Glossary
Rough-in (plumbing, electrical and HVAC)
Rough-in is the stage where pipes, wires and ducts are run inside open walls, floors and ceilings, before drywall goes up. It usually needs an inspection before walls close.
Rough-in happens after demo and framing. Plumbers set drain, waste and supply lines. Electricians run wire and set boxes. HVAC installers run ducts. Fixtures, outlets and devices come later, at the finish or trim stage.
Moving a wall, a drain or a panel is cheap at rough-in and expensive after drywall. Lock the layout before rough-in starts.
How it works
- Demo and any framing changes.
- Plumbing, electrical and HVAC rough-in.
- Rough-in inspection, where your permit requires one.
- Insulation and drywall once the inspection passes.
Because walls cannot close until rough-in passes, it usually sits on the critical path. Run The Deal's schedule has a Rough-ins checklist template and an Inspection template you can add to a project.
- Days to fix the issue
- 2
- Days waiting for re-inspection
- 3
- Total delay
- 5 days
- Carry per day
- $70
Fix and re-inspection times vary by trade and locality. Carry per day is an assumption.
What to watch
- Permits. Rough-in work on plumbing, electrical and HVAC generally needs permits and licensed trades. Rules vary by locality.
- Coordination. Trades share the same wall cavities. Sequence them to avoid rework.
- Photos. Photograph every open wall before drywall. You will want them later.
Price rough-in work line by line with the rehab cost estimator, and read how to estimate rehab costs.
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