Site Management and Walkthrough Checklist

On-Site Management and Walkthrough (Homeowner's Minimalist/Photo-First Edition)

Everyone is busy, so the simpler approach is to take more photos. Photos are inherently evidence. Try to use photos + simple annotations instead of written records, but do not replace the GC's (General Contractor's) management work.

Once a week, 20–30 photos are enough

• Rhythm: Visit the site once a week (or a video call). In between, have the GC frequently send site photos/short videos.

• Goal: Use photos to spot deviations, and rely on photo comparison to encourage correction.

• Output: Consolidate this week's photos in the same note or photo album.

What to Photograph (Four Must-Haves)

1. Overview and Work Area:

• Each visit, first take 3–5 wide-angle panoramic shots, covering the main spaces and this week's work area.

2. Concealed Works "Before & After" Photos:

• Water/electric routing, interfaces, slopes, valve locations, circuit identification. Take an "after" photo from the same angle before closing up the wall/ceiling.

3. Key Dimensions with Rulers:

• Shower, sink, toilet, mirrored cabinet, outlets and switches, door frame clear width and height. Place a ruler or use phone measurement annotations in the photo.

4. Materials and Mock-ups:

• On-site inspection (packaging labels, batch numbers, certificates of conformity), mock-up confirmation (e.g., tile layout, trim profiles, niche construction).

Tip: Take repetitive photos of the same spot from the "same angle" to create a natural timeline of evidence.

Simple Annotations are Enough

• Use circles/arrows/text annotations on your phone, without long descriptions.

• When GC action is required, send 1–3 annotated photos directly to the designated chat group, accompanied by a single sentence stating the "desired outcome."

• Before wall/ceiling closure: Electrical outlet and bathroom fixture positioning (height/center distance).

• Before tiling: Tile layout and trim profiles/colors.

• Before installation: Fixture/hardware models and installation methods (e.g., floating vanity structure).

Any temporary changes must be recorded in writing before construction begins (amount ±, timeline ±).

Lightweight Coordination with the GC

• Ask the GC to send a "summary message" after their inspection: a maximum of 3–5 points that require attention, each with 1 key photo or video.

• Only interrupt for "blocking" issues: tasks blocking the next step, inspections blocking the next step, or procurement blocking the next step.

• Use a single group or email thread for communication to avoid fragmentation.

Walkthrough Nearing Completion

1. GC Pre-inspection: Ask the GC to first send you their self-inspection punch list with pictures.

2. Joint Walkthrough: You tag and number items, taking "problem photos + desired effect reference" (hand-drawn annotations are fine) on the spot.

3. Rectification Period: Agree on a fixed-price rectification period and re-inspection date. The GC should reply with "before and after comparison photos."

4. Re-inspection and Handover: Take a set of "delivery photos" after approval, including equipment start/stop procedures and filter/maintenance locations.

5. Release of Retainage: Release the retainage in installments according to the contract milestones.

One-Sentence Principles (Remember)

• Take lots of photos and videos; you should take them, and the GC should also take them.

• Ask when you don't understand, but don't give random commands.

• Changes must be documented, and evidence must be "visible."

• Scattered charges must be recorded to facilitate final calculation of expenses and budget. It's best to have a dedicated account or card for payment, which helps with budget control.