Lets talk about "Trades Day" . What role does it have in setting up your renovation for success?
- Carrie Lucke
- Mar 23
- 5 min read
"Trades day" or "sub contractor walk through day" is a critical step in your renovation process. Read further to better understand what Trades Day is - and is not. Learn why it's a crucial point in your home renovation process, and how to prepare for it. This is a very exciting step. I conversed directly with our cabinetmaker about implementing details I had been dreaming of for months. With the electrician I planned the switch locations, the dimmers I wanted on every switch and the quality of ceiling lights I anticipated. We worked with the IT automation contractor to discuss the Frame TV locations and the placement of the invisible speakers (yeah - i said it - INVISIBLE speakers!!! Who knew? So excited for that!)
What Is "Trades Day" or "Walk-Through" Day and
When does it occur?
Once the homeowner, the architect and designer have completed the renovation plans, the most efficient way produce a project estimate is for the builder to schedule a Trades Day. This is a meeting where the contractor, subcontractors or tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters, AV technicians, painters, cabinet makers etc ) assess the site and the plans so they can submit a bid for the work as a subcontractor for your project. The trades are coming through to evaluate their portion of the project and review the plans. They may have questions or raise concerns. Your builder, architect and designer will be present to answer any questions the contractors will have about the plans and project goals as it pertains to their specialty.
One of the critical reasons homeowners elect to build their own remodeling team with an independent designer and architect is that it allows them to compare bids by procuring more than one general contractor bid. This is extra work for the homowner, for each builder and the architect and designer. Most builders and subcontractors are used to having to price their services in a competitive environment. A smaller project might be easier to secure multiple bids. It was our experience that with a large and potentially complex project, the value of having our builder, LaBonte Construction, engaged as a part of our planning team from day 1 outweighed our desire to obtain multiple bids. Given the complexity and level of investment in a whole home renovation, it was more important to feel comfortable with the team and the relationships than it was to potentially save a few % points on the project. For most people,their home is the largest investment they have. Quality and peace of mind are as important, if not more, than having the lowest price.
After Trades Day, the subcontractors will then submit their costs to complete their potion of the plan to the builder. This allows the builder to create an accurate bid for you.
What It Means for Your Renovation
Helps prevent miscommunication and costly mistakes.
Sets the foundation for an efficient, well-coordinated project.
Gives you peace of mind that the professionals are aligned.
What Trades Day is NOT - common misconceptions:
It is not a casual walkthrough—it’s an opportunity for each subcontractor to see the project for themselves and obtain information to finish a complete estimate.
It is not the time to bring up new design ideas or change the project scope
It is not a time for homeowners to micromanage or dictate every detail.
this is not a time for major design changes or negotiations on cost.
What is needed to be prepared for Trades Day?
For Trades Day you need to have multiple sets of plans for all the trades to take with them and use as they evaluate your project that day. Your Architect will provide the architectural plans. Additionally, your designer should prepare the design schedules and appropriate specfication sheets for the tradespeople to review. This includes the plumbing, appliances, lighting, tile and paint schedules. This information is helpful for the trades people to know what types of finish products they are responsible for installing and ask questions about feasability. They may have questions for the architect and designer and even you as the homeowner about exactly what you want the end result to be.
Gather All Documents:
Have your design plans, permits, and specifications ready.
Ensure you have product details for key fixtures and finishes.
Clean and Clear the Space:
Remove clutter or obstacles that could hinder the walkthrough.
Prepare Questions:
Write down any clarifications needed about the timeline or work process.
Be Available but Respectful:
Attend the walkthrough but allow the professionals to focus on their tasks. They are processing all the information in the plans and will ask if they have questions.
What to Expect During the Walk-Through/Trades Day
Introductions and Overview:
The general contractor or project manager may introduce everyone and outline the agenda.
Trade-Specific Discussions:
Each trade will assess their area of work and discuss logistics (e.g., access, power sources).
They will want access to the designer, architect and general contractor to ask questions that pertain to their role in the plans to ensure they understand what is expected of them for your job.
They will want to clarify your intent in your plans and potentially offer moderations that could get the same result in a different way or improve the functionality of a design decision.
Problem-Solving:
Potential challenges may be raised by the trades.
Timing and Coordination:
Trades will confirm schedules and dependencies (e.g., plumbing before drywall).
What happens after Trades Day
Once the builder collects all the estimates from the sub contractors , they will be able to provide their bid to the homeowner for the cost of completing your renovation to the specifications on the architectural plan and design schedules. An accurate bid should take at least 2-4 weeks for a builder to put together depending on the size of your project. If the bid is thrown together quickly it is likely not accurate and you might expect additional costs or surprises to come up, especially if that bid is significantly lower than the others.
Conclusion
Trades day will ensuring the success of your renovation if you and your team are prepared and treat the day as professional meeting rather than a casual tour. I hope you will share your own trades day experiences or comment on your own renovation inquiries.
I've recently rebranded from For What It’s Worth to Carrie Lucke Designs as I continue to grow my business. I'm excited to take on larger projects, including full remodels, in the coming months. If you know anyone looking for design or remodeling services, I’d love an introduction!
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