Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices

Wall Paneling Installation

Wall Paneling Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information

January 2017

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

Wall Paneling Installation - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fair price for Wall Paneling Installation?	Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Wall Paneling Installation expect to pay between $1.33 to $2.66 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs.
Is a permit needed for Wall Paneling Installation work?	Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Wall Paneling Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Wall Paneling Installation project complies with association guidelines.
Is it worth using a professional to perform Wall Paneling Installation work?	The appearance, functionality and useful life of the paneling may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below).
Is Wall Paneling Installation something that I can do myself?	The typical Wall Paneling Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Wall Paneling Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning.
How many days are typically required to complete the Wall Paneling Installation work?	This work can be completed in 1 to 2 days.

Wall Paneling Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details

Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Wall Paneling Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Wall Paneling 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 Wall Paneling Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
A detailed paneling layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent paneling will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the paneling 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
Vertical edges of paneling will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
Finished paneling will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
The paneling will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
All paneling 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
All paneling seams will be joined and edge glued per manufacturer approved methods; finished seam will be straight, flat and completely free of adhesive residue
The paneling surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage

Wall Paneling Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders

The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Wall Paneling Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the paneling 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 Wall Paneling 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 paneling, before any work begins
Select, specify and order paneling; 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 paneling; 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 paneling in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
Install paneling using adhesive and paneling (shank) 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
Scribe edges to match contour of mounting surface
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 Wall Paneling Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes