It is probably best to leave the sear geometry last, after ensuring that all other causes (such as wood shrinkage etc) can be ruled out. Sear work is one of those "once done cannot be undone" things and I have seen some high end double ruined by a rush to change the sears. All by skilled smiths who were too busy or too lazy to proceed cautiously. Like they say, fools rush where angels fear to tread etc.