Preconstruction Wrap-Up Overview

Reviewing the Final Contract and Scope

Make sure your signed contract reflects all updates, including:

• The final scope of work
• All approved change orders
• Agreed payment terms and start date

Even small changes should be captured in writing to avoid confusion later. You’ll want a clear, shared understanding of what the contractor is responsible for delivering and what’s not included.

Permit Status Check

Before work begins, confirm:

• The permit is fully approved and issued, or in the final stages of review
• Any deferred submittals (like truss plans or HVAC layouts) are scheduled to be submitted
• If the permit was pulled by someone other than the general contractor, confirm if and when it will be transferred to them

Your contractor should be tracking this, but it’s good to confirm so the project doesn’t hit a delay due to paperwork.

Subcontractor and Schedule Coordination

Ask your contractor:

• What’s the projected start date and what could impact it?
• Which trades are scheduled for the first few weeks?
• How long do they expect the overall build to take?
• Will there be any known downtime between phases?

This will help you align your own schedule and prepare for things like utility shut-offs or temporary access restrictions.

Pre-Construction Meeting Preparation

The preconstruction or kickoff meeting is typically scheduled before work begins. It gives everyone, owner, contractor, architect/designer (if involved), a chance to align on communication, logistics, and expectations.

Your next subpage covers this in detail, but now is the time to:

• Pick a date for the meeting
• Confirm who will attend
• Gather any final questions or materials you want to review

Budget & Payment Tracking Set-Up

You don’t need accounting software, but it helps to set up a simple system (spreadsheet or otherwise) to track:

• Scheduled payments or draw requests
• Change orders and extras
• Total spend vs. original contract

Also confirm:

• When will invoices be sent?
• How much notice is given before a payment is due?
• How should payments be made (check, bank transfer, draw request)?

This helps avoid miscommunication during construction.

Communication Expectations

Agree with your contractor on:

• Who your main point of contact is (PM, superintendent, owner of the company)
• Preferred communication method (email, text, project management app)
• How often you’ll get updates (weekly, milestone check-ins, etc.)

Clear communication expectations upfront reduce surprises and help you stay informed without needing to check in constantly.

Jobsite Readiness and Site Access

Before construction starts:

• Make sure the jobsite is accessible and clear of obstacles
• Agree on where materials will be delivered and stored
• Review where workers will park and how they’ll access the property
• If applicable, inform neighbors or tenants about upcoming work

If you’re living on-site during construction, talk through how areas will be separated and what impacts to expect.

Action Items for the Owner

• Organize and save all final plans, permits, and signed contracts in one place
• Confirm that your insurance coverage is active (homeowner’s policy or builder’s risk)
• Review how your financing will release payments and whether any paperwork is needed
• Prepare for the kickoff meeting with your contractor
• Block time in your calendar for regular check-ins once construction begins

What’s Next: Construction Kickoff Meeting Agenda

With everything in place, your next step is the preconstruction meeting. This sets the tone for the build and ensures that everyone is aligned on expectations, site rules, timelines, and responsibilities.

Continue to Construction Kickoff Meeting Agenda to learn what to cover, who should attend, and how to make it a productive start to your project.