Contractor Job Site Checklist

Contractor Job Site Checklist

When you’re a contractor on the job, you have to manage many tasks. Your responsibility goes beyond the project you’re doing— you also have to focus on the employees who are assisting and your company’s wellbeing. This can be a lot to keep track of in the middle of a job.

But taking the right steps every step of the way will help ensure a successful final product and a happy customer. To keep track of everything, it helps to have a list of what you’ll need to remember on the job. By building a workflow, you create consistency across all of your jobs, ensuring you deliver the best final product each and every time. In this article, we’ll go over a few of the essentials that should be on your contractor job site checklist.

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Creating A Checklist

What To Remember On The Job

Regardless of your trade, the job site is where the magic happens. It is the best place to gain experience, make a good first impression, and create a loyal customer. The job site is also where customers see your work, so you’ll want to make sure it’s done right from start to finish. Create a list either on your phone or clipboard of all that needs to be remembered on site, such as:

  • Preparation
  • Safety
  • Cleanliness
  • Professionalism
  • Clean-Up

Let’s take a look at what goes into each of these. 

Prepare Your Job Site

To ensure your job site is safe and workable, you’ll want to properly prepare the space before starting. If you’re a small company with a few employees, it’s important to note that preparing your job site starts with you. What you instill in your employees will reflect in their work.

Depending on the work you’ll be doing, you might also need to obtain permits from the city or local municipal government. A permit is typically needed for larger projects such as remodeling or additions. The homeowner may not know what is needed; it is your duty to know what’s required.

If you’re hiring any subcontractors for the project, be sure that they’re licensed and their insurance is up-to-date. Failure to do so can result in trouble for your business.

First aid kit

Safety Is Key

The most important thing on the job site is the safety of you and your employees. There are approximately 38,000 construction injuries annually, according to the U.S Department of Labor. You can take the steps necessary to prevent any injuries from happening on your job site. Furthermore, if you have employees, it is your responsibility to do so. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration law gives employees the right to a safe workplace and a place to report violations when they see fit. From nail gun safety to hazardous chemicals, there are regulations that help make your job site safer. Review OSHA regulations before beginning any job to make sure you’re in compliance.

Here are some common ways to make your job site safer:

  • Follow the four-to-one rule when working with ladders. For example, if you must climb four feet the base should be a foot away from the wall. Never step above the top rung.
  • Wear eye protection when working with chemicals or materials that release gases or vapors in the air. 
  • Never leave blades and sharp objects lying around without a protective cover.
  • Keep pathways and work areas free of debris.
  • Always have a first-aid kit on hand and fully stocked. Other resources like the American Red Cross App can come in handy for instructions. 

Keep Your Job Site Clean

A key part of safety on the job is keeping your job site clean. A messy area can cause injury, not to mention a bad impression on the homeowner. If you’re working inside the home, put up a tarp or a cloth in doorways to prevent dust from traveling into other rooms. Clearly mark areas where trash and excess materials should be disposed of, enforcing this with all of your employees. Walkways should be clear of debris, so providing designated areas for clean-up will ensure everyone does their part.

At the end of every day, make sure your job site is as clean as possible. This will help to make a great impression on the homeowner and give you a fresh start the next day.

Complete With Clean Up

Always Look Professional

Preparing for the job site means dressing personally as well. If you’re working on someone’s home, you’ll want to make sure you’re presenting yourself professionally. Of course, a contractor’s definition of professional attire is a little different than someone who works in an office. A company t-shirt, jacket and work pants should do. If you have other employees on the job, make sure they understand the dress code as well. You never know who you’ll meet while you work. A curious neighbor could turn into a lead! Make sure you’re dressed ready for the opportunity.

Complete Your Job with Clean Up

While your expertise should speak for itself, a homeowner will have a bad taste in their mouth if you’ve left their home or yard a mess. Just like cleaning up on a daily basis is important, the presentation you give when the job is done is key to a happy customer. Take the time to finish the job by cleaning up your work area. Keep a broom and vacuum on hand if needed indoors. Make sure any scraps and materials are removed from the yard. This is especially important for roofing pros who might leave behind a stray nail, which is certainly not something a homeowner wants to find!

Conclusion

Take some time to write out a clear and comprehensive checklist of all that needs to be done on the job site. It will make your work go smoother and help you win more jobs in the future.

Looking for more ways you can make a good impression? Read Communication Tips To Remember On The Job.