Class 1 of 6 — Design Alignment & Backing Verification

Purpose:
Ensure the design intent is fully buildable before finish work begins.

Key Responsibilities

• Confirm all creative trim details fit the home’s aesthetic

• Verify backing/blocking already installed during framing
  (built-ins, handrails, floating shelves, barn doors)

Action Items

• ✅ Confirm door swing direction + door stops

• ✅ Walk with homeowner → verify trim style:

  • Craftsman / Modern / Traditional / Shadow reveal

• ✅ Check reveal lines at windows + staircases

• ✅ Update Spec Page with every trim detail + attachment method

📌 If backing is missing → correct before scheduling trim.

Class 2 of 6 — Material List, Approvals & Ordering

Purpose:
Ensure materials meet design, budget, and dimensional requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Confirm trim sizes, profiles, and wood species

• Check door jamb widths (especially SIP walls!)

• Confirm stain vs. paint-grade trim compatibility

Action Items

• ✅ Finalize Spec Sheet with owner sign-off

• ✅ Create clear labeling system for storage by room

• ✅ Document warranty details for doors + moving parts

• ✅ Update printed plans with current detail drawings

Class 3 of 6 — One-Week-Out Finish Readiness & Workflow Planning

Purpose:
Ensure the house is dust-controlled, climate-stabilized, and ready for precision work.

Key Responsibilities

• Confirm flooring is protected

• Confirm painter + carpenter schedule alignment

• Confirm installers fully understand finish details before mobilizing

Action Items

• ✅ Confirm delivery schedule for hardware + trim

• ✅ Prepare actual garbage plan (trim scrap gets messy fast)

• ✅ Mark every location for:

  • Built-ins

  • Shelving

  • Window stool heights

• ✅ Update on-site binder and upload digital versions

PM Reminder:

Finish carpentry exposes every mistake from earlier phases.
Don’t let painters discover your trim issues later.

Class 5 of 6 — Detail Verification, Cleanup & Client Ready

Purpose:
Deliver clean, high-level finish work that impresses clients.

Action Items

• ✅ Blue Tape Walk → look low & look long for reveal shifts

• ✅ Check:

  • Casing alignment at every opening

  • No crown seams telegraphing

  • Baseboards flush to wall

  • Proper clearance under doors for flooring + airflow

• ✅ Dust + site cleanliness → ready for painter

• ✅ Punch corrections completed before PM approval

PM Tip:

Lighting shows every flaw — always inspect under bright, raking light.

Class 6 of 6 — Inspection, Documentation & Payment Approval

Purpose:
Confirm all workmanship exceeds homeowner expectations before payment is released.

Close-Out Requirements

• ✅ Installer signs punch list completion

• ✅ Confirm door + trim hardware secure and aligned

• ✅ Homeowner walk-through + documentation

• ✅ Office confirms all invoices & receipts logged

• ✅ Final approval → release payment

🎯 Final Goal:
A beautifully finished home interior that reflects elite craftsmanship.

Thank you for completing this Session!

Home Building Master Class | The Contractor Checklist

Video Explanation

www.thecontractorchecklist.com