Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Metal Lath Installation
Metal Lath Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Metal Lath Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Metal Lath Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Metal Lath Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Metal Lath Installation labor cost? What are the important Metal Lath Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Metal Lath Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Metal Lath Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Metal Lath Installation expect to pay between $0.67 to $1.12 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Metal Lath Installation work? | Your Metal Lath Installation project may require design approval and/or permits from your local building authority. Verify requirements with your local building department before any Metal Lath Installation work starts, particularly for ay structural or systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) projects. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Metal Lath Installation work? | The appearance, performance and serviceable life of the metal lath will depend significantly on the skill and experience of the professional you hire. Make sure you verify the quality of past Metal Lath Installation work before hiring. Tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Metal Lath Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Metal Lath Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Metal Lath Installation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Metal Lath Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Metal Lath Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Metal Lath Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Metal Lath 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 Metal Lath Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed metal lath layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Installed metal lath surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
- The metal lath will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- The metal lath will be securely anchored to structural framing
Metal Lath Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Metal Lath Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the metal lath 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.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review material choices for Metal Lath Installation with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Remove existing metal lath (optional)
- Install metal lath using nails, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Inspect Metal Lath 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
