Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Baseboard Installation
Baseboard Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Baseboard Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Baseboard Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Baseboard Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Baseboard Installation labor cost? What are the important Baseboard Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Baseboard Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Baseboard Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Baseboard Installation expect to pay between $1.60 to $3.99 per linear foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Baseboard Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Baseboard Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Baseboard Installation project complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Baseboard Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the baseboard may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Baseboard Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Baseboard Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Baseboard Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Baseboard Installation work? | This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days. |
Baseboard Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Baseboard Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Baseboard Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Baseboard Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- All baseboard from the same manufacturers lot
- A detailed baseboard layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent baseboard will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the baseboard meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- All baseboard seam / joint location(s) must be approved before work begins; typically, seams should not be located in areas of high traffic exposure, visual prominence or bright lighting
- Baseboard will be installed so that the baseboard base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- All connections will be made with a single continuous length of millwork; there will be no splice along any connection
- All corner baseboard joints will be cleanly mitered; There will be no visible gap along the joint edge and the baseboard profile will be completely aligned along the joint edge
- The baseboard surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Baseboard Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Baseboard Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the baseboard work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Verify that planned Baseboard Installation will comply with home owner association requirements
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of baseboard, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order baseboard; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of baseboard; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store baseboard in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Acclimate baseboard to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
- Back prime baseboard surfaces that will not be accessible after installation with a compatible priming paint
- Install baseboard using finish nails, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Remove debris, dirt and dust from all work areas; unless otherwise agreed, all demolition debris and construction waste will be removed from the site within 24 hours
- Inspect Baseboard Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
