Before starting any construction work, it’s vitally important that you have a site establishment checklist on hand.
Checklist can come in handy to keep track of all the things to be done in any situation. And it is ideal to have a checklist right before the most important stage of renovation or construction – the on-site work.
It’s there to help you prepare the building site so the renovation process can begin.
What is a Site Establishment Checklist?
Site establishment checklist will make sure you have done all the required safety measures and preparation for the upcoming site work to proceed without any hiccups.
Site establishment includes things like:
- Protection to floors and existing surfaces.
- Safety signs and first aid equipment.
- Designated areas for material deliveries and rubbish etc.
It’s during this stage (or day on site) that you will also need to locate all of your mains services like water supply, gas and electricity.
- Know where they’re located in case of an emergency.
- Don’t scramble around trying to find a buried water meter at the last minute.
Below is an example of a checklist that I use for site establishment (note: if you’ve enrolled in the How To Renovate A Bathroom video course, all these templates are included).
Below is the demonstration on how to use the site establishment checklist.
Keep The Neighbours Informed!
This is also the time you’ll want to let your neighbours know when you intend to start with your renovation.
- A letter dropped into the mailbox of your surrounding neighbours is all you need.
- Let them know to expect a little noise and dust for a few weeks.
- Give them a heads up if parking will be an issue due to tradesmen trucks and deliveries.
Here’s an example of a standard template letter that you could use.
You can download the Neighbours letter template here.
By doing this upfront you can save yourself a lot of headache by not surprising your neighbours with it. And remember that you have to live with these guys longer than the duration of your renovation project, so be mindful.
How to Perform Site Establishment
Site establishment can be anywhere from a couple of hours to take care of a few basics, through to a couple of days for larger projects.
Below are some of the typical site establishment checklist items for a bathroom renovation.
Site Establishment Checklist
1) Neighbour notification letters
Inform your neighbours of intended start date and site contact numbers.
Do this at least 2 weeks prior to starting on site.
2) First Aid equipment
To be stored on site in a prominent location.
Include for any site inductions with new contractors on site.
3) Site amenities
Including toilets, running water, site sheds, tool lock ups, lunchrooms, etc.
4) Permits
May need to be obtained from local authorities for project specific items i.e. skip bins, work zones or traffic control items.
5) Traffic control
Needs to be considered for organizing deliveries and managing pedestrians.
6) Plumbing and electrical services
Need to be disconnected to work zones prior to construction.
Temporary utilities may need to be installed for the duration of the build.
7) Signage
Builders contact details.
Private certifiers (if you have one) contact details.
Relevant warning signs.
Location of site office signs or any safety and induction signs to be erected on the site fence or in a prominent location.
8) Dial before you dig services
Is required before arriving on site.
This ensures that any authorities services or mains will not be damaged during construction.
9) Insurances
To cover the type of work being undertaken during construction.
Homeowners household insurances may need to be varied or amended during the course of the building works.
Includes insurances like:
- Public liability.
- Workers compensation.
- Construction all risk.
- Homeowners warranty.
10) Check approved development application
Ensure your DA is installed or considered at the time of the site establishment being carried out.
As I mentioned before, every bathroom renovation project is different so you’ll need to do some research well in advance to see what requirements need to be in place. By using a site establishment checklist you’ll ensure that all bases are covered.
The one thing I can’t stress enough though is to plan ahead and have everything ready for day one.
You don’t want be putting these measures in place during the project as it could be unsafe for anyone on site. You could also potentially risk heavy fines from authorities is you’re found not to be compliant with the requirements in your DA.
How to get site establishment checklist?
The site establishment checklist I use is available free for download with the Bathroom renovation course that will help both builders and owners to take up bathroom refresh.
Check out the bathroom renovation course for a complete guide on managing renovation projects.
If you have any questions let me know – I’m always happy to help!
Enjoy your renovation.
All the best,
James Mason
