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Welcome To:

The Contractor Checklist

Template Master Class

Detail Page — Class 1 of 3: Getting Started with Documentation

(A Five-Part Homeowner Education Series)

The Detail Page — Detailing & Decisions

Purpose of This Lesson


To help homeowners create, organize, and begin filling out their Detail Page — the foundation of their Digital Home Manual.

This document captures every key decision, detail, and note that defines how your home will be built.

· Download and Store the Template

Summary:


You’ll begin by downloading the Detail Page (Word template) and placing it in the top left corner of your Digital Home Manual dashboard for easy access.

Action Items:

✅ Download the Detail Page Template (.docx) from The Contractor Checklist resource library.

✅ Rename it Detail Page – [Project Name] – v1.docx for version tracking.

✅ Move the file into your Digital Home Manual / Detail Page Folder.

✅ Pin a shortcut or tile to the top left corner of your manual home screen for quick access.

✅ Create a sub-folder named /Attachments for photos, drawings, and PDFs linked from the page.

Fill Out Basic Project Information

Summary:


The first section of the Detail Page captures essential project details so no one has to hunt for them later.

Action Items:

✅ Enter the Homeowner Name, Site Address, and Expected Start Date.

✅ Add the GC / Project Manager contact info and emergency phone numbers.

✅ Include permit numbers, lot ID, and utility account references (if known).

✅ Save your updates immediately and sync the file to cloud storage (Google Drive or OneDrive).

Add Design Files and Before Photos

Summary:


Centralize all drawings and site context to reduce confusion and prevent unnecessary site visits.

Action Items:

✅ Attach or link PDFs of Blueprints, Civil Plans, Engineering Sheets, and Interior Layouts.

✅ Insert a labeled Before Photos section (front, rear, utilities, problem areas).

✅ Add captions with dates and descriptions so subs understand pre-existing conditions.

✅ Include a note: “Photos updated on [Date]” for future reference.

Define What’s Important to This Build

Summary:


Before adding technical details, record the main goals of your project. This section sets the tone for decision-making and budget alignment.

Action Items:

✅ Write a 3–4 sentence Project Intent Statement (comfort, energy efficiency, timeline, budget discipline).

✅ List the key categories that will be active during construction (e.g., framing, plumbing, electrical, smart home, finishes).

✅ Mark each as Included / Excluded / Pending to avoid scope confusion.

✅ Add any specific goals like “achieve Built Green certification” or “no VOC materials.”

Research and Add Helpful Links

Summary:


Use your Detail Page as a research hub — link installation instructions, product data, and videos so you and your contractor can reference them instantly.

Action Items:

✅ For each trade section, paste links to manufacturer resources and installation guides.

✅ Add “Notes to Self” under each item with observations or questions for your next meeting.

✅ When a decision is final, delete draft notes and keep only the confirmed spec.

✅ Save and upload the latest version to your Digital Manual after each work session.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Key Takeaway

Your Detail Page is the blueprint behind the blueprints — the master document that aligns design, schedule, and communication.


By downloading, naming, and storing it correctly, you create a foundation that keeps every phase organized and every participant accountable.
Clarity at the start saves money and stress at the finish.

What is in the Master Class?

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