Finish Schedules + Why Interior Designers Need To Be Using Them
In the world of architectural design and construction, a finish schedule is an essential component of any set of drawings. It is a document that outlines the specific finishes and materials that will be used throughout a project, from the type of flooring to the color of paint on the walls. The importance of a finish schedule cannot be overstated as it ensures that the final product meets the design intent and meets the client’s expectations.
Why you should take a page from architectural construction drawings.
The schedule is an important tool for architects, builders, and contractors, as it helps to ensure that the finished product meets the design intent and matches the materials and finishes you have carefully
selected for your client.
Why these are important to you - The Designer.
1. Utilizing a finish schedule allows you to effectively communicate to the trades you have partnered with. They provide a clear and concise way to communicate the finishes that will be used in a project. They help to ensure consistency throughout the project and reduce headaches since they provide a clear reference for the desired finishes in each space. They also help track any changed made throughout the project.
But I don't have an actual set of plans, so now what?
Take the concept and make it work for you. You don't need a full set of plans to implement the tool that allows you to effectively communicate to the field. There are several types of finishes that can be included in a finish schedule. Take the ones you need and make that document work for you. Each of these finishes can be further divided into subcategories, such as different types of tile or paint colors. Think of it as a visual walkthrough of your design.
Cherry pick what you need.
Each finish schedule has its own specific purpose and use. Some of the most common types include:
Room Finish Schedule: This type of schedule lists all the finishes for each room or space in a building, including flooring, walls, ceilings, and any built-in elements such as cabinetry or millwork.
Floor Finish Schedule: This type of schedule lists all the finishes for a specific floor of a home, including flooring, walls, and ceilings.
Exterior Finish Schedule: This type of schedule lists all the finishes for the exterior of a building, including siding, roofing, and any other exterior features such as decks or patios.
Lighting and Electrical Schedule: This type of schedule lists all the lighting fixtures and electrical outlets for a home, including their location.
Plumbing Fixture Schedule: This type of schedule lists all the plumbing fixtures for the home, including their location and type.
Hardware Schedule: This type of schedule lists all the hardware for the home, including door knobs, cabinet pulls, and any other hardware planned.
Format like a champ.
Be clear and organized with your approach. The most common format is a matrix, with the spaces listed on the Y-axis and the finishes listed on the X-axis. Make is super easy for the field team to understand and leave no chance of misinterpretation. It is should be organized in a logical format such as by floor, space type, or category – including the manufacturer, model number, and color of the finishes used in the schedule.
A typically format includes the following components:
Room or area name: This is the name of the space that the finish schedule is referring to, such as a living room or bedroom.
Floor finish: This lists the type of flooring that will be used in the space, such as hardwood, tile, or carpet.
Wall finish: This lists the type of wall finish that will be used, such as paint, wallpaper, or tile.
Trim and base finish: This lists the type of trim and baseboard finish that will be used, such as paint, stain, or a specific wood species.
Lighting fixtures: This lists the types and locations of lighting fixtures that will be used in the space.
Plumbing fixtures: This lists the types and locations of plumbing fixtures that will be used in the space, such as sinks, toilets, and showerheads.
Hardware: This lists the types and locations of hardware that will be used in the space, such as door knobs, cabinet pulls, and switch plates.
Notes: This section is for any additional notes or information that needs to be included in the finish schedule, such as a specific finish or material that is to match a sample provided by the designer.
Make it work for you.
Finish schedules should exist in some capacity on any of your remodeling projects. It only helps you. Avoid the dreaded cycle of meetings and calls where you are asked the same thing countless times. Put the work upfront, and then let this document work for you. You'll be fielding less questions from your project team, trust me. Obviously, the goal is to make it easy to find and easier to understand. It’ll take some time to find which information you need to accurately represent and it is possible that you might have to modify this format between projects – but the modifications will be minimal once you've nailed down your template.
