Rough Plumbing & Electrical on a Triplex Rehab — What Inspectors Look For | The Clark Project - EP 3
🎥 FULL EPISODE: ROUGH PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL ON A TRIPLEX REHAB
Episode 3 of The Clark Project takes you inside the rough-in phase of this massive triplex-to-5-unit conversion in Southern California. This is where the real infrastructure goes in — the plumbing lines, electrical wiring, gas connections, and structural reinforcements that will power these five rental units for decades to come. Watch as Remo walks you through every room, explains the design decisions being made in real time, and breaks down what city inspectors are looking for before you can move on to the next phase.
🔧 WHAT IS THE ROUGH-IN PHASE AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The rough-in phase is one of the most critical stages in any renovation or new construction project. This is when all the plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and gas lines are installed inside the walls, floors, and ceilings — before drywall goes up. Every single line has to be placed with precision because once the walls are closed up, making changes becomes extremely expensive and time-consuming.
For a multi-unit property like The Clark Project, the complexity multiplies. Each of the five units needs its own plumbing supply and drain lines, dedicated electrical circuits, and proper gas connections. The rough-in phase on this project involved coordinating between plumbing, electrical, and HVAC contractors simultaneously — all while keeping the city inspection schedule on track. Team Remo documents every step so investors and homeowners can see exactly what goes into a project of this scale.
⚡ ELECTRICAL WORK: POWERING A MULTI-UNIT PROPERTY
Wiring a 5-unit property is a completely different challenge than wiring a single-family home. Each unit requires its own electrical panel, dedicated circuits for kitchens and bathrooms, and proper grounding throughout. In Southern California, SoCal Edison handles the utility connections, and coordinating the meter setup for multiple units requires advance planning and permits.
In this episode, you will see the electrical rough-in for each unit taking shape — from the main panel location to individual outlet and switch placements. Remo discusses the importance of planning your electrical layout around your interior design, because moving outlets and switches after drywall is costly. One of the key lessons from The Clark Project is that smart electrical planning during rough-in saves thousands of dollars down the road. Every outlet, every light switch, and every dedicated circuit is placed with the final tenant experience in mind.
🔍 WHAT INSPECTORS LOOK FOR DURING ROUGH-IN
City inspections during the rough-in phase are mandatory before you can close up walls. Inspectors check for proper pipe sizing and slope on drain lines, adequate support and strapping for plumbing and electrical runs, correct wire gauge for each circuit, proper junction box installation, and code-compliant spacing between fixtures. In older Southern California properties built in the 1950s through 1970s, inspectors pay extra attention to how new work ties into existing structures.
Failing a rough-in inspection can set your project back weeks. Team Remo has been through this process on multiple rehab projects across the greater Los Angeles area, and the key takeaway is always the same: do it right the first time, use licensed contractors, and never cut corners on infrastructure. The Clark Project passed its rough inspections because the team prioritized quality over speed at every step.
💰 HOW MUCH DOES ROUGH PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL COST?
For a multi-unit rehab in Southern California, rough plumbing typically ranges from $15,000 to $40,000 or more depending on the number of units, the condition of existing pipes, and whether you are running entirely new lines or tying into existing infrastructure. Electrical rough-in for a 5-unit property can run between $20,000 and $50,000 depending on panel upgrades, the number of circuits per unit, and utility connection fees from SoCal Edison.
One of the biggest budget surprises investors face is discovering outdated or damaged infrastructure behind the walls during demo. Galvanized pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and asbestos insulation are common in older SoCal properties and can add significant cost to your rough-in phase. The Clark Project encountered several of these issues, and Remo breaks down exactly how the team handled each one while keeping the project on budget. Smart investors always budget a 15-20% contingency for the rough-in phase specifically.
🌟 BUILDING WEALTH ONE PHASE AT A TIME
The rough-in phase may not be the most glamorous part of a renovation, but it is arguably the most important. This is the skeleton of your investment property — the infrastructure that determines whether your units will function properly for years to come. Every pipe, every wire, and every connection matters.
The Clark Project is a real-world example of how strategic real estate investment works in Southern California. By converting a distressed triplex into 5 income-producing rental units, Team Remo is demonstrating the step-by-step process of building wealth through real estate. If you are considering a similar project in Whittier, La Mirada, or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, Team Remo is here to guide you through every phase — from acquisition to completion. Call us at 562.762.8581!
🎬 WATCH THE TRAILER: ROUGH PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL
Get a quick 30-second preview of everything covered in Episode 3 of The Clark Project. See the rough plumbing and electrical installation in action as this distressed triplex continues its transformation into 5 income-producing rental units. If you like what you see, watch the full episode above for the complete walkthrough, cost breakdowns, and lessons learned.