Class 1 of 6 — Site Design Review & Drainage Validation

Purpose:
Ensure the entire site performs — managing water, access, and long-term maintenance.

Key Responsibilities

• Review plans → confirm:

  • Drainage slopes away from the home

  • Retaining walls engineered if required

  • Tree and site protection areas documented

  • Irrigation zones and valve locations defined

• Confirm plant selections appropriate for:

  • Soil type

  • Sun exposure

  • Water use

Action Items

• ✅ Upload site plan with elevation markers to Detail Page

• ✅ Confirm erosion control requirements with city/county

• ✅ Verify budget covers: irrigation, topsoil, rock, mulch, sod, plants

• ✅ Double-check spec sheet with homeowner → signed approval

PM Reminder:

Landscaping is beautiful… but drainage is critical.

Class 2 of 6 — Material Take-Off & Procurement Coordination

Purpose:
Prevent product mix-ups, late deliveries, and damaged plant material.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan delivery order:

  • Hardscape → irrigation → soil → plants → mulch

• Confirm heavy delivery access

• Identify any long lead items (boulders, custom metal edging)

Action Items

• ✅ Subcontractor verifies full material list

• ✅ Track receipts & supplier contacts in Budget Sheet

• ✅ Confirm irrigation materials + control system included

• ✅ Schedule weather-sensitive deliveries (plants thrive in shade & water)

• ✅ Document all products with photos and lot information

Class 3 of 6 — One-Week-Out Jobsite Readiness

Purpose:
Prepare site for construction, planting, and equipment traffic.

Key Responsibilities

• Mark:

  • Utility locations

  • Irrigation valve box locations

  • Protected trees and root zones

• Verify final grade ready before sod or hardscape placement

Action Items

• ✅ Confirm erosion control is still functioning

• ✅ Protect siding and walkways from equipment damage

• ✅ Plan mud control routes + gravel staging

• ✅ Confirm garbage & debris plan → landscape creates lots of scrap

• ✅ Notify neighbors if equipment will block streets

Class 4 of 6 — Site Work Execution: Hardscape, Edges & Set Grades

Purpose:
Build with precision → control water and create durability.

Field Responsibilities

• ✅ Confirm slope runs away from foundation minimum 5%

• ✅ Inspect retaining walls + drainage pipe & rock base

• ✅ Confirm concrete patios, pavers, and pathways slopes:

  • Water flows to drains, not door thresholds

• ✅ Ensure edges installed before planting

• ✅ Coordinate irrigation sleeves under pathways early

📸 Document all buried drainage repairs + locations for future reference.

Class 5 of 6 — Planting, Irrigation & Final Green-Up

Purpose:
Establish healthy rooting conditions and functional irrigation system.

Action Items

• ✅ Plant selection matches approved design + elevation

• ✅ Trees staked correctly → not choking trunks

• ✅ Irrigation controller programmed

  • Zone labeling

  • Seasonal schedule preset

• ✅ Mulch installed with 2–3" depth but not covering stems

• ✅ Lawn rolls/sod seams tight → no gaps

PM Tip:

After irrigation is turned on, walk the entire site — no overspray on siding or windows

Class 6 of 6 — Final Walk & Warranty Commitment

Purpose:
Ensure the landscaping is beautiful, healthy, and low-maintenance for the homeowner.

Final Checklist

• ✅ Blue Tape Walk → cleanup & corrections list

• ✅ Confirm:

  • ✔ Sprinklers adjusted properly

  • ✔ French drains draining correctly

  • ✔ No soil touching siding

• ✅ Add watering + plant care guide to Homeowner Manual

• ✅ Confirm installer’s plant warranty terms (usually 6–12 months)

• ✅ Office approval before payment

🎯 Final Objective:
Curb appeal that wows buyers and a site that protects the home for decades.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com