Construction Startup Checklist

Full Description

This construction project startup checklist helps your team get organized in the first weeks of a new job. The start of a construction project is a hectic time, and it is easy to miss steps. A master startup checklist lets you assign tasks to key people, track whether they are done and set the project up for success.

What is a construction project startup checklist?

A construction project startup checklist is a list of the tasks a contractor needs to complete between contract award and full production on site. It typically covers contracts and insurance, permits, schedule and budget setup, procurement, subcontractor agreements, safety and quality plans, site logistics and project communication. Working from one checklist means nothing important is forgotten, responsibilities are clear and the project team starts from the same plan.

When to use it

• Right after contract award or notice to proceed
• When handing a project over from the estimating team to the project team
• Before mobilizing to site
• At the project startup meeting, to assign tasks and due dates
• As a company standard, so every project starts the same way

What’s included

This is a master startup checklist in spreadsheet (.xlsx) format. It features hundreds of items for your team to focus on during the startup phase. You can assign each task to a key employee and check off whether it is done, so the project manager can see what is still open at a glance.

How to fill it out

1. Enter the project name, number, client and key dates.
2. Remove any items that do not apply to this project and add any that are specific to it.
3. Assign an owner to each item, such as the project manager, superintendent, estimator or safety lead.
4. Set a due date for each task based on the mobilization date.
5. Review the checklist at your startup meeting and at weekly project meetings.
6. Mark items complete as they are done and follow up on anything overdue.
7. Keep the completed checklist in the project file.

Tips

• Start the checklist before mobilization. Long-lead items like permits and procurement cannot wait.
• Hold a formal handover meeting with the estimator so assumptions and exclusions are not lost.
• Use the checklist to brief new team members on what has been set up.
• After each project, update your master checklist with lessons learned.

Related templates and guides

• Construction Startup Meeting Template
• Construction Safety Startup Checklist
• Project Contact List
• Why Your Project Needs A Project Startup Checklist
• Seven Steps to Construction Startup

Frequently asked questions

What should be on a construction startup checklist?

Typical items include executing the contract, collecting insurance and bonds, applying for permits, setting up the schedule and budget, buying out subcontracts and long-lead materials, preparing safety and quality plans, planning site logistics and setting up project contacts, document control and meetings.

Who is responsible for project startup?

The project manager usually owns the startup process, with tasks assigned to the superintendent, estimator, project coordinator, safety lead and accounting. The checklist makes each person’s responsibilities clear and gives the project manager one place to track progress.

When does project startup begin?

Startup should begin as soon as the contract is awarded, and often before the notice to proceed if the schedule is tight. Many tasks, such as permits, submittals and procurement, need weeks of lead time before crews arrive on site.

What is the difference between preconstruction and project startup?

Preconstruction covers planning, design input, estimating and budgeting before the contract is signed or the price is fixed. Project startup is the set of administrative and site setup tasks that turn the awarded contract into an organized, working project.

Can I use this checklist for small projects?

Yes. On small jobs, simply mark items that do not apply as not required. Keeping the same master list on every project helps make sure nothing is missed, whatever the size of the job.