How to use this resource
- Read it on screen, or print it (Cmd/Ctrl + P) or save it as a PDF straight from your browser — nothing is gated and no sign-up is needed.
- Use it before speaking with professionals, to organise your thinking and arrive with clear, specific notes.
- Copy it by hand into a notebook if you prefer — the structure matters more than the format.
- Treat it as a planning aid, not a contract or a substitute for licensed professional advice.
Scope
- Written scope agreed
- Inclusions and exclusions clear
- Assumptions documented
Permits and local requirements
Requirements vary by jurisdiction — confirm with the local authority.
- Who is responsible for permits
- Inspections that may apply identified
- Building / management approvals (if applicable)
Access
Schedule
Sequence and milestones — without treating dates as guarantees.
Site protection
- Dust and debris containment
- Protection of floors, fixtures and shared areas
- Secure storage for materials
Materials
Safety
Plumbing, electrical, gas, structural, roofing and fire-safety work goes to qualified, licensed professionals.
Communication
- Single point of contact
- How and when updates happen
- How decisions get made
Changes
How changes are proposed, priced, approved and recorded.
Documentation
Handover
What 'finished' includes — snags, cleanup and any sign-off.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this resource
When should I use this checklist?
Before work starts — ideally at the point you're finalising a contractor and scope. Settling these questions up front prevents most mid-project friction.
Do I need permits?
It depends on the work and your location. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so confirm with your local building authority or a qualified professional rather than assuming.
Who handles safety-critical work?
Plumbing, electrical, gas, structural, roofing and fire-safety work must be carried out by qualified, licensed professionals. This checklist helps you plan, not perform such work.
Keep planning