometimes.

Should primer follow mudding?
Yes.

Are repairs visible?
Not when done correctly.

Is professional finishing recommended?
Yes.

7. INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING

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How long does interior painting take?
2–5 days.

How long does exterior paint last?
7–10 years.

Is prep work necessary?
Yes.

Is primer required?
Yes.

What sheen is best for walls?
Eggshell or satin.

What sheen for trim?
Semi-gloss.

Can paint hide defects?
Minor only.

Is low-VOC paint better?
Yes.

Does weather affect exterior paint?
Yes.

How many coats are needed?
Two finish coats.

Can stucco be painted?
Yes.

Does paint peel?
If improperly applied.

Can cracked paint be repaired?
Yes.

Should ceilings be flat paint?
Yes.

Do dark colors fade faster?
Yes.

Is pressure washing required?
Yes.

Can paint seal surfaces?
Yes.

How soon can rooms be used?
24 hours.

Does paint add value?
Yes.

Should painters be licensed?
Yes.

8. EXTERIOR STUCCO LATH INSTALLATION

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What is stucco lath?
Metal mesh supporting stucco.

Is lath required?
Yes, over framing.

Is paper installed first?
Yes.

What lath is used?
Galvanized metal.

Is inspection required?
Yes.

Can stucco go without lath?
Only over masonry.

How is lath fastened?
Corrosion-resistant fasteners.

Call us at 1-949-247-9890