Rough-In vs Finish Work
Rough-in is the concealed infrastructure installed before walls and ceilings close; finish work is the visible final material and surface work.
Key differences
| Point | Rough-In | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Often concealed after construction. | Visible after completion. |
| Inspection timing | Before drywall, ceilings, or slabs cover the work. | Near completion and turnover. |
| Examples | Piping, conduit, boxes, blocking, ductwork. | Paint, tile, flooring, ceilings, millwork. |
Example in context
Electrical boxes and conduit are rough-in items; cover plates, lighting trims, paint, and flooring are finish-stage items.