AEC definitions
Rough-in is the installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire-protection lines inside walls, floors, and ceilings before those surfaces are closed. The inspection happens then, while connections are visible. Trim-out, or finish, is the later installation of fixtures and devices on the completed surfaces.
Definition
Framing must be far enough along to support the rough-in, and the approved coordination drawings should exist before crews stack in a corridor. Covering work before the rough-in inspection is rejected. The inspector is checking the concealed system against the permit set and the code. A fixture schedule still matters: the rough-in has to land where the finish fixture will be. In-wall dimensions that were marked verify-in-field should have been verified before the pipe was cut.
In depth
Structure, then sleeves and block-outs, then rough-in, then inspection, then insulation and close-up. Skipping the inspection to hang drywall buys a tear-out.
Above-ceiling rough-in has its own inspection culture. Closing the cloud of tile before the punch of those systems hides the leaks.
Plumbing rough-in dimensions come from the fixture cut sheets. An electrical box height comes from the code and the drawings. A change in the toilet model after rough-in moves the flange.
Coordination drawings should be signed before rough-in in congested areas. The first trade to install otherwise owns the space by accident.
The inspector looks at support, protection plates, slope, box fill, and firestopping of what passes a rated assembly. The approved drawings are the reference. A field set two addenda behind fails even if the craft looks neat.
Corrections are reinspected. Covering a failed item does not close it.
A crooked escutcheon or a fixture that does not meet the rough opening is a rough-in error discovered late.
Punch at trim is more expensive than a check at rough.
Examples
Plumbing rough-in is inspected and signed off. Insulation and drywall follow. The fixture trim happens after paint.
A corridor is not closed until the coordination drawing is signed and the above-ceiling inspection is done.
The toilet cut sheet changes the rough-in dimension. The plumber adjusts before the slab is poured.
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