Eight suggestions to confirm before anyone swings a hammer—so jobs run smoother, faster, and with fewer surprises.
8 Suggestions Before Demo Day
Scope of Work (what’s in, what’s out)
One page that lists rooms/areas, tasks per area, and what is excluded. Add brand/model or an allowance (e.g., “tile allowance $8/sq ft”) if you haven’t chosen yet.
Pro tip: Put the scope in bullets, not paragraphs. Bullets get read.
Decisions List (who chooses, by when)
Make a checklist of homeowner choices with deadlines: tile, fixtures, paint, appliances. Missed deadline = may shift schedule/price (say this upfront).
- Tile selection — due {date} — showroom visit booked?
- Paint colors — due {date} — swatches on site?
Allowances & Upgrades (no surprise totals)
Document each allowance (amount + what it covers). Upgrades get approved via written change request (text/email OK) with cost difference and labor if needed.
Timeline & Access (realistic, with buffer)
Start date, working hours, access (lockbox/garage), and cleanup expectations. Note constraints (holidays, HOA rules, deliveries). Build buffer into the final week.
Single Point of Contact + Cadence
Name one decision-maker per side. Agree on a cadence: quick daily text at 4pm, weekly 15-min call, shared photo album for progress.
Change Requests (the three-line rule)
Every change request includes: (a) description, (b) cost, (c) time impact. Work starts after the homeowner replies “approved.” No verbal changes.
Payment Timing & Final Holdback
Tie payments to milestones (not dates). Keep a small final holdback (5–10%) until touch-ups are complete. Put the payment method in writing (check, ACH, card fees).
Final Touch-ups & Warranty Info (exit plan day one)
Set the punch list day a few days before substantial completion. Put the warranty info in writing (what’s covered, how long, response time).
Kickoff checklist email
Subject: Project Kickoff — Details to Confirm
Hi {Contractor Name},
Excited to start on {Project/Address}. To keep everything smooth, here are the items I’d like to confirm before work begins:
- Scope: 1-page outline with any exclusions.
- Decisions & dates: checklist of selections and target dates.
- Allowances: items + amounts (brand/model if known).
- Timeline & access: start, hours, lockbox/garage, cleanup plan.
- Points of contact: Homeowner {Name/Cell}; Contractor {PM Name/Cell}. Daily text at {time} works for me.
- Change requests: short written note with description, cost, and time impact before proceeding.
- Payments: milestone-based with a small final holdback for touch-ups.
- Final touch-ups & warranty: punch list date and basic warranty summary.
If this looks right, please reply “Confirmed” with any edits. Thanks!
Red flags to watch for
- Vague scope or “we’ll figure it out later.”
- No proof of insurance/license where required.
- Demands large deposit before materials are on-site.
- Won’t agree to written change requests.
- No single point of contact.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by project and location.
