Objective:

Help homeowners understand who subcontractors are, how they fit into the project hierarchy, and why documenting their information early prevents confusion and liability later.

Learn It:

Subcontractors are the licensed experts — electricians, plumbers, framers, painters, and more — hired by your general contractor or project manager to perform specialized work.

Their performance affects your schedule, budget, and final quality.
Even though they usually contract with your GC (not directly with you), your records should still include their info for clarity and future maintenance.

Log It:

✅ In your Digital Home Manual, create a section labeled

Subcontractor Directory.

✅ Add one line per sub: trade, company name, phone, email, and license number.

✅ Note which subcontractors work under which contractor.

✅ Add links to any warranty or certificate files once work begins.

Tip: Treat this like your “home’s contact list.” When something breaks five years later, you’ll know exactly who to call.

Objective:

Organize the legal and scope documents for each subcontractor to ensure everyone’s responsibility is clear and trackable.

Learn It:

Every subcontractor agreement should outline what’s included, what’s excluded, and what’s guaranteed.

Homeowners who understand and store this info avoid confusion later when something isn’t done or needs warranty repair.

Log It:

✅ In your Subcontractor Directory, add links to each sub’s contract (PDF or Drive link).

✅ Upload any proof of insurance, bond, or license documents.

✅ Confirm that lien waivers are signed after payment — attach those too.

✅ Create a short “Scope Summary” note under each:

• Work Description

• Start / Finish Date

• Warranty Period
  

Pro Tip: If your GC manages these contracts, request digital copies. You don’t need to interfere — you just need to stay informed.

Objective:

Teach homeowners how to communicate clearly with subcontractors through their project manager and log every key discussion.

Learn It:

Homeowners shouldn’t manage subs directly unless agreed upon — but knowing how updates flow prevents project slowdowns.

Clear communication avoids duplication, mistakes, and safety concerns.

Log It:

✅ Keep records of photo updates or meeting summaries in one shared folder.

✅ Add notes like: “Plumber completed rough-in 03/20/25 — photos uploaded.”

✅ Add a “Communication Log” column to your Subcontractor Sheet:

• Date of communication

• Who communicated (PM or homeowner)

• Notes or action items

  
  

Tip: Don’t delete old updates. Version history proves accountability and progress.

Objective:

Help homeowners stay aware of financial transparency without managing payments directly.

Learn It:

Subcontractors bill through your general contractor, but your Digital Home Manual can help you track payment progress and ensure all lien waivers are received before final payments.

Log It:

✅ Upload copies of invoices or payment confirmations (if shared).

✅ Add a “Legal Docs” subfolder for lien waivers, inspection reports, and W-9s.

✅ Highlight completed trades in green — you’ll see your progress visually.

✅ Create a Payment & Status column:

• Bid Received

• Work in Progress

• Awaiting Lien Waiver

• Paid / Complete
  

Pro Tip: Never pay a subcontractor directly unless it’s pre-approved by your GC and documented in writing.

Objective:

Turn your subcontractor list into a long-term homeowner resource for maintenance, remodels, or resale documentation.

Learn It:

At project completion, your subcontractor section becomes your home’s “technical directory.”

It preserves contact info, warranties, materials used, and maintenance tips — a gift to your future self (or the next owner).

Log It:

✅ Create a summary sheet called Subcontractor Final Archive.

✅ Add a link to your Digital Home Manual → Trade Reference Section.

✅ Share this archive with your homeowner binder, app, or home manual QR code.

✅ Confirm every trade has:

• Final lien waiver

• Warranty documents

• Maintenance instructions
  

Key Tip: Back up your archive in two locations — Google Drive and one external source (USB or cloud backup). Your future remodels will thank you.

Key Takeaway

Subcontractors bring your home to life — but without organization, it’s easy to lose track of who did what.

By logging every contact, contract, and completion step, you transform a chaotic list of trades into a professional digital record.

Your home becomes not just beautifully built — but intelligently documented.

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