Class 1 of 5 — Exterior Envelope Planning & Cost Alignment

Purpose:
Understand where every weather-sensitive transition occurs and confirm proper waterproof detailing before siding starts.

Key Responsibilities

• Study plan details for:

  • Deck ledger flashing

  • Roof-to-wall transitions

  • Window & door trims

  • Corners & material change locations

• Confirm scaffolding needs early

• Validate that shear inspection is passed ✅

Action Items

• ✅ Create a Transition Detail Log → upload redlines where clarifications are needed

• ✅ Add soffit venting strategy to Detail Page (continuous vent vs. panels)

• ✅ Add pricing with 10% contingency into budget sheet

• ✅ Enter all vendors & subcontractors into Bid Sheet

• ✅ Verify WRB (Weather Resistive Barrier) is installed and waterproof before siding

Class 2 of 5 — Siding Material Procurement & Logistics

Purpose:

Order properly, avoid expensive site runs, and pre-plan installer workflow.

Key Responsibilities

• Confirm delivery and storage plan for long material bundles

• Empower installers to order missing items quickly if needed

• Stage materials to prevent warping and moisture damage

Action Items

• ✅ Ask installer how they want siding packaged by sequence (elevation by elevation)

• ✅ Place orders only after installer review & sign-off

• ✅ Document all receipts + pricing changes and upload

• ✅ Confirm crane/boom truck access if needed

• ✅ Prepare for weather: tarps, straps, off-ground racks

• ✅ Establish a photo log of all arrival condition & damage

Class 3 of 5 — One-Week-Out Coordination

Purpose:

Lock in personnel, inspections, and site readiness to maintain schedule integrity.

Key Responsibilities

• Confirm framer corrections are done before siding covers mistakes

• Align window delivery with siding sequence

• Ensure a dedicated waste plan — siding scrap piles grow fast

Action Items

• ✅ Validate that all flashing details are approved by installer

• ✅ Confirm WRB inspection schedule (if required by city)

• ✅ Label staging zones for siding & soffit storage

• ✅ Provide installers dumpster or scrap location

• ✅ Notify neighbors of potential scaffold setup or fencing

• ✅ Verify exterior penetrations located (vents, hose bibs, cameras)

PM Reminder:

Siding hides the entire framing story.
Nail patterns and flashing details must be right now — not later.

Class 4 of 5 — Siding Execution & Quality Control

Purpose:
Ensure waterproofing protection meets design and warranty standards.

Field Responsibilities

• ✅ Walk product inspection with installer day 1

• ✅ Confirm starter strips, corner trims, and rainscreen gaps

• ✅ Monitor caulking & flashing workmanship (never allow shortcuts)

• ✅ Verify nail patterns: no overdriving / no face-nailing where not allowed

• ✅ Check soffit venting remains open (no blocking with insulation or trim)

• ✅ Take photos of every window flashing before siding covers it

Communication Prompt:

“We protect the envelope first, look second. Quality matters more than speed.”

Class 5 of 5 — Siding Completion & Payment Verification

Purpose:
Confirm final exterior protection integrity, finishing details, and homeowner satisfaction prior to releasing payment.

Close-Out Responsibilities

• ✅ Blue Tape Walk-Through — mark:

  • Dents / gaps / rough cuts

  • Bad caulking lines

  • Flashing exposure

• ✅ Confirm:

  • ✔ Proper drainage plane (weep holes clear)

  • ✔ No moisture traps around trim

  • ✔ Deck ledger fully flashed

• ✅ Walk installer through punch list — set fix-by dates

• ✅ Final inspection passed

• ✅ Update budget & attach change orders

• ✅ Office approval before issuing payment

Final Protection Note:

Water intrusion lawsuits start at the siding stage.
Verification saves thousands later.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com