1. Flooring Installation

Flooring is a key part of interior finishing and can significantly impact the look, feel, and functionality of a space.

Types of Flooring:

• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Known for its durability, water resistance, and affordability, LVP is a popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms.
• Tile: Used in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, ceramic or porcelain tile is durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant.
• Hardwood Flooring: Known for its beauty and longevity, hardwood flooring adds value and warmth to any living space. However, it requires maintenance and is not ideal for areas with high moisture.
• Carpet: Often used in bedrooms and living rooms, carpet is soft and provides good insulation. It is, however, less durable than other options and can be prone to stains.
• Laminate: An affordable alternative to hardwood, laminate flooring is durable and easy to install, making it a common choice in ADUs.

Installation Process:

• Subfloor Preparation: The subfloor must be clean, level, and free of debris before installing any flooring.
• Moisture Barrier: In areas prone to moisture, a vapor barrier may be installed under the flooring to protect against water damage.
• Installation: Flooring is installed according to the material—whether floating (for LVP and laminate), glued down (for tile), or nailed (for hardwood).

Tip: Consider the durability and maintenance of flooring materials based on the intended use of each room.

2. Trim and Molding

Trim and molding are used to cover the joints between walls, floors, and ceilings, adding a finished, polished look to the space.

Types of Trim:

• Baseboards: Installed where the wall meets the floor to hide gaps and give the room a finished appearance.
• Crown Molding: Decorative trim applied where the walls meet the ceiling. It adds elegance and height to the room, particularly in living areas and kitchens.
• Door and Window Casings: These trim pieces surround doors and windows to hide gaps and seams where the frame meets the drywall.

Installation Process:

• Measuring and Cutting: Trim pieces are measured and cut to the exact dimensions of the walls, doors, or windows using a miter saw for precise angles.
• Fastening: Trim is typically nailed to the wall studs, and small gaps or nail holes are filled with wood putty before being painted.
• Painting: After installation, the trim is primed and painted, typically in white or a color that complements the wall paint.

Tip: Choose trim that matches the architectural style of the ADU—simpler styles for modern looks and more ornate options for traditional or historic designs.

3. Cabinetry and Countertops

In kitchens and bathrooms, cabinetry and countertops play both functional and aesthetic roles. They are integral to storage solutions and overall design.

Cabinet Materials:

• Solid Wood: Provides a high-end, durable option, though it is more expensive than other materials.
• Plywood: Often used for cabinet boxes, plywood is more affordable than solid wood but still offers good durability.
• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): A budget-friendly option, MDF is used for painted cabinets but is less durable than wood.

Countertop Materials:

• Granite: Durable, heat-resistant, and available in a variety of colors, granite is a high-end choice.
• Quartz: Engineered stone that is durable, low-maintenance, and available in a wide variety of colors.
• Laminate: A budget-friendly option, laminate countertops come in many styles but are less durable than stone.

Installation Process:

• Cabinet Installation: Cabinets are installed first, with upper cabinets being mounted to the walls and lower cabinets to the floor. They must be level and securely fastened.
• Countertop Installation: Countertops are custom cut to fit the cabinets and are installed on top of the base cabinets. In the case of stone countertops, professional installation is typically required due to their weight and precision.

4. Painting and Wall Treatments

Painting and wall treatments are crucial for adding color, texture, and personalization to the interior.

Painting Process:

• Surface Preparation: Before painting, walls should be cleaned and sanded smooth. Holes or imperfections in drywall should be filled with spackle and sanded smooth.
• Priming: Applying a coat of primer ensures the paint adheres evenly and provides a solid base for the paint color.
• Painting: Most walls require two coats of paint to ensure even coverage. Use a roller for large surfaces and a brush for cutting in edges around trim, doors, and windows.

Other Wall Treatments:

• Wallpaper: Available in various styles, patterns, and textures, wallpaper can add visual interest to a room. It's more difficult to install and remove than paint but offers unique design options.
• Textured Finishes: Some walls may feature textured finishes like Venetian plaster, stucco, or shiplap to add dimension to the space.

Tip: Use neutral colors for a modern, open feel, and consider accent walls for a pop of color or texture.

5. Interior Doors and Hardware

Doors and hardware are essential elements that enhance both functionality and design.

Types of Interior Doors:

• Hollow Core: Lightweight and affordable, but less durable and soundproof.
• Solid Core: Heavier and more durable, solid core doors offer better sound insulation and longevity.
• French Doors: Often used for connecting rooms or leading to outdoor spaces, French doors feature glass panels that allow light to pass through.
• Sliding/Barn Doors: These save space and add a modern or rustic aesthetic, often used in smaller ADUs to maximize space.

Door Hardware:

• Handles/Knobs: Choose from a range of finishes, such as brushed nickel, chrome, or oil-rubbed bronze, to complement the overall design.
• Hinges and Locks: Make sure the hardware matches the design and function of the doors, particularly for privacy or security needs in bedrooms and bathrooms.

6. Lighting and Electrical Fixtures

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance of a room and providing functional illumination.

Types of Lighting:

• Ambient Lighting: General overhead lighting such as recessed lights, ceiling fixtures, or track lighting.
• Task Lighting: Directed lighting for specific tasks, such as under-cabinet lights in the kitchen or desk lamps in workspaces.
• Accent Lighting: Used to highlight specific areas, like wall sconces or pendant lights over a kitchen island.

Installation:

• Lighting fixtures are installed after the drywall is finished and painted. Electricians handle the wiring, while fixtures and bulbs are added as the final touch.

Tip: Incorporate dimmer switches to control the intensity of lighting and create flexible lighting options.

Conclusion

Interior finishing transforms the bare structure of an ADU into a livable, beautiful space through strategic use of materials and design elements. Flooring, trim, cabinetry, painting, doors, and lighting all play critical roles in defining the style and functionality of each room. Proper installation and finishing ensure a durable, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing interior.

A finish schedule outlines all the interior and exterior finishes to be applied during the construction or renovation of a project, like an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). It serves as a detailed roadmap for contractors, ensuring consistency in materials and specifications throughout the project. Here's a breakdown of the key components typically found in a finish schedule:

The interior finish timeline for an ADU (or any construction project) is typically broken down into phases, each building on the previous work. While the exact timeline can vary depending on the project's size, complexity, and contractor efficiency, a general interior finish timeline looks something like this:

1. Flooring Installation (1-2 weeks)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks depending on the type of flooring and the square footage of the space.
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Subfloor preparation (if necessary).
  • Installation of the selected flooring (hardwood, tile, vinyl, or carpet).
  • For tile, grouting and sealing are required, which may add additional time for curing.
• Dependencies: The subfloor must be leveled, clean, and prepared before installing flooring. Any electrical or plumbing work that could affect the floor (like radiant heat) should be completed beforehand.

2. Trim and Molding (1-2 weeks)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks, depending on the number of rooms and the complexity of the trim design.
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Installation of baseboards, crown molding, door/window casings, and other decorative trim.
  • Filling nail holes and gaps with caulk.
  • Light sanding to ensure smooth transitions.
• Dependencies: Flooring should be in place before trim installation, as baseboards need to meet the flooring correctly.

3. Cabinetry and Countertops (1-2 weeks)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks for the installation of kitchen and bathroom cabinets, with countertops typically following soon after.
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Installation of lower and upper cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Measuring, fabricating, and installing countertops (granite, quartz, laminate, etc.).
• Dependencies: Flooring should be installed, and walls should be painted or primed before cabinetry is installed.

4. Painting and Wall Treatments (1-2 weeks)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks depending on the size of the space, drying time between coats, and whether any special wall treatments (e.g., wallpaper, textured walls) are applied.
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Surface preparation (filling nail holes, light sanding, cleaning).
  • Applying primer.
  • Applying 2-3 coats of paint to walls and ceilings.
• Dependencies: All wall and ceiling surfaces must be sanded and cleaned prior to painting. Trim work might need to be finished before the final coat of paint.

5. Interior Doors and Hardware (1 week)

• Duration: About 1 week for door installation, depending on the number of rooms and types of doors (hinged, sliding, etc.).
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Installation of interior doors, including casing, hinges, and handles.
  • Fine-tuning for door alignment and smooth operation.
  • Installation of other hardware (e.g., towel racks, cabinet hardware).
• Dependencies: Walls and trim should be finished, and flooring installed before doors are hung.

6. Lighting and Electrical Fixtures (1 week)

• Duration: About 1 week, depending on the complexity of the lighting plan (e.g., recessed lights, chandeliers, under-cabinet lights).
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Installing light fixtures, ceiling fans, and switches.
  • Installing electrical outlets and cover plates.
  • Final electrical inspection and testing.
• Dependencies: The electrical rough-in should already be inspected and approved, and ceilings and walls should be finished before fixture installation.

7. Plumbing Fixtures (1 week)

• Duration: About 1 week for final installation of fixtures in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry areas.
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Installing sinks, faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
  • Testing for leaks and water pressure.
• Dependencies: Cabinets and countertops must be installed before plumbing fixtures like sinks and faucets.

8. Final Touches and Punch List (1-2 weeks)

• Duration: 1-2 weeks for final adjustments, corrections, and touch-ups.
• Key Tasks:some text
  • Touch-up painting and caulking.
  • Adjusting door alignment, cabinet doors, and hardware.
  • Final cleaning of all surfaces, fixtures, and floors.
  • Conducting a punch list walk-through to address any outstanding issues.
• Dependencies: All other work must be complete before this phase begins.

Total Interior Finish Timeline

On average, the interior finishing process takes about 6-10 weeks, depending on the project's scope, the complexity of materials chosen, and the efficiency of the contractor.

Note: Any delays in material delivery (e.g., custom cabinets or special-order tiles) or issues identified during final inspections can extend this timeline.