Intro

On most jobs, small misses become big problems. A missed valve, an unlabeled breaker, or a forgotten photo can cost hours or days. That’s why the rule is simple: ALWAYS do this … before you start, during the day, and before you leave. This article gives you a clear checklist you can use today. It keeps your crew aligned, your client calm, and your cash flowing. We cover walk-throughs, photos, proposals, safety, cleanups, and sign-offs. Use it as a playbook on every job, big or small.

Quick Answer

ALWAYS do this … means follow the same core steps on every project: confirm scope in writing, walk the site, capture photos, protect the space, agree on changes, and get sign-off. These habits take 10–20 minutes a day and prevent most callbacks, payment delays, and disputes.

Table of Contents

• Why "ALWAYS do this …" Matters on Every Job
• ALWAYS do this … Before You Start Work
• ALWAYS do this … With Clients and Paperwork
• ALWAYS do this … On Site Each Day
• ALWAYS do this … Before You Leave the Job
• ALWAYS do this … When Cash Is Involved
• FAQ

Key Takeaways

• A 10-minute daily huddle prevents hours of rework later.
• Take 3 photo sets per day: start, midday, and end-of-day.
• Confirm changes in writing within 24 hours to protect margin.
• Leave 1 clear 36-inch path and 1 clean sink/toilet when possible.
• Deliver a simple punchlist and get sign-off within 48 hours.

Why "ALWAYS do this …" Matters on Every Job

Mistakes repeat when habits don’t. Crews change. Sites change. Weather changes. Your checklist doesn’t. ALWAYS do this … gives you a baseline. It reduces the back-and-forth by half because everyone sees the same plan, the same photos, and the same sign-offs.

Common pain points:

• Missing scope details that add 1–2 extra trips.
• Unclear changes that eat 5–10% of profit.
• No daily photos, so you can’t prove conditions.

The fix is simple routines. Short steps, done every time.

ALWAYS do this … Before You Start Work

Do these steps before tools come off the truck. It takes 20–30 minutes and saves days later.

1. Walk the Site (10 minutes)

   • Meet the client or point of contact.
   • Confirm access, power, water, and parking.
   • Locate shutoffs and panels. Label if needed.

2. Verify the Scope (5 minutes)

   • Read the scope aloud. Point to each area.
   • Mark measurements. If tight, allow 1/4-inch tolerance.
   • Note any code issues to check (GFCI, smoke alarms, clearances).

3. Capture Baseline Photos (3 angles per room)

   • Wide shot, detail shot, utility shot.
   • Include date, time, and a tape measure in at least 1 photo.

4. Protect the Space (10 minutes)

   • Cover floors with 6-mil poly or Ram Board.
   • Tape vents. Set up dust control. Keep a 36-inch walkway.

5. Confirm Materials and Lead Times (5 minutes)

   • List items and quantities. Add a 10% buffer for waste.
   • Note any 2–3 week lead items and plan around them.

If you need help turning voice notes and photos into clear, branded proposals, tools like Donizo can turn voice, text, and images into a ready-to-send proposal in minutes. This speeds up professional proposals and reduces errors.

Tip for internal linking: This pairs well with understanding professional proposals and project timelines so your crew knows exactly what to do on day one.

ALWAYS do this … With Clients and Paperwork

Paperwork prevents problems. Keep it simple and fast.

1. Put It in Writing (same day)

   • Send a clear scope, price, and schedule window (e.g., “Mon–Wed, 8–4”).
   • List what’s included and what’s not in 4–6 bullets.

2. Set Payment Milestones

   • A common structure is deposit, mid-progress, and final.
   • State due dates (e.g., “due within 7 days of invoice”).

3. Use E-Signatures

   • Get signatures from all decision-makers before starting.
   • Require signatures on change orders too.

4. Change Orders (24-hour rule)

   • Price changes in writing within 24 hours.
   • No work on extras until signed. No exceptions.

Platforms such as Donizo let clients e-sign proposals and turn accepted proposals into invoices in one click. This keeps paperwork tight and reduces delays.

Internal link cue: If you’re also looking to streamline invoice templates, our guide covers simple formats that speed up approvals.

ALWAYS do this … On Site Each Day

Daily routines keep the job moving and the client calm.

1. 10-Minute Huddle (start of day)

   • Who does what, where, and in what order.
   • Confirm tools, materials, and hazards.

2. Safety First (every day)

   • PPE on. Ladders at 4:1 angle. Guard open edges over 6 feet.
   • Check cords and GFCIs. Clear trip hazards.

3. Daily Photos (3 times)

   • Start: conditions and setup.
   • Midday: progress, hidden work, measurements.
   • End: cleanliness, protection, and secure areas.

4. Client Update (2 sentences)

   • “Today we finished X. Tomorrow we start Y.”
   • Send by 5 p.m. if the client isn’t on site.

5. Housekeeping (15 minutes)

   • Vacuum, bag debris, wipe pathways, coil cords.
   • Keep 1 restroom and 1 sink usable if possible.

Internal link cue: For contractors dealing with client management, we recommend simple message templates that save time and avoid confusion.

ALWAYS do this … Before You Leave the Job

Close strong. That’s what people remember.

1. Function Test (5 checks)

   • Power on/off, water on/off, drains, ventilation, and hardware.
   • Test GFCI, dimmers, fill/flush cycles, and shutoff valves.

2. Finish Surfaces

   • Check level, plumb, and square. Allow 1/4-inch over long runs.
   • Touch up paint and caulk gaps under 1/8-inch.

3. Clean and Protect (20 minutes)

   • Vacuum twice. Remove dust from vents and sills.
   • Leave manuals and spare parts in a labeled bag.

4. Punchlist and Sign-Off (same day)

   • Walk the space with the client (10–15 minutes).
   • Note up to 10 items. Agree on dates. Get a signature.

5. Closeout Package (within 48 hours)

   • Photos, warranties, care tips, and final invoice.
   • Ask for a review once payment clears.

Internal link cue: This pairs well with understanding change orders done right so last-minute items don’t stall final payment.

ALWAYS do this … When Cash Is Involved

Money needs a clear path. Keep it clean and fast.

1. Deposit Before Mobilizing

   • Don’t load the truck until funds clear.
   • State the deposit due date in the proposal.

2. Progress Billing

   • Invoice tied to milestones (e.g., rough-in complete).
   • Send within 24 hours of hitting the milestone.

3. Clear Terms

   • Due date, accepted methods, and any late fees.
   • Keep it on one page. Simple beats fancy.

4. Paper Trail

   • Proposal → signed acceptance → invoice → receipt.
   • Keep change orders attached to each related invoice.

5. One-Click Conversion

   • When a proposal is accepted, convert to an invoice without retyping.
   • Solutions like Donizo make this a one-click step, which cuts errors and speeds cash flow.

Internal link cue: If pricing is tough, see our notes on pricing strategies so deposits and draws match your real costs.

FAQ

What is the "ALWAYS do this …" rule?

It’s a simple set of steps you repeat on every job: confirm scope, take photos, protect the space, document changes, clean daily, and get sign-off. These habits prevent most disputes, speed payments, and keep your crew aligned.

How many photos should I take each day?

Take 3 sets: start, midday, and end-of-day. Aim for at least 2–3 photos per set. Include wide shots and close-ups with a tape measure in view for scale. This creates a clear record of conditions and progress.

How fast should I send change orders?

Within 24 hours. Price it, write it, and get it signed before doing the work. Waiting longer increases risk. Verbal approvals fade. Written approvals pay.

What deposit should I ask for?

Ask for a deposit that covers mobilization and long-lead items. Many contractors use a deposit plus 1–2 progress payments and a final balance. The key is to tie payments to clear milestones and due dates.

How soon should I deliver closeout paperwork?

Within 48 hours. Include final photos, warranties, care tips, and the final invoice. Offer a quick walk-through for any questions. Fast closeout builds trust and speeds payment.

Conclusion

Strong jobs are built on simple habits. ALWAYS do this … before you start, during the day, and before you leave: confirm scope, protect the space, take photos, document changes, and get sign-off. To put this in motion today:

1. Print this checklist and tape it in your truck.
2. Set a 10-minute daily huddle alarm on your phone.
3. Standardize proposals, e-signatures, and invoices with tools like Donizo to keep paperwork tight.

By following these steps, you’ll cut mistakes, protect margin, and get paid faster—every job, every time.