Title: Residential construction trades | Cercha

Description: Find residential construction trades by scope and phase. Ask about site readiness, materials, concealed work and the next crew's handoff.

Canonical: https://cercha.pages.dev/trades/

# Residential construction trades

Crew coordination

Start with the scope you need covered and the conditions the next crew needs.

If you need a trade for a house start or a return visit, define the work before comparing crews. Use the trade pages below to prepare scope, readiness and handoff questions. Give each candidate the same drawings and project conditions.

## Follow the building sequence

Use the [home-building sequence guide](/guides/home-building-sequence/) as a planning reference. Confirm the sequence for your project with the GC and each affected trade.

| Planning stage | Conversations to prepare |
| --- | --- |
| Sitework and foundation | Excavation limits, concrete readiness and underground work. |
| Framing and dry-in | Structural details, openings, roofing and weather protection. |
| Rough-ins and concealed work | Plumbing, electrical, HVAC and low-voltage routes before covering. |
| Insulation and drywall | Air-barrier conditions, cavity access and pre-cover records. |
| Finishes and final visits | Cabinet dimensions, finished floors, fixtures, corrections and closeout. |

These stages organize your questions. They do not replace the approved plans, local inspection process or project schedule.

## Agree what passes to the next crew

Write down what the arriving crew needs, who confirms readiness and who handles a correction. Use the [trade-handoff checklist](/tools/trade-handoff-checklist/) to prepare that conversation. Review [subcontractor vetting](/guides/vet-a-subcontractor/) when checking the crew's project fit.

## Where Cercha fits

Cercha Search filters by trade, ZIP code and radius, while portfolios and endorsements add context to an introduction. Use Messages to discuss fit, then confirm scope and dates in your project records.

- [Cabinet installers for builders](</trades/cabinets/>)

  You need secured, aligned cabinets before countertop templating. Name who approves the layout, accepts the installation, and handles missing pieces.
- [Hiring a concrete and foundation subcontractor](</trades/concrete/>)

  Compare foundation bids around the approved system, inspection readiness, curing plan, and the elevations handed to framing.
- [Countertop fabricators and installers](</trades/countertops/>)

  You need one clear handoff from accepted cabinets to installed tops. Identify the template, fabrication, installation, and support owners before cutting.
- [Hiring a residential deck subcontractor](</trades/decks/>)

  Before comparing decking finishes, resolve the support system, house connection, drainage interface, and inspection plan.
- [Hiring a residential demolition subcontractor](</trades/demolition/>)

  Before anything comes down, define what stays, who controls services, how hazards are resolved, and the condition handed to the next crew.
- [Drywall subcontractors: hang and finish](</trades/drywall/>)

  You need the walls ready for the chosen paint and lighting. Agree the finish sample, inspection release, and patch responsibilities before hanging starts.
- [Electrical subcontractors: scope, proof, and builder work](</trades/electrical/>)

  You need an electrical sub who can carry the rough-in, return for trim, and close corrections. Start with a written scope and named responsibility for each connection.
- [Hiring an excavation subcontractor for sitework](</trades/excavation/>)

  Before the crew opens ground, agree on elevations, access, disposal, and the condition the foundation contractor receives.
- [Flooring subcontractors: substrate, moisture, and order](</trades/flooring/>)

  You need an installer who accepts the substrate and follows the selected floor system. Set those checkpoints before assigning a room-release date.
- [Hiring a residential framing subcontractor](</trades/framing/>)

  Choose a framing crew by its handling of drawings, connections, and trade conflicts, alongside its committed capacity for your start.
- [Hiring a residential gutter installer](</trades/gutters/>)

  Choose a gutter installer by the complete route from roof edge to approved discharge, alongside the profile and finish of the gutter.
- [HVAC subcontractors: design, installation, and closeout](</trades/hvac/>)

  You need an HVAC sub who can explain the design and document the installed system. Compare the proposal, startup records, and service responsibility together.
- [Insulation subcontractors: assemblies and pre-cover proof](</trades/insulation/>)

  You need the specified insulation in place before coverings hide it. Compare assembly-specific bids and assign air sealing, inspection readiness, and repairs after later trade work.
- [Landscaping subcontractors for new homes and remodels](</trades/landscaping/>)

  You need accepted grades, healthy planting, and a named owner for establishment care. Set those handoffs before the site receives turf or plants.
- [Low-voltage subcontractors: pre-wire through handover](</trades/low-voltage/>)

  You need the wiring plan settled before walls close and usable records when the house is handed over. Compare the pre-wire, testing, and setup responsibilities together.
- [Hiring a residential masonry subcontractor](</trades/masonry/>)

  Separate foundation masonry from veneer before pricing. Assign support, flashing, selections, and inspection stages for each visit.
- [Painting subcontractors for new homes and remodels](</trades/painting/>)

  You need the agreed finish and a clear return plan after other trades leave. Price preparation, coating stages, and touch-up as distinct responsibilities.
- [Plumbing subcontractors: from underground to final](</trades/plumbing/>)

  You need the piping, tests, and fixture connections covered without a gap between visits. Define underground work and finish responsibilities before you accept the bid.
- [Hiring a residential roofing subcontractor](</trades/roofing/>)

  Before you book a roofer, assign deck repairs, roof-wall flashing, temporary protection, and the person who answers a leak callback.
- [Hiring a siding and exterior trim subcontractor](</trades/siding/>)

  Assign the drainage plane and opening transitions before the siding crew covers the wall. Compare bids for the same product and complete scope.
- [Solar installers for builders: roof, power, and approvals](</trades/solar/>)

  You need a solar installer who can carry the roof and electrical interfaces through inspection and utility approval. Assign each responsibility before installation starts.
- [Stair and railing installers](</trades/stairs-and-railings/>)

  You need accepted stair geometry and secure rail attachments. Set final floor elevations and review the complete assembly before covering its connections.
- [Tile subcontractors for wet areas and floors](</trades/tile/>)

  You need a named owner for the shower assembly before tile hides it. Agree substrate, waterproofing, testing, and plumbing handoffs in the written scope.
- [Trim carpentry: scope, joints, and finish grade](</trades/trim-carpentry/>)

  You need the right profiles and joints before paint hides the work. Agree paint-grade or stain-grade expectations, room details, and finishing responsibility.
- [Hiring a residential window and door installer](</trades/windows-and-doors/>)

  Before you order or set a unit, agree who checks the opening, integrates the flashing, and returns for leaks or operation problems.

## Build your connections

[Ask about the beta](</beta/>)