How to Sequence Multiple Trades (Plumbing → Framing → Drywall) (2026)
Trade-sequencing errors add 3-6 weeks to every remodel. These six steps enforce the correct rough-in order, minimize trade overlap (costly rework), and hit inspection gates cleanly.
Step 1: Complete demolition + structural framing FIRST — all other trades are blocked
Demolition removes the old finishes back to studs. Framing sets new walls, beams, headers per approved plans. Both must be fully signed off before ANY trade starts rough-in. Framing inspection is a hard gate — no MEP rough-in until framing passes.
Step 2: Rough-in order: plumbing → HVAC → electrical (in that sequence)
Plumbing runs first because it has the biggest pipes and the most constrained routing (pitch to drain, vent stacks). HVAC ductwork second — ducts bend around pipes more easily than pipes around ducts. Electrical last — wires are the most flexible and fit around both. Reversing this order forces rework on the bigger-pipe trades.
Step 3: Schedule each rough-in inspection as the trade completes — don't batch
Plumbing rough-in inspection after plumbing completes; HVAC rough-in after HVAC; electrical rough-in after electrical. LADBS accepts partial inspections. Batching all three for a single inspection delays the whole project by 1-2 weeks because any fail on any trade blocks the others from proceeding to insulation/drywall.
Step 4: Insulation + vapor-barrier installation AFTER all rough-in inspections pass
Insulation obscures the work below it and makes any inspector's job impossible. Once insulation is up, you cannot re-inspect rough-in work. Install insulation only after the rough-in inspections all sign off, and sign up a HERS rater for Title 24-triggered duct/refrigerant tests before insulation goes up (HERS tests need access to the ducts).
Step 5: Drywall goes up after insulation, followed by mud + tape + paint prep
Drywall installation, then tape + 3 mud coats, then sanding, then primer + paint. Each layer needs 24-hour dry time. Mud crews and paint crews should be the same firm or explicitly coordinated — mud quality determines paint quality. Don't let the GC skip the primer coat.
Step 6: Finish trades (tile, flooring, cabinets, fixtures) AFTER paint, with inspection gates between
Tile before flooring (tile cuts wet; flooring gets damaged by cuts). Cabinets before counters (cabinets sit on subfloor; counters template to installed cabinets). Fixtures + appliances after counters (final plumbing + electrical hook-ups). Final inspection after all finish trades complete — and the 24-hour shower-pan flood test if applicable.
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