Checklists & Quality Control

Path: /properties/[id]/renovation → Checklists Tab
Access Level: Property Owners & Collaborators

Overview

Checklists keep renovations organized and ensure nothing gets missed. From pre-demo punch lists to final quality inspections, checklists create accountability, maintain standards, and provide clear expectations for everyone involved in the project.

Checklist Fundamentals

What is a Checklist?

A checklist is a list of tasks, items, or standards to verify:

Types:

• Task checklists: Work to be completed
• Inspection checklists: Quality standards to verify
• Safety checklists: Hazard prevention
• Material checklists: Items to purchase/verify
• Closeout checklists: Final punch lists

Example Kitchen Checklist:

Kitchen Cabinet Installation
☑️ Verify wall studs located
☑️ Check level of floor
☑️ Mark cabinet heights on wall
☐ Install upper cabinets (in progress)
☐ Install lower cabinets
☐ Level and shim cabinets
☐ Secure cabinets to studs
☐ Install hardware
☐ Adjust doors and drawers
☐ Touch up paint/caulk
☐ Final cleanup

Why Use Checklists?

Quality Assurance:

• ✅ Nothing forgotten
• ✅ Standards maintained
• ✅ Consistent results
• ✅ Professional finish

Communication:

• ✅ Clear expectations
• ✅ Contractor alignment
• ✅ Progress visibility
• ✅ Reduced disputes

Project Management:

• ✅ Track completion
• ✅ Identify blockers
• ✅ Delegate tasks
• ✅ Measure progress

Documentation:

• ✅ Work history
• ✅ Inspection records
• ✅ Quality proof
• ✅ Resale evidence

Creating Checklists

Method 1: From Template

Use pre-built lists:

1. Click "+ New Checklist"
2. Select "Use Template"
3. Browse categories:
   • Room-specific (Kitchen, Bath, etc.)
   • Trade-specific (Plumbing, Electrical, etc.)
   • Phase-specific (Demo, Rough-in, Finish, etc.)
   • Inspection types (Safety, Quality, Code, etc.)
4. Select template
5. Customize items
6. Save checklist

Available Templates

Room Checklists:

Kitchen:

• Pre-Demo Inspection
• Cabinet Installation
• Countertop Installation
• Appliance Installation
• Flooring Installation
• Final Inspection

Bathroom:

• Tile Work Quality
• Plumbing Fixture Installation
• Vanity Installation
• Shower/Tub Installation
• Final Inspection

Bedroom/Living:

• Flooring Installation
• Painting Quality
• Trim & Molding
• Final Inspection

Trade Checklists:

Plumbing:

• Rough-in Inspection
• Pressure Test
• Fixture Installation
• Final Inspection

Electrical:

• Rough-in Inspection
• Device Installation
• Panel Inspection
• Final Testing

HVAC:

• Ductwork Installation
• Unit Installation
• System Testing
• Final Commissioning

Framing:

• Layout Verification
• Structural Integrity
• Opening Sizes
• Final Inspection

Phase Checklists:

Demolition:

• Safety Preparation
• Utility Shutdown
• Material Protection
• Debris Removal
• Post-Demo Inspection

Rough-In:

• Layout Verification
• Code Compliance
• Material Quality
• Installation Quality
• Inspector Approval

Finish:

• Surface Preparation
• Installation Quality
• Fit & Finish
• Cleanup
• Final Walk-through

Method 2: From SOW

Generate from scope:

1. Complete SOW for room/area
2. Click "Generate Checklist"
3. System creates checklist from tasks
4. Each SOW task becomes checklist item
5. Customize as needed
6. Save checklist

Example:

SOW: Kitchen Cabinet Installation (12 tasks)
  ↓
Checklist: Kitchen Cabinet Installation (12 items)
  ☐ Remove old cabinets → SOW Task 1
  ☐ Patch walls → SOW Task 2
  ☐ Mark layout → SOW Task 3
  ☐ Install uppers → SOW Task 4
  ... (etc.)

Method 3: Manual Creation

Build custom checklists:

1. Click "+ New Checklist"
2. Enter checklist details:
   • Name (e.g., "Master Bath Tile QC")
   • Description
   • Category
   • Assigned to
   • Due date
3. Add checklist items:
   • Item description
   • Priority level
   • Pass/fail criteria
   • Notes
4. Organize items
5. Save checklist

Checklist Interface

Checklist Card

Overview display:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 🛠️ Kitchen Cabinet Installation          │
│ Category: Quality Control               │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Progress: 6 of 12 complete (50%)        │
│ ■■■■■■□□□□□□                            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Assigned: John Smith (Contractor)       │
│ Due: January 20, 2025                   │
│ Status: In Progress                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ [View Checklist] [Edit] [Duplicate]     │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Checklist Items

Item structure:

Item details:

• Checkbox (check when complete)
• Priority (High, Medium, Low)
• Item description
• Status indicator
• Assigned worker
• Due date
• Action menu (Edit, Delete, Comment)

Item Status

Lifecycle:

Pending (Gray)

• Not started
• Waiting for dependencies
• Future work

In Progress (Blue)

• Work underway
• Actively being completed
• Time tracked

Done (Green)

• Item completed
• Checked off
• Quality verified

Blocked (Red)

• Can't proceed
• Waiting on materials
• Issue preventing progress

Skipped (Orange)

• Not applicable
• Change order removed
• Alternate method used

Quality Control Checklists

Pre-Work Inspections

Before starting work:

Purpose: Verify site conditions

Example: Pre-Tile Checklist

☐ Substrate inspection
  ☐ Surface flat (1/8" in 10 ft)
  ☐ No loose material
  ☐ Moisture level acceptable (<12%)
  
☐ Material verification
  ☐ Correct tile SKU
  ☐ All from same dye lot
  ☐ No damaged pieces (checked 10%)
  
☐ Layout verification
  ☐ Layout lines marked
  ☐ Tile pattern confirmed
  ☐ Cut locations acceptable
  
☐ Tools & materials ready
  ☐ Thinset mixed properly
  ☐ Spacers on site
  ☐ Wet saw operational
  ☐ Safety equipment available

During-Work Inspections

Monitor quality during installation:

Example: Tile Installation QC

Check every 2 hours:

☐ Tile alignment
  ☐ Grout lines consistent
  ☐ Tile level with neighbors
  ☐ Pattern correct
  
☐ Thinset coverage
  ☐ 95% coverage minimum
  ☐ No voids under tiles
  ☐ Proper trowel notch size
  
☐ Spacing
  ☐ Grout joint width consistent
  ☐ Spacers used properly
  ☐ Edges straight
  
☐ Cuts
  ☐ Clean, straight cuts
  ☐ Proper fit around obstacles
  ☐ No cracks or chips

Post-Work Inspections

Final quality verification:

Example: Cabinet Installation Final QC

☐ Installation quality
  ☐ All cabinets level (verified with 4' level)
  ☐ All cabinets plumb (verified)
  ☐ Consistent reveal between doors
  ☐ Doors open/close smoothly
  ☐ Drawers glide properly
  ☐ No gaps >1/8" between cabinets
  
☐ Hardware
  ☐ All pulls/knobs installed
  ☐ Hardware aligned properly
  ☐ Screws tight, not stripped
  ☐ Hinges adjusted correctly
  
☐ Finish quality
  ☐ No scratches or dents
  ☐ Touch-up paint complete
  ☐ Caulking smooth and consistent
  ☐ Silicone at sink area
  
☐ Function
  ☐ Soft-close hinges work
  ☐ Drawer glides function
  ☐ Shelves level
  ☐ Cabinet lighting operational
  
☐ Cleanup
  ☐ Debris removed
  ☐ Surfaces cleaned
  ☐ Protective film removed
  ☐ Area ready for countertops

Safety Checklists

Site Safety

Daily safety check:

Start-of-Day Safety Checklist

☐ General safety
  ☐ First aid kit accessible
  ☐ Fire extinguisher charged
  ☐ Emergency exits clear
  ☐ Emergency numbers posted
  
☐ Personal protective equipment
  ☐ Safety glasses available
  ☐ Dust masks/respirators
  ☐ Gloves (multiple types)
  ☐ Hearing protection
  ☐ Steel-toe boots required
  
☐ Power tools
  ☐ Cords inspected (no damage)
  ☐ Guards in place
  ☐ Tools properly grounded
  ☐ GFCIs working
  
☐ Work area
  ☐ Adequate lighting
  ☐ Ventilation sufficient
  ☐ Floor clear of tripping hazards
  ☐ Wet floor signs (if applicable)
  
☐ Hazardous materials
  ☐ Chemicals properly labeled
  ☐ SDS sheets available
  ☐ Spill kit accessible
  ☐ Proper disposal containers

Demolition Safety

Before demo work:

Demolition Safety Checklist

☐ Utilities
  ☐ Electricity shut off to area
  ☐ Water shut off to area
  ☐ Gas lines verified off
  ☐ HVAC disconnected
  
☐ Structural
  ☐ Load-bearing walls identified
  ☐ Engineer approval (if needed)
  ☐ Support plan in place
  ☐ Adjacent areas protected
  
☐ Hazardous materials
  ☐ Asbestos test results (if pre-1980)
  ☐ Lead paint assessment
  ☐ Mold inspection complete
  ☐ Abatement plan (if needed)
  
☐ Protection
  ☐ Dust barriers installed
  ☐ Floor protection down
  ☐ HVAC vents sealed
  ☐ Window/door protection
  
☐ Debris removal
  ☐ Dumpster positioned
  ☐ Chute installed (if multi-story)
  ☐ Haul path clear
  ☐ Recycling plan

Milestone Checklists

Linking to Milestones

Checklist as deliverable:

1. Create milestone
2. Add checklist as deliverable
3. Milestone progress tied to checklist
4. Checklist must be 100% to approve milestone

Example:

Milestone 2: Rough-Ins Complete

Deliverable: Rough-In Inspection Checklist
  ├── Plumbing rough-in (15 items)
  ├── Electrical rough-in (12 items)
  ├── HVAC rough-in (8 items)
  └── Insulation (6 items)
  Total: 41 items

Milestone progress: 32 of 41 complete (78%)
Milestone status: In Progress
Can't approve until: 41 of 41 complete (100%)

Inspection Approval

Gate for milestone payment:

Workflow:

1. Contractor completes work
2. Contractor checks off items
3. Contractor submits checklist
4. You inspect each item
5. You approve/reject each item
6. If all approved → Approve milestone
7. If issues → Create punch list
8. Issues fixed → Re-inspect
9. All approved → Milestone complete → Draw request

Punch Lists

What is a Punch List?

A list of incomplete or deficient items that need correction before final approval.

Purpose:

• Document deficiencies
• Require corrections
• Hold payment until fixed
• Maintain quality standards

Creating Punch Lists

During inspection:

1. Walk through work area
2. Note deficiencies
3. Take photos
4. Create punch list
5. Assign to contractor
6. Set deadline
7. Track completion

Punch list format:

Kitchen Cabinet Punch List
Date: January 20, 2025
Inspector: [Your Name]

1. [High] Upper cabinet door #3 misaligned
   Location: Above sink
   Photo: IMG_1234.jpg
   Fix: Adjust hinges
   
2. [Medium] Drawer front slightly crooked
   Location: Bottom left drawer
   Photo: IMG_1235.jpg
   Fix: Realign and tighten screws
   
3. [Low] Small paint touch-up needed
   Location: Inside corner of cabinet box
   Photo: IMG_1236.jpg
   Fix: Touch up white paint
   
4. [Medium] One soft-close hinge not working
   Location: Upper right door
   Photo: IMG_1237.jpg
   Fix: Replace or adjust hinge
   
5. [Low] Protective film still on toe kick
   Location: All base cabinets
   Photo: IMG_1238.jpg
   Fix: Remove protective film

Due: All items to be completed by Jan 23, 2025

Punch List Workflow

Correction process:

1. Punch List Created

• You identify issues
• Assign to contractor
• Set deadline
• Communicate expectations

2. Contractor Fixes

• Addresses each item
• Checks off when complete
• Uploads photos of fixes
• Notifies you when ready

3. Re-Inspection

• You verify each fix
• Approve or reject
• Document resolution
• Take after photos

4. Closure

• All items resolved
• Milestone approved
• Payment released
• Checklist archived

Checklist Management

Assigning Checklists

Delegate responsibility:

1. Create/select checklist
2. Click "Assign"
3. Choose assignee:
   • Specific contractor
   • Trade (all plumbers)
   • Team (all workers)
   • Multiple people
4. Set due date
5. Add instructions
6. Send notification

Assignee sees:

• Checklist details
• Their assigned items
• Due dates
• Instructions
• Ability to check off items

Checklist Dependencies

Sequential checklists:

Can't start Electrical Rough-in Checklist
  Until Framing Checklist is 100% complete

Example:
  Framing Checklist ✅ 100% complete
    ↓
  Electrical Rough-in Checklist 🔓 Unlocked
    ↓
  Drywall Checklist 🔒 Still blocked

Setting dependencies:

1. Edit checklist
2. Click "Dependencies"
3. Select "Must Complete First"
4. Choose prerequisite checklist(s)
5. Save dependency

Recurring Checklists

Repeating inspections:

Use cases:

• Daily safety checks
• Weekly progress inspections
• Monthly quality audits
• Bi-weekly material deliveries

Setup:

1. Create checklist
2. Enable "Recurring"
3. Set frequency:
   • Daily
   • Weekly (specific days)
   • Bi-weekly
   • Monthly
4. Set end date or occurrence count
5. System auto-generates instances

Example:

Daily Safety Inspection
Frequency: Every weekday
Start: January 2, 2025
End: Project completion

System creates:
  ☐ Safety Inspection - Monday, Jan 2
  ☐ Safety Inspection - Tuesday, Jan 3
  ☐ Safety Inspection - Wednesday, Jan 4
  ... (continues daily)

Collaboration Features

Checklist Sharing

With contractors:

1. Select checklist
2. Click "Share"
3. Choose sharing method:
   • Email link
   • Generate PDF
   • Mobile app access
4. Set permissions:
   • View only
   • Can check items
   • Can add comments
   • Can edit
5. Send to contractor

Contractor benefits:

• Clear expectations
• Self-check capability
• Real-time updates
• Mobile access

Comments & Photos

Item-level discussion:

Adding comments:

1. Click checklist item
2. Add comment
3. @ mention specific person
4. Upload photo
5. Save comment

Use cases:

• Clarify requirements
• Document issue
• Show example
• Request guidance
• Report completion

Example:

Checklist Item: Install tile with 1/16" grout lines

Comment from Contractor:
  "Tile manufacturer recommends 1/8" minimum 
   for this tile size. OK to adjust?"
  📷 Photo of tile spec sheet

Your Reply:
  "@JohnSmith That's fine. Use 1/8" grout lines.
   Update checklist to reflect actual size."

Checklist Reports

Completion Report

Progress overview:

Kitchen Renovation - Checklist Summary
Period: January 1-31, 2025

Checklists Complete: 8 of 12 (67%)
Items Complete: 147 of 203 (72%)
Open Punch Lists: 2

By Category:
  Safety: 4 of 4 checklists (100%) ✅
  Quality: 3 of 5 checklists (60%) ⚠️
  Closeout: 1 of 3 checklists (33%) 🔴

Open Checklists:
  - Cabinet Installation (75% complete)
  - Countertop Install (40% complete)
  - Appliance Install (25% complete)
  - Final Inspection (0% - not started)

Blocked Items: 5
Overdue Items: 2

Quality Metrics

Standards tracking:

Quality Control Performance

Checklists Passed First Time: 6 of 8 (75%)
Average Items per Punch List: 4.2
Punch List Resolution Time: 2.1 days avg

By Contractor:
  John Smith (Carpentry)
    First-time pass rate: 90%
    Avg punch list items: 2.0
    Resolution time: 1.5 days ✅
    
  ABC Plumbing
    First-time pass rate: 60%
    Avg punch list items: 6.5
    Resolution time: 3.2 days ⚠️

Insight: Plumbing work needs closer monitoring

Best Practices

Checklist Creation

1. Be Specific: Clear, measurable items
2. Reasonable Length: 10-20 items ideal
3. Logical Order: Sequence of work
4. Include Criteria: Define "complete"
5. Add Photos: Visual standards
6. Use Templates: Don't reinvent
7. Customize: Adjust for your project

Quality Control

1. Inspect Often: Catch issues early
2. Document Everything: Photos, notes, dates
3. Communicate Clearly: No assumptions
4. Be Consistent: Same standards throughout
5. Address Issues Promptly: Don't let slide
6. Follow Up: Verify fixes
7. Learn: Improve future checklists

Contractor Relations

1. Set Expectations Early: Review checklists before work
2. Be Fair: Reasonable standards
3. Be Present: Available for questions
4. Be Responsive: Quick answers
5. Document Approvals: Written confirmation
6. Pay Promptly: After checklist complete
7. Give Feedback: Positive and constructive

Troubleshooting

"Checklist Not Showing for Contractor"

Check:

• Is checklist shared?
• Correct permissions?
• Contractor has account?
• Correct email/username?

Solution:

1. Verify sharing settings
2. Resend invitation
3. Check contractor access
4. Refresh app

"Can't Check Off Items"

Reasons:

• Dependency not met
• No edit permission
• Checklist locked
• Already completed

Solution:

1. Check dependencies
2. Verify permissions
3. Unlock if needed
4. Contact owner

"Dispute About Checklist Item"

Resolution:

1. Review item description
2. Check acceptance criteria
3. Review photos/docs
4. Discuss in person
5. Seek compromise
6. Document agreement
7. Update checklist if needed

Keyboard Shortcuts

• N C - New checklist
• N I - New checklist item
• Space - Toggle item complete
• C C - Add comment
• U P - Upload photo
• Ctrl/Cmd + F - Find checklist

Related Guides

• Scope of Work ← - Generate checklists from SOW
• Milestones ← - Link checklists to phases
• Photo Documentation → - Document quality
• Project Overview ← - Track progress
• Reports → - Export checklist data

Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Version: 1.0
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