Facade installation on a structure begins when the first elements of its outer surface are attached where they belong according to the design. This normally occurs no sooner than the framework begins assembly, but in some cases an applied masonry facade may begin rising before the load-bearing framework behind it. This event can also occur after a structure's framework has been completed.

Facade materials must be attached to the structure in their intended places. Their delivery or storage on the site does not begin facade installation.

Rising above the base concerns the structure's first elements above its baseline. Facade work has its own start and can overlap frame assembly instead of waiting for the entire framework to be finished.