Got a new guy working with us from the midwest. When scheduling residential mechanical contractors, we’ve always gone Plumbing first, HVAC second and electricians last. New guy claims his old boss did HVAC, Plumbing then electrical.
What’s the normal (?) sequence out there?
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Replies
We usually do HVAC first, followed by plumbing, then electrical. It's far easier to offset a 2" plumbing vent than a 20"x24" trunk duct. However, we usually try to get the plumber to stop by prior to the HVAC rough in order to claim stud bays, etc., that he wants to use- saves on griping later.
Sparky can fish his wire around just about anything, so he gets to go last....lol.
Bob
Yeah, HVAC then plumbing, then electrical for the reasons Bob stated. But the best generals will have walked through with all of them beforehand to note any conflicts early.
I have noticed that crews or individuals who do more of the trades both anticipate and avoid conflicts much more often. Someone swinging a hammer, who once laid DWV pipe, will understand that the plumber needs a path from the toilet to the main line without critical beams or joists in the way.
Conversely, the plumber who has some clue about framing might consider alternatives before taking a Hole Hawg with 4.5" hole saw to a glue-lam. (But that's pretty rare!)
on this question i think a lot depends on what type of construction as to what to do first. i do my own heating, plumbing and electrical, as well as all carpentry so i do it in the order where the least amount of stuff is in my way. when i am framing a house i frame in supports for plumbing and electrical, and box out for heating boots that registers fit into. i put boots in already insulated before subfloor with a flex duct attached but just hanging loose so i can move it around. i try to run everything under floor joists when i can and ducts are in the way, but i leave space for ducts. then i do rough plumbing, water, gas, and drain in that order as water and gas are strapped to bottom of joists, and drains must have fall so they are not as close to joists. then i do electrical, and lastly finish with installing plenum and completing duct runs.