From Drywall to Finishes: What to Expect in the Final Phases of Your Build

The moment drywall goes up in your new home, everything starts to feel real. What was once a framework of studs and exposed systems now begins to resemble the home you've envisioned. This stage, from drywall through final finishes, is often the most exciting part of the build. It’s when your selections and style finally come to life.

If you’re wondering what comes next and how to stay ahead of the process, here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect in the final phases of your new build.

Paint, Trim, and Texture: Your Home Begins to Take Shape

Once drywall is installed and inspected, the builder will move into finishing the walls. This typically includes:

• Drywall texturing, if chosen

• Interior painting based on your selected color palette

• Trim installation, including baseboards, crown molding (if applicable), and interior doors

This phase transforms the feel of the home almost overnight and sets the tone for all the finishes that follow.

Cabinetry and Flooring Installation

After paint and trim are complete, cabinetry begins. Builders often follow this order:

1. Hard surface flooring — wood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or tile
2. Cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms
3. Countertop installation after cabinet placement

During this phase, your kitchen, bathrooms, and living spaces start to reflect the choices you made months ago during design.

Lighting, Plumbing Fixtures, and Final Selections

Once the hard surfaces are in, the builder will begin:

• Installing light fixtures
• Hooking up faucets, sinks, and toilets
• Mounting hardware such as towel bars and cabinet pulls
• Adding mirrors, shelving, and final electrical outlet covers

This is also the time when your home gets its interior personality, when lighting tone, textures, and design details all work together to create the feel you’re going for.

Landscaping, Driveways, and Exterior Finishes

While the interior is coming together, exterior work is also wrapping up. Expect to see:

• Driveways poured
• Walkways and front porches completed
• Siding or exterior stonework finalized
• Exterior paint touch-ups
• Landscaping, if included (note that in many Colorado new builds, landscaping is not part of the builder’s scope and must be handled after closing)

Final Touches and Quality Checks

As the home nears completion, the builder will conduct a series of walkthroughs and inspections to ensure:

• All systems are operational
• Cosmetic items are corrected (paint touch-ups, flooring repairs, etc.)
• Safety checks are performed
• Permits are closed

You'll (with me) also participate in a final orientation or buyer walkthrough, where you’ll learn about the systems in your home, verify selections, and create a list of final items to be addressed before closing.

Important Tip: Know Your Change Order Deadline

By the time drywall is complete, change order deadlines are typically closed or about to close. If you're thinking about adding outlets, upgrading finishes, or making layout tweaks, talk to your builder right away.
Changes beyond this stage can delay the build and become more costly.

Should You Do an Inspection on a New Build?
Absolutely. Even in brand-new homes, mistakes can happen. I always recommend having a licensed roofer inspect the roof just before closing. I also suggest a third-party home inspection, and there are a couple of options to consider.

Every new build comes with a one-year builder warranty, so many buyers choose to have their inspection done just before that warranty expires, allowing them to add any findings to their warranty punch list. Others prefer to do two inspections: one just before closing (I'll coordinate access with the builder) and another around the 11-month mark to catch any issues that may have developed after move-in.

Final Thoughts

This final stretch of the building process is where your home truly takes shape — and your vision becomes reality. While it’s exciting, it’s also important to stay engaged. Walk the property regularly, ask questions, and keep an eye on your selections as they’re installed.

Need help navigating this phase? I’m here to guide you every step of the way — from dirt to drywall to closing day.