Welcome To:
What Every Homeowner Should Know About Contractors
(A Five-Part Homeowner Education Series)
Building Smart, Building Safe, and Staying in Control
Purpose of This Lesson:
To help homeowners understand how to select, verify, and collaborate with their contractor legally and confidently.
Your contractor is not just a builder — they are the team leader responsible for your project’s quality, safety, and success.
By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll learn how to protect your investment, avoid disputes, and create a smooth, transparent working relationship.
Video Explanation
Before You Hire
Learn It:
Choosing a contractor is the most important legal and financial decision of your project. A licensed, insured, and bonded contractor protects you from risk and ensures accountability.
Log It:
☑️ Verify their license, bond, and insurance with your state’s labor department (e.g., WA L&I Verify Tool).
☑️ Review at least three references and inspect recent work if possible.
☑️ Confirm they are registered with L&I and have no outstanding complaints.
☑️ Save verification screenshots in your Digital Home Manual → Contractor Verification Folder.
💡 Tip: If they hesitate to provide license info or insurance proof — that’s your first red flag.*
Building a Legally Solid Contract
Your contract defines the scope, cost, and protection of your build. Every clause matters — it’s your legal backbone when things go wrong.
☑️ Ensure your contract includes: • Detailed scope of work and payment schedule • Start and completion dates • Change order process (in writing only) • Warranty terms for labor and materials
☑️ Upload your signed contract to your Digital Home Manual → Legal Documents Folder.
☑️ Keep an editable Word version for tracking changes.
Pro Tip: The Contractor Checklist includes editable templates for standard contracts and change order forms.*
Financial Protection
Construction payments are your largest exposure point. Paying too much too early can endanger your project and your legal leverage.
☑️ Never pay for work not completed.
☑️ Request lien waivers with each progress payment.
☑️ Save every invoice, receipt, and proof of payment in your Accounting Folder.
☑️ Verify your contractor is paying subcontractors promptly (this protects your property from liens).
Tip: Use a dedicated “Project Bank Account” or escrow service for secure, trackable payments.*
Communication & Accountability
Most construction disputes stem from unclear communication. Establish a professional system early — it’s your defense against confusion or cost overruns.
☑️ Keep all written communication (emails, texts, change orders) in your Project Manager Folder.
☑️ Record all meeting notes and decisions in your Detail Page.
☑️ Hold weekly check-ins with your contractor to review progress, costs, and open items.
Tip: Keep everything in writing — even verbal agreements should be summarized in an email.*
Using The Contractor Checklist Tools
During Consultations The Contractor Checklist streamlines homeowner protection through ready-made templates and systems:
Editable Contract Templates
Lien Release Forms
Communication Logs
Payment Tracking Sheets
☑️ Download the relevant templates and store them in your Digital Home Manual → Legal & Contractor Folder.
☑️ Update them weekly as your build progresses.
☑️ Highlight any unresolved issues or pending approvals in yellow until finalized.
Thank you for completing this Session!
Key Takeaway
Your contractor is your most important partner — but your legal preparation is your greatest protection.
By verifying credentials, signing clear contracts, tracking payments, and documenting every step, you transform your home build into a structured, professional, and stress-free experience.
Smart homeowners don’t just hire a contractor — they manage one with clarity, respect, and confidence.
Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist
What is in the Master Class?
Start Next Session @
www.thecontractorchecklist.com
