Table of Contents
Define the Scope Before Demo Starts
Bathroom Scope Example
Work Area: Tub/shower, floor tile, vanity wall, fixtures
Scope Boundary: Keep plumbing relocation and structural edits clearly listed if included
Deliverable: Waterproofed surfaces, level substrates, approved layout, and finished trim details
Flooring Scope Example
Work Area: Existing floor removal, subfloor checks, underlayment, and finish floor install
Scope Boundary: Door trimming, transitions, and baseboard reset must be explicit
Deliverable: Flat, consistent floor lines with finished transitions and edge conditions
Backsplash Scope Example
Work Area: Counter runs, cooktop wall, terminal edges, and switch/outlet interfaces
Scope Boundary: Grout type, edge profile, and termination points should be pre-approved
Deliverable: Consistent joints, clean cuts, and aligned finish details across all runs
Selective Demolition Planning
Demo Plan Must Include:
- Area isolation and floor protection strategy
- Debris staging and removal timeline
- Utility shutdown and restart checkpoints
- Dust management expectations
- Surface protection for retained finishes
- Daily cleanup and handoff requirements
Common Scope Gaps:
- Undefined finish transition points
- Missing moisture-readiness criteria
- No acceptance checks before installation
- Utility and fixture reconnects not specified
- Edge trim and caulk scope omitted
- No final punch-list process documented
Substrate and Moisture Readiness
Level and Plane
- Verify flatness and plumb conditions before tile or finish floors
- Correct dips, crowns, and seam transitions before underlayment
- Document tolerance checks as part of pre-install signoff
Moisture Control
- Confirm wet-area waterproofing system selection before tile setting
- Perform moisture checks on substrates where required
- Validate cure windows prior to membrane or tile installation
Layout Control
- Establish control lines for flooring and backsplash runs
- Approve tile orientation, joint width, and edge termination
- Review fixture centerlines before drilling and trim-out
Protection and Punch
- Protect finished surfaces while remaining trades complete work
- Track punch items room-by-room with completion dates
- Capture close-out photos and care notes for handoff
Install Sequencing by Scope
Phase 1: Demo and Prep
Remove only what is in scope, correct surfaces, verify moisture conditions, and confirm substrate readiness.
Phase 2: Layout and Material Control
Approve layout, movement joints, transitions, and edge details before permanent installation begins.
Phase 3: Installation and Finish
Set, grout, trim, and seal according to scope acceptance criteria and cure requirements.
Phase 4: Close-Out and Warranty Notes
Complete the punch list, document care guidance, and finalize scope handoff with the owner.
Quality and Close-Out Checks
- Surface quality: Confirm flatness, alignment, and consistent joint spacing
- Transition detailing: Verify thresholds, trims, and edge profiles are complete
- Moisture safety: Validate wet-area continuity at penetrations and change-of-plane points
- Finish review: Check grout, sealant, and trim finish quality under task lighting
- Punch-list closure: Resolve open items before the final invoice milestone
Owner Walkthrough Checklist
Walkthrough Focus Areas:
- Bathroom surfaces, corners, and waterproofing-adjacent details
- Flooring transitions, perimeter conditions, and trim fit
- Backsplash terminal edges, outlet cut quality, and grout finish
- Care instructions and cure-window guidance before full use
- Final scope checklist signed by owner and contractor