Skip to main content

Form library · Construction and handover

Home renovation checklist

A contractor's record for a whole-house renovation, kept on a phone from the first visit to handover. Each room gets its scope, the selections the client agreed and photos of its condition before work. Then the hazards found before work starts, the permits and approvals, protection and access, progress room by room, and every variation with its cost, time and the client's approval. The last pages hold the final check and the handover, and count rooms complete, variations agreed and issues open. This is not a homeowner's budget planner: it is the job record the builder keeps and shares with the client.

For builders, renovation contractors and project managers running a renovation or remodel in someone's home.

Written for the UK, with US notes: choose the country on page 1 and a US home built before 1978 shows the EPA lead-safe questions.

  • Scope by room: work, agreed selections and before photos, each room a space in SiteSurvey
  • Asbestos and lead paint answered before work, with other hazards and photos
  • Permits, protection, and progress checks by room with photos
  • Variations with cost and time effect and the client's signature, then final check and handover
Try it blank ↓See it completed ↓Use it in SiteSurveyDownload the completed form (PDF)

Ready to use from the form library, and every question is yours to edit. Try it for a small trial fee, cancel any time.

Try it on your phone

Try it on this phone

Fill in the home renovation checklist on your phone now

See how the home renovation checklist looks on your phone

Scan the code with your phone camera. It opens the real form, no sign-up needed.

Open the live example and fill it in, just as your team would on site. No sign-up needed.

See it on this phone

Every question is editable. Add this form to your account, then change the wording, add or remove questions and options, and make it fit your own jobs.

Or start your trial with this form ready →

One email, and we won't add you to a mailing list.

What should a home renovation checklist include?

A renovation record is useful when it fixes what was agreed and what was already there before anyone starts: the scope and selections room by room, photos of the existing condition, and the asbestos and lead paint answers. Every change after that goes in as a variation with its cost, time and the client's approval, so the final account holds no surprises.

Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against HSE, Introduction to asbestos safety: overview, HSE, Asbestos: actions to take depending on your job role, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5, identification of the presence of asbestos, US EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting program, 40 CFR part 745, subpart E, residential property renovation (eCFR), Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16, notices in relation to building work and Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 3, party structure notices.

How to keep a renovation job record

Start it at the survey or the start meeting, and add to it as the job goes on.

  1. Set up the job

    Enter the property, the client, the quote reference, the country and the year the house was built, and the planned start and finish.

  2. Record the scope by room

    Add each room or area with the work, the selections the client has agreed, and photos of every wall, floor and ceiling before you touch it.

  3. Answer the hazards and permits

    Record the asbestos survey or what you presumed, lead paint where it applies, and anything else found. List each permit or approval and its status.

  4. Set up protection and check progress

    Check the protection and access arrangements. As each room moves on, update its stage and status with photos.

  5. Record every variation

    When something changes, write it down with the reason, the cost and time effect, and get the client's approval before the work is done.

  6. Final check and handover

    Walk the job with the client, list what is left, hand over the certificates and manuals, and sign.

What makes a renovation job record useful

Variations with cost and time effect and the client's approval

Victorian terrace, rear bedroom: the chimney breast plaster blew and came away when the old paper was stripped. Variation to hack off and replaster the wall, £480 and two working days, agreed and signed by the client on 15 September, before the plasterer started.

Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.

A common recording mistake

Doing extra work on a verbal yes and pricing it at the end, or starting strip-out with no record of the asbestos survey or the room's condition beforehand.

What happens next

Close the snags with the client, hand over the certificates and manuals, and keep the record with the job file.

Try the home renovation checklist form live

Answer a few questions and watch it adapt. Your answers are not saved, and any photos you add are deleted within the hour.

Live form: Home Renovation ChecklistOpen full screen ↗
Fill it in right here

This is the real form as your team would use it: questions appear as you answer, scores work themselves out and you can add photos and signatures. No sign-up needed. Or open a completed example to see every answer, photo and score filled in.

Want to see one filled in? See a completed home renovation checklist report (PDF), made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit.

Every question in the home renovation checklist template

A contractor's whole-house renovation record: scope by room with agreed selections and before photos, asbestos, lead paint and other hazards found before work, permits and approvals, protection and access, progress by room, variations with cost, time and client approval, and the final check and handover. Counts rooms complete, variations agreed and issues open, with UK asbestos and US lead paint (EPA RRP) notes. 9 sections and 131 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.

Make it your own: every question is editable

This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.

Details you only enter once

Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.

  • Project: the project name
  • Property address: the site address, from the space or the project
  • Client: the project's customer

Job details

  • ProjectShort answer

    Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.

    Fills in from the project name
  • Property addressShort answer
    Fills in from the site address, from the space or the project
  • ClientShort answer
    Fills in from the project's customer
  • Location (GPS)Short answer
  • Record date*Date
  • Recorded by*Short answer
  • ContractorShort answer
  • Quote, contract or job referenceShort answer
  • CountryChoose one

    Sets which notes you see.

    • UK: England
    • UK: Wales
    • UK: Scotland or Northern Ireland
    • US
    • Other country
  • Year the house was built (approximate)Number

    Older homes are more likely to have asbestos or lead paint.

  • Will the client live in the house during the work?Choose one
    • Yes, throughout
    • Partly
    • No, empty during the work
  • Planned startDate
  • Planned finishDate
  • Scope of the job in a sentence or twoNotes
  • CheckThis is the contractor's job record for a renovation: scope by room, hazards, permits, progress, variations and handover. It is not a homeowner budget planner, building control approval or an asbestos or lead clearance.

Scope by room

One entry per room or area. Each becomes a space in SiteSurvey.

  • Rooms and areas
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Room or area*Short answer

      For example front bedroom, kitchen, rear elevation.

    • TypeChoose one
      • Kitchen
      • Bathroom or shower room
      • Bedroom
      • Living or dining room
      • Hall, stairs and landing
      • Loft or attic
      • Utility or laundry
      • Basement or cellar
      • Exterior
      • Whole house (for example rewire or heating)
      • Other
    • Work in this room*Notes
    • Selections agreedNotes

      Finishes, fittings, colours and model numbers the client has chosen.

    • Client has confirmed these selections?Yes or No
    • Existing condition photos (before work)Photos

      Every wall, the floor and the ceiling, and any damage that is already there.

    • Existing damage or defects noted before workNotes

Hazards found before work

  • GuidanceAsbestos (UK). HSE says asbestos was used in many buildings until it was banned in 1999, and buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain it. An employer whose workers might disturb asbestos must find out if it is there before work starts; where work breaks into the building fabric, a more intrusive refurbishment survey may be needed. If there is doubt, work on the basis that it is present (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • AsbestosChoose one
    • Refurbishment survey done: none found in the work areas
    • Survey done: asbestos found
    • Presumed present: work planned around it
    • Built after 2000: unlikely to contain asbestos
    • Not checked yet
  • Survey reference, surveyor and dateShort answer
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Where it is and what will be done about itNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Photos of the suspect materialsPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • WarningDo not start work that could disturb these materials until the asbestos question is answered and the work is planned around it.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • GuidanceLead paint (US). For a home built before 1978, the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (40 CFR 745, subpart E) applies to paid work that disturbs painted surfaces, unless the affected components have been tested and found free of lead-based paint. The firm must be EPA certified and the work directed by a certified renovator. No more than 60 days before starting, give the owner the Renovate Right pamphlet and get a written acknowledgment (or a certificate of mailing at least 7 days before). Some states run their own programs. Small jobs of 6 square feet or less of painted surface per room inside, or 20 square feet or less outside, without window replacement or demolition of painted surfaces, are minor repair and maintenance, not a renovation.
    Shown when “Country” is “US”
  • Lead paintChoose one
    • Tested: components free of lead-based paint
    • Tested: lead-based paint found
    • Not tested: presumed present, lead-safe practices used
    • Not applicable: built in 1978 or later
    • Not applicable: minor repair and maintenance only
    Shown when “Country” is “US”
  • Firm EPA (or state) lead-safe certified?Yes or No
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Certified renovator directing the workShort answer
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Renovate Right pamphlet given and acknowledged onDate
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Pamphlet timingWorked out by the form
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Other hazards found before workTick all that apply
    • Old paint that may contain lead
    • Damp or mould
    • Unsafe or old wiring
    • Cracks or signs of structural movement
    • Rot or woodworm
    • Gas, flue or chimney concern
    • Pests or droppings
    • None found
  • What was found, where, and what will be doneNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Hazard photosPhotos
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • hazards_openWorked out by the form

Permits and approvals

  • GuidanceEngland. Where building regulations work needs a building notice or full plans application, do not start until you have given building control notice of the start and at least two days have passed since the end of the day you gave it (Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16(1)). Give notice of completion not more than five days after the work is finished (regulation 16(4)).
    Shown when “Country” is “UK: England”
  • GuidanceParty walls (England and Wales). Work to a party wall under section 2 of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 needs a party structure notice served on the adjoining owners at least two months before the work begins, unless they and the adjoining occupiers agree in writing (section 3).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Permits and approvals
    Repeat for each permit. Each one asks:
    • Permit or approval*Choose one
      • Building control (building notice or full plans) or building permit
      • Planning permission, or confirmation it is not needed
      • Listed building or conservation area consent
      • Party wall notice or award
      • Freeholder, landlord or homeowners association consent
      • Electrical, gas or plumbing work notified or permitted
      • Road, skip or scaffold licence
      • Other
    • ReferenceShort answer
    • StatusChoose one
      • Not needed
      • Needed: not applied
      • Applied: waiting
      • Approved or in place
      • Refused
    • DateDate
    • Conditions or notesNotes
  • Permits still outstandingWorked out by the form
  • CheckA permit or approval is still outstanding. Check before starting the work it covers.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Protection and access

  • GuidanceLead-safe set-up (US, pre-1978). Before work starts, post signs that keep occupants out of the work area, and isolate the area so no dust or debris leaves it. Inside, remove or cover furniture and belongings, close and cover ducts, close and cover doors, and cover the floor with taped-down plastic sheeting 6 feet beyond the surfaces being worked on, or further if needed to contain the dust (40 CFR 745.85(a)).
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Client belongings moved or covered in the work areasChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Floors, stairs, doors and finishes on the route protectedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Dust sheeted off between work areas and rooms the client is usingChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Access route, parking, skip and material storage agreedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Services isolated where needed and the client told what is offChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Keys, alarm and locking up agreedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Working hours agreed and neighbours toldChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Toilet, water and power for the trades agreedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Photos of the protection and set-upPhotos

Progress by room

  • Progress by room
    Repeat for each entry. Each one asks:
    • Room or area*Short answer

      Use the same name as on the scope page.

    • Stage reachedChoose one
      • Not started
      • Strip-out
      • First fix
      • Plaster or boarding
      • Second fix
      • Decoration
      • Finished
    • Status*Choose one
      • On programme
      • Behind programme
      • On hold
      • Complete
      • Complete and checked with the client
    • Last checkedDate
    • Work matches the agreed scope and selectionsChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Quality of finish acceptable for this stageChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Protection intact and room left clean and safeChoose one
      • Acceptable
      • Action needed
      • Not checked
      • Not applicable
    • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • pr_issuesWorked out by the form
    • Progress photosPhotos
    • NotesNotes
  • Rooms completeWorked out by the form
  • Rooms behind or on holdWorked out by the form
  • Progress items needing actionWorked out by the form

Variations agreed with the client

  • Variations
    Repeat for each variation. Each one asks:
    • Change*Notes
    • Room or areaShort answer
    • ReasonChoose one
      • Found once work started
      • Client request
      • Design or product change
      • Permit or inspector requirement
      • Other
    • Cost effectNumber

      Extra cost, or a negative number for a saving, in the currency of the contract.

    • Time effect (working days)Number
    • Client approval*Choose one
      • Agreed by the client in writing
      • Agreed verbally: confirm in writing
      • Waiting for the client
      • Declined
    • Date agreedDate
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Agreed byShort answer
      Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
    • Client signatureSignature
      Shown when “Client approval” is “Agreed by the client in writing”
    • Photos showing why the change is neededPhotos
    • v_agreedWorked out by the form
    • v_cost_agreedWorked out by the form
    • v_days_agreedWorked out by the form
  • Variations agreedWorked out by the form
  • Waiting for the clientWorked out by the form
  • Agreed cost effectWorked out by the form
  • Agreed time effect (working days)Worked out by the form
  • CheckA variation was agreed verbally. Confirm it in writing before the work is done.
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant

Final check and handover

  • Every room finished to the agreed scope and selectionsChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Snag list walked with the client and items fixedChoose one

    Use the Snagging Inspection form for the room-by-room list.

    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Test certificates for electrical, gas or other services handed overChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Building control completion or permit sign-off received, where neededChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Manuals, warranties and spare materials handed overChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Protection removed, damage to existing finishes put rightChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Rubbish removed and house cleanedChoose one
    • Acceptable
    • Action needed
    • Not checked
    • Not applicable
  • What needs doing, or why not checkedNotes
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Lead-safe cleaning verification done by the certified renovator?Choose one

    40 CFR 745.85(b). Keep the records for 3 years after the work is complete (745.86(a)).

    • Yes
    • No
    • Not applicable
    Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
  • Items needing actionWorked out by the form
  • Not checkedWorked out by the form
  • Handed overTick all that apply
    • Electrical certificate
    • Gas safety or commissioning record
    • Building control completion certificate
    • Product manuals and warranties
    • Keys and alarm codes
    • Paint colours and product list
    • As-built notes or photos of hidden services
  • Handover dateDate
  • Finished photosPhotos

Summary, actions and sign-off

  • Rooms in the scopeWorked out by the form
  • Rooms completeWorked out by the form
  • Variations agreedWorked out by the form
  • Issues openWorked out by the form

    Hazards not resolved, permits outstanding, and protection, progress and final items needing action.

  • ResultWorked out by the form
  • Actions
    Repeat for each action. Each one asks:
    • Action*Notes
    • PriorityChoose one
      • Urgent: stop work
      • Before the next stage
      • Before handover
      • After handover
    • Who will do it*Short answer
    • Due byDate
    • Status*Choose one
      • Open
      • In progress
      • Done, checked
    • Photo when donePhotos
      Shown when “Status” is “Done, checked”
  • Actions still openWorked out by the form
  • Decision*Choose one
    • Complete and handed over
    • Handed over with the listed actions to finish
    • Work continuing
  • Next check or re-inspection dateDate
  • Summary for the clientNotes
  • Contractor nameShort answer
  • Contractor signature*Signature
  • Client nameShort answer
  • Client signatureSignature

See it filled in

A completed home renovation checklist report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.

See completed form (PDF) ↗

Home renovation checklist FAQs

Is this a budget planner for homeowners?

No. Most renovation checklists online help a homeowner plan and budget. This one is the contractor's job record: what was agreed for each room, what was found, what changed and who approved it, and what was handed over. A homeowner can still read it, because the contractor can share it as a PDF report or a link from SiteSurvey.

Do I need an asbestos survey before renovating a house?

In Great Britain, an employer whose workers might disturb asbestos must find out if it is there before work starts. HSE says asbestos was used in buildings until it was banned in 1999, and buildings constructed after 2000 are unlikely to contain it. Ask whether a survey has been done; where the work breaks into the building fabric, a more intrusive refurbishment survey may be needed. If there is doubt, you must assume asbestos is present and work accordingly (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5).

Sources: HSE, Introduction to asbestos safety: overview, HSE, Asbestos: actions to take depending on your job role and Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, regulation 5, identification of the presence of asbestos.

What does the EPA lead paint rule mean for a remodel in the US?

In a home built before 1978, paid work that disturbs painted surfaces must be done by an EPA-certified firm, directed by a certified renovator, using lead-safe work practices, unless the components affected are tested and found free of lead-based paint. No more than 60 days before starting, the firm gives the owner the Renovate Right pamphlet and gets a written acknowledgment. Some states run their own programs. The rule does not generally apply to homeowners working on their own home.

Sources: US EPA, Renovation, Repair and Painting program and 40 CFR part 745, subpart E, residential property renovation (eCFR).

Do I need to tell building control or the neighbours before a renovation?

In England, where the work needs a building notice or full plans application, give building control notice before you start and wait at least two days from the end of the day you gave it (Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16(1)). In England and Wales, work to a party wall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 needs a party structure notice to the adjoining owners at least two months before the work begins, unless they and the occupiers agree in writing (section 3). The form keeps each permit's status in one list.

Sources: Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16, notices in relation to building work and Party Wall etc. Act 1996, section 3, party structure notices.

How should a variation be recorded?

Write down the change, the room, why it is needed, the effect on cost and time, and who agreed it and when, before the extra work is done. Add a photo of the reason, such as plaster that came away when the paper was stripped. The form counts variations agreed and totals their cost and time, and flags any agreed only verbally so you can confirm it in writing. For a standalone change order, use the variation order template.

Can I use one form for the whole renovation?

Yes. Fill in the scope and hazards at the start, then come back to the same form to update progress, add variations and finish with the handover. Each room becomes a space in SiteSurvey, so photos stay with the room they belong to. For the final defects list, the snagging list template gives each snag its own photo and owner.

Related

Site inspections softwareVariation order templateSchedule of condition templateAsbestos register templateSnagging list templateCustomer handover checklistBathroom remodel checklistKitchen remodel checklistAll forms in the library

Related templates

Templates that go with the home renovation checklist form

Construction variation order template

Record a proposed change to an identified scope, its supporting evidence and the named decision.

5 sections · 39 questions · See every question →
Schedule of condition template

Photographic record of condition before works or at the start of a lease, room by room.

4 sections · 65 questions · See every question →
Asbestos register and management plan template

An asbestos management record linking known or presumed materials to survey evidence, condition observations, controls, communication and review actions.

5 sections · 51 questions · See every question →
Snagging list template

Snag by snag record with room, element, photo and priority, checks with no snag, totals and re-inspection.

7 sections · 96 questions · See every question →

Browse all 409 forms in the library

Use this home renovation checklist form with your team

Add it from the form library in one click, change any question, and every completed form becomes a branded PDF report.

Start your trial →