What I mean is.....it is a wood finish, no primer or anything on them. Do I need to "prime" the the wood frame with something before I put on my trim color?

Yes. Use a high quality acrylic primer. The primer will raise the grain of the new wood. Lightly sand it with a #400 sandpaper, wipe it clean and paint.

Also, the baseboards, crown, and casings are all white. I can go ahead and paint with the trim color right?

You can paint over the white base. However, the surface should be dulled prior to painting. Dull it with #220 sandpaper, clean and paint.

The thing is.....what about caulk?

The caulk must be painted. Therefore, it's best to install the trim, prime where needed, caulk, allow 24 hours to dry and paint.

Michael

Michael,
Thank you so much for your help. I guess I am just going to look at this project room-by-room. When I think about the entire house it is just so overwhelming. All of the casings and interiors doors are now up and I have the first coat on all the walls. I am going to try to prime all the casings and trim on the doors this weekend. Wish me luck!!!! Thanks again

It is overwhelming - especially if you are doing it alone.

Most of the time, painting a new home is something a crew of painters would do in a week or two depending on the size of your home. If you have plenty of time, just take it a room at a time. Buy High Quality paints. You'll be happy with the results. If you are trying to beat a delivery or install of some other item, then time may be a factor and you may want to hire someone reputable. Make sure you are happy with it and both of you agree on what you are expecting when the job is complete.

Specify what paint you want and how many coats you are expecting - new homes = a prime coat and two finish coats minimum. If your walls are level 4-5, eggshell is great. If they are level 3-4 better go with a Flat finish.

I've painted two of my own homes and don't want to do it again. I just don't have the time it takes to do it right.