Before You Pay a Contractor
A 1-page checklist to reduce renovation payment stress before work begins.
Renovation stress often starts before the first day of work: vague scope, unclear payment timing, large deposits, and change orders that were never written down.
Use this free checklist before you sign, pay, or approve the next milestone.
(No form required)
What’s Inside
Define the Scope First
Know what is included, excluded, selected, measured, and documented before comparing bids.
Set Payment Milestones
Tie payments to completed project stages instead of vague promises or large upfront deposits.
Put Change Orders in Writing
Document what changed, why it changed, cost impact, timeline impact, and who approved it.
Vet Your Contractor
Check bids, license, insurance, references, active projects, subcontractor use, and written contract details.
Define “Done” Before Work Starts
Make sure each milestone has clear approval standards before money moves.
Keep a Paper Trail
Save progress photos, payment receipts, change orders, warranty documents, and final walkthrough notes.
Want the Full Project Payment Kit?
The full kit includes templates for milestone planning, acceptance criteria, change orders, walkthroughs, and contractor evaluation.
