Make decisions before they hold up work
Use a short meeting record to capture questions, decisions, responsible people and due dates. Ask the contractor which selections or deliveries are approaching.
- Track owner-purchased items and their delivery requirements.
- Send design questions to the appropriate design professional.
- Confirm who communicates changes to the affected trades.
Keep inspection records with the work
Ask the contractor to explain the inspection sequence and record open corrections. The City of Los Angeles requires inspection before work is covered; confirm the process with the agency responsible for your site.
- Keep approved plans and relevant revisions available to the team.
- Record inspection results and correction responsibilities.
- Ask what can proceed while a correction is being resolved.
Review each payment against its basis
Connect an invoice to the contract and the described work. Keep approved changes, allowance records and payment evidence together so the running total remains understandable.
- Ask for a clear explanation when an invoice differs from the agreed schedule.
- Record the cost and schedule effect of proposed changes.
- Keep notices and releases for review with your adviser.
What to check next
- Maintain a decision log.
- Keep inspection and correction records.
- Review invoices against agreed scope.
- Update the expected final cost after approved changes.
Choose your next step
Find contractors with relevant new-home experience, or talk with us about where your project stands.
Official resources
Check with the agency responsible for your property. City and County resources below apply within their respective jurisdictions.
- City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — Inspections
- California Contractors State License Board — Understanding Mechanics Liens
Content updated .