Fillable checklist

Renovation Planning Checklist: Scope Budget and Permits (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable whole-house renovation planner for scope, budget, permits, lead RRP, contractor, and schedule. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Buying & selling Fillable form · 8 sections · 56 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against EPA RRP, HUD, CPSC, and ENERGY STAR · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

Snugage fillable checklist

Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is a whole-project US renovation planner: scope, budget, permits, EPA RRP lead work, contractor vetting, and schedule. It is not a building permit, not a construction contract, and not legal advice. Kitchen demo and finish belong on a kitchen remodel list. Bathroom waterproofing belongs on a bathroom remodel list. Leftover work belongs on a punch list.

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Form details

Property and project

This is a practical planning template, not a building permit, not a construction contract, not legal advice, and not a licensed home inspection. Permit triggers, contractor licensing, and EPA-authorized state RRP programs vary.

15 fields
Property and project

EPA: housing built before 1978 is presumed to have lead-based paint unless a certified determination says otherwise.

EPA RRP generally does not apply to owner DIY in your own home, but it does apply if you rent, run childcare, or renovate to sell.

HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule extra evaluation and clearance apply to HUD-assisted target housing, on top of EPA RRP.

This field records status only. Filling this form does not apply for a permit.

Leave blank if you have not selected anyone.

A planning number only. Not a bid and not a contract price.

Inspection station

Scope and sequence

Define the whole job before you bid or open walls. Mark Skip if a line is not due yet. Mark N/A if it is not in this project. Kitchen cabinet layout, bath waterproofing, and leftover punch items belong on those other lists.

10 items
Scope and sequence

Whole-home walk of envelope, HVAC, water heater, windows, and attic

ENERGY STAR: walk the house first and note age and condition of attic, windows, heating and cooling, and the water heater so you prioritize interdependent systems, not only finishes people can see.

Whole-home walk of envelope, HVAC, water heater, windows, and attic: Done, Skip, or N/A

Written scope: rooms in, rooms out, trades, and exclusions

NAR and FTC: a bid needs a description of the work. List what is included and what is not. Room-specific demo and finish belong on kitchen or bathroom remodel lists, not here.

Written scope: rooms in, rooms out, trades, and exclusions: Done, Skip, or N/A

Envelope and attic air-seal and insulation sequenced before new HVAC

ENERGY STAR: a drafty attic makes a new heating or cooling system work harder. Plan air-sealing and attic insulation before you size or install replacement HVAC when both are in the job.

Envelope and attic air-seal and insulation sequenced before new HVAC: Done, Skip, or N/A

Energy upgrades considered as one plan, not isolated gadgets

ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade groups attic seal and insulation, high-performing windows, heat-pump HVAC, heat-pump water heater, smart thermostat, and electric-ready panel work. Pick what this house actually needs. Mark N/A if energy work is outside this renovation.

Energy upgrades considered as one plan, not isolated gadgets: Done, Skip, or N/A

Occupant living plan if bedrooms, baths, or the kitchen will close

EPA Renovate Right: contained rooms may be unusable until cleaned. Plan alternate sleeping, bathing, and cooking, or a temporary move. CPSC: children and pregnant occupants should leave until work and cleanup are done when lead paint may be disturbed.

Occupant living plan if bedrooms, baths, or the kitchen will close: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pets, furniture, and a separate contractor path planned

EPA Renovate Right: pets can be poisoned by lead and can track dust. Move furniture or wrap what stays. Give the crew a path to the outside that is not the family's usual door when you can.

Pets, furniture, and a separate contractor path planned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Forced-air HVAC shutoff during containment planned

EPA Renovate Right: turn off forced-air heating and cooling so dust does not ride the ducts. Note how that affects occupancy while rooms are sealed.

Forced-air HVAC shutoff during containment planned: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kitchen, bath, and punch lists identified for later, not copied here

This planner stops at whole-project decisions. Use a kitchen remodel list for layout, demo, cabinets, and appliances. Use a bathroom remodel list for waterproofing and fixtures. Use a punch list after substantial completion.

Kitchen, bath, and punch lists identified for later, not copied here: Done, Skip, or N/A

Hidden-condition plan: rot, knob-and-tube, lead, asbestos

EPA: you cannot tell asbestos by looking. Sample floor tile, ceiling tile, or old pipe wrap with an accredited inspector before a renovation that would disturb it. Budget a reserve. Do not treat an unknown as absent.

Hidden-condition plan: rot, knob-and-tube, lead, asbestos: Done, Skip, or N/A

Current tax credits and utility rebates researched for this address

ENERGY STAR: federal tax credits and utility rebates change by product and year. Look up current ENERGY STAR tax-credit and rebate-finder pages. Do not copy a dollar amount onto this form as if it were guaranteed.

Current tax credits and utility rebates researched for this address: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Budget and payments

Mark Done when the money line is written down. This section is an owner budget, not a bid and not a contract price. Down-payment caps vary by state.

8 items
Budget and payments

Written budget: labor, materials, permits, testing, and contingency

Split the owner number into labor, materials, permit fees, lead or asbestos testing, and a contingency for hidden conditions. A single lump sum hides gaps.

Written budget: labor, materials, permits, testing, and contingency: Done, Skip, or N/A

Allowances listed and minimized

NAR: allowances are bid lines whose cost is not yet fixed. They drive the total up later. Ask for a breakdown of materials and products so surprises stay small.

Allowances listed and minimized: Done, Skip, or N/A

Reserve for lead-safe work, asbestos, and clearance if needed

EPA RRP and HUD: certified firms, containment, and (on HUD-assisted housing) clearance cost more than a casual tear-out. Put that money in the plan before you compare bids.

Reserve for lead-safe work, asbestos, and clearance if needed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Several written estimates compared, not auto-lowest

FTC and NAR: get multiple written estimates that include the work, materials, completion date, and price. Do not automatically pick the lowest. Ask why a bid is far apart from the others.

Several written estimates compared, not auto-lowest: Done, Skip, or N/A

Down payment is not the full price, and the state cap is checked

FTC: do not pay the full amount up front. Some states limit the down payment. Ask your state or local consumer agency. Cash-only and leftover-materials door pitches are scam flags.

Down payment is not the full price, and the state cap is checked: Done, Skip, or N/A

Payments tied to work, final withheld until you are satisfied

FTC: never make the final payment until the work is done and you are satisfied. NAR: avoid a contract that asks for a large down payment or full payment before the project is complete.

Payments tied to work, final withheld until you are satisfied: Done, Skip, or N/A

Change-order rule: written price before extra work

FTC: put promises about scope and cost in the written agreement. Extra work without a written price is how a budget blows. This form is not that agreement.

Change-order rule: written price before extra work: Done, Skip, or N/A

Incentive dollars treated as optional, not as the budget

ENERGY STAR tax credits and utility rebates can lower net cost, but eligibility, caps, and years change. Plan the job to be payable if the credit does not land.

Incentive dollars treated as optional, not as the budget: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Permits and inspections

This section records who will apply and which trades may need a permit. Filling this form does not apply for a permit. Local amendments to the IRC vary.

7 items
Permits and inspections

Building official or adopted code asked what this scope needs

IRC R105.1: an owner or agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy, or to install or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, shall first obtain the required permit. Your city may amend that list. Ask. Do not guess from this form.

Building official or adopted code asked what this scope needs: Done, Skip, or N/A

Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and demolition listed if needed

One card may not cover every trade. List each permit the official says this scope needs. Painting-only work is often treated differently from opening walls or moving plumbing. Confirm locally.

Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and demolition listed if needed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Who pulls permits named in writing

FTC: a scam flag is a contractor who tells you to get the building permits. NAR: ask whether the remodeler will secure permits and approvals. Name the person or firm on the plan.

Who pulls permits named in writing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Required inspection hold points on the schedule

Rough electrical, plumbing, mechanical, framing, and final are common hold points when a permit is issued. Put them on the calendar so finishes are not installed over uninspected work. This line does not schedule an inspector.

Required inspection hold points on the schedule: Done, Skip, or N/A

Zoning, setback, and HOA rules checked if the footprint or use changes

Additions, occupancy changes, and exterior work can need zoning or association approval on top of a building permit. Mark N/A if the work stays inside the existing layout with no exterior change.

Zoning, setback, and HOA rules checked if the footprint or use changes: Done, Skip, or N/A

Confirmed this checklist is not the permit application

A file number you write later is a reference only. Submit the city's forms, drawings, and fees through the building department. Occupancy certificates are separate from this planner.

Confirmed this checklist is not the permit application: Done, Skip, or N/A

Which residential code edition the city adopted is confirmed

Many US one- and two-family jobs use an adopted International Residential Code with local amendments. The edition and the amendments change by city. Record the answer from the building department, not from memory.

Which residential code edition the city adopted is confirmed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Lead RRP and other hazards

Pre-1978 paint disturbance is a lead-dust job. Mark N/A if the house is 1978 or later and no other hazard line applies. This section does not certify a firm and does not replace abatement.

12 items
Lead RRP and other hazards

Pre-1978 paint treated as lead unless a certified determination exists

EPA: about three-quarters of pre-1978 US homes still contain some lead-based paint. You may assume it is present, or hire a certified inspector or risk assessor, or have a certified renovator test components with an EPA-recognized kit or lab chips.

Pre-1978 paint treated as lead unless a certified determination exists: Done, Skip, or N/A

Paid work: EPA or authorized-state lead-safe certified firm verified

EPA RRP: anyone paid to disturb paint in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities must use a certified firm and trained renovators. Check epa.gov/getleadsafe or 1-800-424-LEAD. Ask to see the firm certificate and the renovator training certificate.

Paid work: EPA or authorized-state lead-safe certified firm verified: Done, Skip, or N/A

Renovate Right pamphlet received before work, receipt kept

EPA: firms must give owners and occupants the Renovate Right pamphlet before starting covered work, and keep records for three years. Confirm receipt. The pamphlet also applies to window replacement and demolition even when the painted area is small.

Renovate Right pamphlet received before work, receipt kept: Done, Skip, or N/A

Minor-repair exemption checked: 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior

EPA: minor repair and maintenance that disturbs 6 square feet or less of paint per interior room, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior, can be exempt. Window replacement, demolition of painted surfaces, and prohibited methods are never minor repair. Jobs in the same room within 30 days count as one job.

Minor-repair exemption checked: 6 sq ft interior or 20 sq ft exterior: Done, Skip, or N/A

Owner DIY exemption checked against rental, childcare, and flips

EPA: the RRP Rule generally does not apply to homeowners doing the work in their own pre-1978 home. It does apply if you rent all or part of the home, operate childcare, or buy, renovate, and sell. DIY still needs lead-safe setup. CPSC: do not remove lead paint yourself by dry scraping or burning.

Owner DIY exemption checked against rental, childcare, and flips: Done, Skip, or N/A

HUD-assisted unit: Lead Safe Housing Rule plus RRP

HUD: if the property receives HUD rehabilitation assistance, follow LSHR evaluation, notice, lead-safe work, and clearance rules in addition to EPA RRP. HUD's interior de minimis is 2 square feet in any one room, not EPA's 6. Mark N/A if there is no HUD assistance.

HUD-assisted unit: Lead Safe Housing Rule plus RRP: Done, Skip, or N/A

Abatement vs renovation: permanent hazard removal uses abatement credentials

EPA: RRP is renovation, repair, and painting. Abatement is work designed to permanently eliminate lead-based paint hazards and uses different certification. Do not treat an RRP firm card as an abatement credential.

Abatement vs renovation: permanent hazard removal uses abatement credentials: Done, Skip, or N/A

Suspect asbestos sampled by an accredited inspector before disturbance

EPA and CPSC: you cannot tell asbestos by looking. If renovation would disturb floor tile, ceiling tile, old pipe wrap, or similar, have an accredited inspector sample it for a qualified lab. Leave undamaged material alone. Repair or removal belongs to trained asbestos professionals.

Suspect asbestos sampled by an accredited inspector before disturbance: Done, Skip, or N/A

Children and pregnant occupants kept out until cleanup is done

CPSC and EPA: occupants, especially children and pregnant women, should leave until work is finished and cleanup is done when lead paint may be disturbed. Pets too. Plan where they will stay before containment goes up.

Children and pregnant occupants kept out until cleanup is done: Done, Skip, or N/A

Prohibited methods banned in the work plan: flame, heat gun over 1100 F, unshrouded tools

EPA and CPSC: do not use open-flame burning or torching; sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning, or blasting with power tools that lack a shroud and HEPA vacuum; or a heat gun above 1100 F. CPSC indoor-air guide: do not dry-scrape or sand lead paint.

Prohibited methods banned in the work plan: flame, heat gun over 1100 F, unshrouded tools: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cleanup, cleaning verification, and optional dust wipes named

EPA Renovate Right: contain, clean daily, then HEPA vacuum and wet-wipe. Firms must use EPA cleaning verification. Dust-wipe lab tests are optional under RRP unless a contract or HUD rule requires them. HUD recommends clearance when a job creates leaded dust.

Cleanup, cleaning verification, and optional dust wipes named: Done, Skip, or N/A

Paint strippers and high-VOC products planned with ventilation

CPSC indoor-air guide: paint strippers can contain methylene chloride. Use outdoors when you can, or with strong ventilation. Do not store leftover fuels and strippers in the living space. This is an indoor-air line, not a finish-color choice.

Paint strippers and high-VOC products planned with ventilation: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Contractor and written agreement

This section is a vetting to-do. It is not a contract. Mark N/A on a true owner-only DIY job with no paid firm. License and insurance rules vary by state.

11 items
Contractor and written agreement

At least three remodelers interviewed

NAR: interview at least three contractors, gather bids, and research the companies. Ask how long they have been in business and for similar-project references.

At least three remodelers interviewed: Done, Skip, or N/A

License confirmed with the state or county, not only a card in hand

FTC: consider only contractors who are licensed and insured. Check with your state or county. NAR: confirm the license matches the work to be performed.

License confirmed with the state or county, not only a card in hand: Done, Skip, or N/A

Liability insurance (and workers' compensation if they have employees) verified active

FTC and NAR: ask for proof of insurance and verify the policy is active. NAR: ask how much coverage they carry and what it covers. Bonding is separate from insurance.

Liability insurance (and workers' compensation if they have employees) verified active: Done, Skip, or N/A

Written estimate includes work, materials, date, and price

FTC: a written estimate should include a description of the work, materials, completion date, and the price. Get more than one. Read reviews with a critical eye and check consumer-protection complaints.

Written estimate includes work, materials, date, and price: Done, Skip, or N/A

Firm certification and renovator training certificate copied for pre-1978 work

EPA Renovate Right: verify certification at epa.gov/getleadsafe. Ask what lead-safe methods they will use to set up, work, and clean. Specify those methods in the later contract. Mark N/A if the house is 1978 or later.

Firm certification and renovator training certificate copied for pre-1978 work: Done, Skip, or N/A

Three recent pre-1978 jobs called

EPA Renovate Right: ask for references from at least three recent jobs in homes built before 1978, and speak to each personally. Mark N/A if this house is 1978 or later and lead is not in the scope.

Three recent pre-1978 jobs called: Done, Skip, or N/A

Who will be on site: employees or subcontractors

NAR: ask who will work on the project and whether they are employees or subcontractors. EPA: people who disturb paint for the firm still need renovator certification or on-the-job training by a certified renovator.

Who will be on site: employees or subcontractors: Done, Skip, or N/A

Permit responsibility is in the bid, not pushed onto you as a dodge

FTC: scammers ask you to get any required building permits. NAR: ask whether they will secure permits and approvals. A competent contractor knows the local process.

Permit responsibility is in the bid, not pushed onto you as a dodge: Done, Skip, or N/A

Written agreement reviewed: name, address, license, dates, scope, blanks filled

FTC: even if your state does not require a written agreement, ask for one. It should include name, address, phone, license number, start and completion dates, and promises about scope and cost. Fill every blank. This checklist is not that agreement.

Written agreement reviewed: name, address, license, dates, scope, blanks filled: Done, Skip, or N/A

Three-business-day cancel right checked if signed away from their office

FTC: if you signed in your home or at a place that is not the seller's permanent place of business, the contract should state your right to cancel within three business days. Rules vary. This form does not start that clock.

Three-business-day cancel right checked if signed away from their office: Done, Skip, or N/A

Door-knock, leftover-materials, cash-only, and contractor-picked loans refused

FTC scam flags: they are 'in the area,' they have leftover materials, they pressure an immediate decision, they want everything up front or cash only, they want you to pull permits, or they steer you to a lender they know. Do not sign blank loan papers.

Door-knock, leftover-materials, cash-only, and contractor-picked loans refused: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Schedule and close-out plan

Put dates on the plan so occupancy, inspections, and envelope-before-HVAC actually happen. Leftover finish items belong on a punch list after this planner is done.

8 items
Schedule and close-out plan

Start and completion dates written on the plan

FTC and NAR: the written agreement should include estimated start and completion dates. Copy those dates here so occupancy and inspections can be planned. Weather and materials can move them. Record a change; do not hide it.

Start and completion dates written on the plan: Done, Skip, or N/A

Long-lead materials ordered or dated before demolition

Do not open walls until cabinets, windows, HVAC equipment, or other long-lead pieces have a delivery you can live with. This is a project-level hold, not a kitchen layout measurement.

Long-lead materials ordered or dated before demolition: Done, Skip, or N/A

Relocation or room-closure dates match containment

EPA Renovate Right: contained rooms stay closed until cleaned and the plastic comes down. Align family move dates, pet boarding, and HVAC-off days with that window.

Relocation or room-closure dates match containment: Done, Skip, or N/A

Attic air-seal and insulation dated before HVAC change-out

ENERGY STAR: seal and insulate the attic before you install a new heating or cooling system when both are in the job. Put that sequence on the calendar, not only in the scope narrative.

Attic air-seal and insulation dated before HVAC change-out: Done, Skip, or N/A

Permit inspection days blocked so finishes wait

Leave calendar space for rough and final inspections the building official requires. Covering work before it is inspected can force tear-out. This line does not book the inspector.

Permit inspection days blocked so finishes wait: Done, Skip, or N/A

Pamphlet receipt, firm certs, photos, and change orders filed

EPA: certified firms must keep RRP records for three years. Keep your own copies of the pamphlet receipt, certificates, before-and-after photos, and written changes. HUD-assisted jobs also need evaluation and clearance notices.

Pamphlet receipt, firm certs, photos, and change orders filed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Final leftover work assigned to a punch list, not this planner

After substantial completion, move paint touch-ups, missing hardware, and incomplete trades onto a punch list. This form is whole-project planning. It is not the remaining-work log.

Final leftover work assigned to a punch list, not this planner: Done, Skip, or N/A

Final payment held until work, cleanup, and required inspections are done

FTC: never make the final payment until the work is done and you are satisfied. For pre-1978 paid work, that includes the required cleaning verification (and HUD clearance if LSHR applies).

Final payment held until work, cleanup, and required inspections are done: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Open items and sign-off

Signing this template does not issue a permit, close a contract, or replace a licensed inspection. If lead-dust work or asbestos disturbance is still unplanned, pick Licensed firm needed.

9 fields
Open items and sign-off

A planning date only. Not an official inspection request.

File or card number if one exists. This is not a permit application.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Draw your signature, or upload an image to replace it.

Leave blank if no contractor reviewed the plan.

Done with this walkaround?

Download a filled or blank PDF, or a CSV. Answers stay in this tab. The next visitor sees a blank form.

References

  1. Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program - US EPA
  2. Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right - US EPA
  3. The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right - US EPA
  4. Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home - EPA, CPSC, and HUD
  5. The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality - CPSC
  6. HUD Guidelines Chapter 4: Lead-Based Paint and Housing Renovation
  7. HUD Guidelines Chapter 6: Ongoing Lead-Safe Maintenance
  8. Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions - US EPA
  9. Optimize Project Planning for Whole-Home Efficiency - ENERGY STAR
  10. ENERGY STAR Home Upgrade
  11. How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam - FTC
  12. Consumer Guide: Hiring a Remodeling Contractor - NAR
  13. IRC Section R105.1 permit required - ICC Group B residential proposal

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.