Your project Logbook/Journal should be your best buddy as it will provide you a day-by-day account of what’s happening at your property. This simple journal will be your record of who said what and when they said it.
Any questions you may have for your contractor should be written in the journal, along with the contractor’s answers, suggestions and solutions.
Here are some suggestions for what to include in your Logbook:
PROJECT’S STARTING DAY…Not to be confused with the dates permits were applied for or ok’d, or when your first payment check was dated. The starting day is when workers first show up on your job site and “go to work”.
PROJECT’S MAIN MILEPOSTS…Write down when primary mileposts are completed. This can include work such as “completed gutting demolition of bathroom” or “finished drywall of dinning room”.
CITY/COUNTY INSPECTION DAYS…I suggest writing down the inspectors name and if
the inspection doesn’t pass then recording the reason why.
WHEN YOU NEED ORDERS CHANGED…If you and your contractor decide to make a“change order” then this needs to be in writing. Once the change has been approved and signed by you and your contractor then this work can begin.
You will want place a copy of the change order in your logbook. And it doesn’t hurt to send a text or email to your contractor to confirm and back up discussions you and the contractor may have had regarding the change order.
WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT…I often suggest to my renovation clients that they put together a simple weekly progress report. This can include a few up-to-date photos and comments like “drywall complete”,“demolition done” or whatever stage of the project you want to document.
You can compare what is actually happening to the schedule in your contract. If your progress report shows a possible problem then contact your contractor right away.
WHEN TALKING WITH BROOKLYN RENOVATIONS CONTRACTORS…Misunderstandings are a common problem with renovations. That’s why it’s always good to document, to some degree, your daily and weekly contractor conversations.
Most contractors aren’t out to take advantage of you, but rather because they have a lot on their minds they might not have a perfect understanding of the changes you would like to make.
That’s why it’s good to send your contractor an email to confirm that you are on the same page, whenever there are any doubts in your mind.
A well kept Logbook, along with dates and photos, can quite often settle disputes before they get out of hand.