From Framing to Finishes Guide | Albertson Construction

Framing: The Stage Where Your Home Takes Shape

The framing stage is often the first moment when homeowners feel the excitement of seeing their ideas turn into something real. At this phase, your home’s bones go up, including exterior walls, interior partitions, roof trusses, and the general structural outline.

A Typical Timeline for Framing:

Most single-family homes take about 2 to 4 weeks to fully frame, depending on size and complexity.
Weather can influence progress, especially during wet or freezing conditions.
Once framing is complete, you will walk the space with your builder to confirm room layouts and any planned structural details.

During this phase, your Albertson Construction team ensures framing meets engineering standards and aligns with your plans. This walkthrough is also a great time to visualize furniture layout, storage needs, and future lighting placement before moving to the next phase.

Mechanical Rough-Ins: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC

Once framing is inspected and approved, your home enters the rough-in stage. This is when all the essential mechanical systems are installed inside the walls before insulation and drywall go up. Think of rough-ins as the behind the scenes setup that makes your home function the way you expect it to.

What Happens During Rough-Ins:

Plumbers run water and drain lines.
Electricians install wiring, outlet boxes, and lighting pathways.
HVAC teams place ductwork, vents, and equipment connections.

These systems typically take 2 to 3 weeks to complete and must pass several inspections to ensure everything meets safety and building standards.

During this phase, you will also finalize the exact placement of outlets, switches, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and any 'smart home' features. Once the walls close, these details are locked in, so rough-ins are the perfect moment to fine tune your layout.

A well planned rough-in stage sets your home up for long-term comfort, efficiency, and everyday convenience.

Insulation and Drywall: Your Home Begins to Feel Like a Home

Once the behind the scenes work passes inspections, insulation is added to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Then drywall goes up, instantly transforming the space from open framing to rooms that feel more defined.

Insulation and Drywall Progress Timeline:

Insulation installation takes just a few days.
Drywall hanging, mudding, and sanding take 1 to 2 weeks.
After drywall, you will start seeing the home transition from a jobsite to a livable structure.

This stage is also where homeowners begin to visualize the true scale and flow of each room. It becomes easier to think about paint colors, cabinetry layouts, and how natural light moves through the home.

Interior Finishes: Style, Durability, and Personal Expression

Once drywall is complete, the interior finishing stage begins. This is where your personal style comes to life through materials, textures, and color choices.

Common Interior Finish Selections:

Flooring (tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl, etc.)
Cabinetry and countertops
Paint colors
Trim and moulding styles
Interior doors and hardware
Plumbing and lighting fixtures

Finish work can take 6 to10 weeks depending on custom selections and material availability. Many items are installed in stages, with flooring, cabinetry, tile and trim happening before fixtures and final details.

Because finishes play such a big role in the home’s identity, Albertson Construction guides clients through both style and performance considerations to help homeowners choose items that stay beautiful long term.

Choosing Finishes That Balance Style and Durability

The best finishes marry aesthetics with everyday practicality. Since Idaho homes experience seasonal temperature swings and varied use patterns, selecting durable materials is essential.

Tips for Choosing Long Lasting Finishes:

Flooring: Consider engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile in high traffic areas. These options maintain their look while standing up to Idaho weather and active households.
Countertops: Quartz remains a favorite for its durability, low maintenance, and consistent appearance across design styles.
Cabinetry: Look for solid wood or high quality plywood construction. Soft close hardware improves longevity and everyday functionality.
Tile and Grout: Choose porcelain tile for durability and stain resistant grout for easier maintenance.
Paint Finishes: Opt for washable paint finishes in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways to handle moisture, fingerprints, and daily wear.

Working with a builder who understands both design trends and long term performance helps you avoid costly replacements later. Your selections should feel timeless, fit your lifestyle, and stand strong through years of use.

Final Touches and Walkthrough: Preparing for Move-In

As finishes come together, the final phase focuses on detail work that pulls every part of your home together. This is when your builder makes final adjustments, completes touch-ups, and prepares the home for a smooth move-in.

Walkthrough and Quality Checklists:

Touch up painting for trims and walls
Making sure windows and doors open, close, and seal properly
Testing plumbing fixtures
Verifying outlets, switches, and lighting
Testing HVAC systems and thermostats
Inspecting flooring
Reviewing cabinetry, countertops, and hardware

During your final walkthrough, the Albertson Construction team reviews every detail with you, ensures quality standards are met, and addresses any last minute requests before closing. This step ensures your home feels polished, functional, and ready for move-in day.

The Path to a Finished Custom Home in Idaho
From framing to finishes, every stage of building a custom home brings you one step closer to a space designed uniquely for you. Understanding the timeline benchmarks and the purpose of each phase helps you enjoy the process rather than feeling overwhelmed by it. With thoughtful finish selections and a clear construction roadmap, your home will blend style, durability, and comfort from the inside out.

If you are ready to start planning your custom home in Middleton, Nampa, Caldwell, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, Albertson Construction is here to guide you through every phase. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation and begin bringing your vision to life.

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