Welcome To:
To train Project Managers how to set up a project for success before the first shovel hits the ground — aligning the team, the systems, and the documentation to eliminate confusion and costly rework later.
By the end of this session, every PM should know:
Where to begin inside their manual
What pre-planning checklists to use
How to prepare subs, schedules, and suppliers for a smooth kickoff
Most project chaos happens because the setup phase was rushed.This class teaches you to slow down up front — so you can move fast later.
“A project’s success is decided before construction begins.”
Inside your Digital Manual, open the Project Setup & Pre-Planning tab.
It contains:
Project summary + contact sheet
Pre-construction checklist
Subcontractor onboarding form
Material tracking startup sheet
Permitting + inspection log
Communication + documentation standards
Each one is a foundation block — your daily workflow will build on it.
Ask Yourself:
Who are the key players on this project (owner, architect, lead trades)?
What are the top three risks before we start?
What must be decided before the first invoice can be sent?
Write these answers under “Pre-Planning Notes.”You’ll revisit them during the close-out phase to measure growth.
Your first task as PM:
Collect and confirm all job details before construction begins.
That includes:
Address, parcel, and jurisdiction
Permit numbers + inspection contacts
Project budget + funding source
Key subcontractors and suppliers
Schedule milestones + delivery dependencies
Once entered in the manual, this becomes your control center.
Open your Project Information Sheet →Add your current job, jurisdiction, and contact list.Confirm each phone number, email, and inspection portal login.
Before day one, communicate expectations clearly.
In your manual, under “Subcontractor Setup,” review:
Insurance, licensing, W-9 verification
Schedule of values and payment terms
Scope boundaries — who does what
Safety standards and daily sign-in procedures
What’s one problem you’ve seen caused by unclear subcontractor roles?How could documenting scope have prevented it?
Let each participant share an example — then link it back to the manual.
The fastest way to delay a project is late material delivery.
In the Material Startup Sheet, record:
Every long-lead item (windows, trusses, cabinets, HVAC units)
Expected delivery times
Deposit or pre-order dates
Vendor rep name and contact
Use this sheet to forecast — not just to track.A great PM prevents shortages before they happen.
Review your sample project.List three materials that, if delayed, could stop work.Add estimated lead times.Discuss strategies to get ahead of them (early PO, alternate vendors, etc.).
Your manual isn’t just for you — it’s how your team communicates.
Set up your standard folder links:
Photos / inspections
Meeting notes
RFIs / clarifications
Daily logs
Then define where updates go — GHL, shared drive, or company email templates.This removes confusion and builds professional consistency.
Before mobilizing, hold a Pre-Construction Coordination Meeting using your manual as the agenda.
Topics:
Project overview + site logistics
Permits + inspection scheduling
Subcontractor readiness
Material procurement update
Safety + documentation expectations
Record decisions directly in your manual.This becomes your “Project Kickoff Record” for compliance and accountability.
Complete your Project Setup Section in the manual.
Upload or link your permit docs and inspection schedule.
Verify contact info for every subcontractor.
Identify and log your top three material lead times.
Schedule your Pre-Construction Review meeting.
Answer in your Notes Section:
“What does proactive project setup mean to me — and how does it change the way I’ll manage jobs from now on?”
You’ll revisit this at the midpoint of your first project.
Thank you for completing this Session!
Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist
Every successful project starts long before boots hit the ground.Your manual is the system that ensures nothing gets missed, no one gets surprised, and every trade starts aligned.
The best PMs aren’t just builders — they’re orchestrators.And this is your orchestra’s sheet music.
Video Explanation
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www.thecontractorchecklist.com
