Related Articles
Some homeowners may choose to have a contractor do the "big jobs" in a renovation and then, to save money, handle the finishing work — such as installing trim — by themselves.
That's a big mistake — one that could cost you a lot more than you think you're saving.
Trim work may seem easy to do-it-yourself guys and some so-called "contractors." They think that all they have to do is buy a mitre box, and they'll be able to correctly install quarter-round, crown moulding or baseboard.
There's more to the job than meets the eye, however. And believe me, if it's not perfect, you'll notice every flaw. Conversely, you can always tell quality, professional work.
What does trim do?
The purpose of trim is to cover up the rough edges of the construction, and give a finished look to windows, doors and floors.
Think about it: Where the drywall meets the floor, there's a gap. You need something to cover that up — baseboard.
The gap between a door frame and the drywall, and the spray foam insulation showing around your windows are covered by casings.
Trim is the last thing that's done and the first thing you notice when you walk into a room. It finishes off a design.
But trim isn't just decorative, it's practical. Baseboard or a chair rail protect drywall from damage.
On the exterior, trim covers gaps where two or more materials meet. For instance, crown moulding is often used to cover the juncture of a stucco wall and the soffit under the roof.
Likewise with the space between the jam and sheathing of an exterior window or door. Without it, these areas would be open to water infiltration, which can lead to huge problems.
An eye for design
There are carpenters who specialize in trim work — both exterior and interior. That includes crown moulding, baseboards, chair rails, window and door casings and wainscotting.
Trim can change the look of your home by adding detail and character. For instance, you can improve the look of your home by replacing thin window casings with moulding that has a richer profile.
A good trim carpenter has an eye for proportion and detail. He also has a sense of what's appropriate for your home's design and era. Is it contemporary or historical? Does it need simple lines or deep baseboards and built-up window and door casings to blend with the architecture?
Trim carpentry is precise, detailed work, and you need to make sure your contractor is an expert or you won't get professional-looking results.
Get a professional
Don't take the risk of hiring an amateur: Can your guy cope an inside corner? If a coped joint — say on an inside corner of some crown moulding — isn't perfect, it will be very noticeable. What if your wall isn't quite true — does he know how to disguise it with trim? What if the walls aren't plumb or the floor or room is out-of-square?
And what if there's not enough blocking behind a wall so that the trim can be solidly nailed?
Finishing work is not the same as framing — even though they both involve saws and wood. It's a skill that takes years of training to acquire. Don't kid yourself that you can do it, and make sure your contractor has someone on his team who can do it properly. The money you've spent on a renovation will be wasted if the trim is badly done.
Check references, and look at some of a carpenter's completed work.
Mike Holmes is the host of Holmes on Homes on HGTV. E-mail Mike at mikeholmes@holmesonhomes.com or go to www.holmesonhomes.com
10
