Operating checklist
Subcontractor compliance checklist for residential remodelers
A project-ready checklist for trade agreements, insurance, tax records, licenses, scope, safety, and expiration ownership.
By Tyler Thompson, residential remodeling contractor and product founder · Updated 2026-08-24
Answer first
A subcontractor record is usable only when the company can tell who is approved for which work, which documents expire, who owns renewal, and whether the project assignment is commercially clear.
Company qualification
- Legal business name and primary contacts
- Trade capabilities and service area
- License or registration where applicable
- References and work-quality review
- Signed subcontract or master trade agreement
Insurance and tax record
- Current certificate of insurance from the issuing channel
- Required general liability, auto, workers compensation, and umbrella limits
- Correct certificate holder and additional-insured requirements where contracted
- W-9 and tax classification
- Expiration date, renewal owner, and stop-work rule
Project assignment
- Written scope, exclusions, price, and payment terms
- Current drawings, specifications, selections, and change process
- Schedule window, access, protection, cleanup, and communication rules
- Permit and inspection responsibility
- Closeout, lien release, warranty, and document requirements