Trade rough-ins are under way – mechanical, plumbing and electrical.
The exterior: Tyvek is installed. This house wrap is high performance Dupont product that is designed “increase water and air resistance and provide better protection against water and moisture intrusion.” After Tyvek, the doors and windows were installed. At this stage the home is fairly water-tight.
On the interior the trade rough-ins have started. The sequence is mechanical (HVAC), then plumbing, followed by electrical.
The ductwork seams are sealed with mastic. Sealing the ductwork ensures against loss of airflow and helps keep contaminates (dust, etc) from entering the duct system. According to test done by building scientist, there is a 20% to30% loss of airflow in unsealed ductwork.
Next phase: County inspections for mechanical, plumbing, electrical and building framing.