Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices

Cornice Installation

Cornice Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information

January 2017

Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Cornice Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Cornice Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Cornice Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Cornice Installation labor cost? What are the important Cornice Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?

Cornice Installation - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fair price for Cornice Installation?	Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Cornice 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 Cornice Installation work?	Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Cornice Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Cornice Installation project complies with association guidelines.
Is it worth using a professional to perform Cornice Installation work?	The appearance, functionality and useful life of the cornice molding may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below).
Is Cornice Installation something that I can do myself?	The typical Cornice Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Cornice Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning.
How many days are typically required to complete the Cornice Installation work?	This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days.

Cornice Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details

Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Cornice Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Cornice 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 Cornice Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
All cornice from the same manufacturers lot
A detailed cornice layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent cornice molding will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the cornice 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
Install the cornice edge uniformly parallel to framing edge, offset by __0 inch __1/8 inch __1/4 inch __3/8 inch __other_______
Cornice molding will be installed so that the cornice base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
All connections will be made with a single continuous length of molding; there will be no splice along any connection
All corner cornice joints will be cleanly mitered; There will be no visible gap along the joint edge and the cornice profile will be completely aligned along the joint edge
The cornice surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage

Cornice Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders

The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Cornice Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the cornice molding 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 Cornice 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 cornice molding, before any work begins
Select, specify and order cornice molding; 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 cornice molding; 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 cornice molding in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
Acclimate cornice molding to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
Back prime cornice molding surfaces that will not be accessible after installation with a compatible priming paint
Install cornice molding 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 Cornice 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