Printable Forms
The following printable forms have been included for your convenience:
- Universal Home Design Checklist
- Contractor Reference Checklist
- Contractor Selection Checklist
- Contract Content Checklist
Universal Home Design Checklist
Is your home a “lifetime” home; one that will meet the needs of each family member for the duration of their life – regardless of age or physical ability? A home with universal design creates a safe environment with adapting features that will benefit all persons.
Use the handy checklist below to determine how universal design friendly your home is, and what can be done to make it more so.
| YES | NO | |
| The kitchen is located near the door where groceries are brought into the house | ||
| The kitchen floor has a non-slip surface floor using one-sided tape rugs are non-slip or are attached to the floor using one-sided tape | ||
| There is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen in an easy-to-reach place | ||
| There is at least one kitchen counter that is only 36-inches high with knee space underneath | ||
| Cabinets have u-shaped handles lower cabinets have slide out shelves | ||
| There is a Lazy Susan to reach difficult to access things stored on deep shelves | ||
| Drawers have special easy-slide hardware | ||
| Counter edges are a contrasting color and are rounded | ||
| Counters are at a height that can be used while sitting | ||
| Counters have leg space underneath | ||
| Sink hot and cold water controls are located on the side | ||
| Sinks have lever faucet handles, and anti-scald devices | ||
| Sinks have leg space underneath | ||
| The refrigerator is a side-by-side model regular refrigeration on one side, and freezer space on the other | ||
| There is a wall oven at a convenient height | ||
| Oven doors swing to the side | ||
| The microwave has a touch pad, with a heat-resistant counter nearby | ||
| Appliances have push-button controls | ||
| The stove has clearly marked controls located on the front | ||
| Traffic areas throughout the house are wide enough for wheelchair use | ||
| All doors have lever handles | ||
| All light switches are easy push rocker style | ||
| There is a garbage disposal | ||
| There is a trash compactor | ||
| There is a bedroom on the ground floor | ||
| There is a walk-in closet wide enough for a wheelchair | ||
| The shower is a walk-in | ||
| There is a hand-held shower head | ||
| There is a bath seat in the shower | ||
| There is enough space to transfer from a wheelchair to the toilet | ||
| There is a bathroom on the ground floor | ||
| There are grab bars near the bathtub and toilet | ||
| There is a slip-proof transfer bench near the bathtub | ||
| There is an elevated toilet or toilet seat | ||
| There is a phone in the bathroom | ||
| Phones have a high volume ring and large keypads | ||
| Smoke detectors have strobe lights | ||
| Electrical outlets are 27-inches off the floor | ||
| The house uses increased wattage light bulbs, with uniform lighting throughout | ||
| Steps are a contrasting color from the surrounding area | ||
| Stairways have handrails on both sides | ||
| Stairways have a slip-resistant surface | ||
| Doorways are wide enough for a walker or wheelchair | ||
| Floors are slip-resistant | ||
| Area rugs are slip-proof, or held in place with double sided tape | ||
| Carpet has low pile, and a firm pad | ||
| The front door features a ramp with handrails on both sides | ||
| There is an automatic garage door opener | ||
| The driveway is smooth, but not slippery |
Contractor Reference Checklist
Use the handy checklist below when making contact with contractor references; previous customers who can provide valuable insight. Not only in regards to the contractor’s skills, but also how easy the contractor was to work with, how reliable they were, how well they communicated throughout the project, and how well they adhered to the contract.
Name of contractor: _________________________________________________________________
Company name: ___________________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________ Tele. #: ________________
Reference Name: _____________________________________________ Tele. #: _______________
Date Contacted: ____/_____/200__
What work did the reference have done?
When was the work completed?
How did the reference hear about this contractor?
Did the reference interview other contractors before hiring this one? Yes No
If yes, why was this contractor chosen?___________________________________________________
What responsibilities did this contractor have for the project? __________________________________
What was the best aspect of working with this contractor?____________________________________
Would the reference ever hire this contractor again? Yes No
If no – why? ______________________________________________________________________
Fill in using the following rating system: = poor / = fair / = good / = excellent
| Quality of work | ||
| Ease to work with | ||
| Kept to budget | ||
| Kept to schedule | ||
| Adhered to Contract | ||
| Work site kept clean and organized | ||
| Cleaned up site area at the end of each day | ||
| Communicated with project owner throughout project | ||
| Kept project owner informed of progress | ||
| Offered sound advice, good suggestions | ||
| Was willing to work through problems | ||
| Was easy to talk to | ||
| Was easy to work with | ||
| Managed crew members and any sub-contractors well | ||
| Delivered what was promised |
Contractor Selection Checklist
Once your project requirements have been outlined on paper, you are ready to select a contractor. Select 3 or 4 candidates you feel most comfortable with and request project bids from each:
Name of contractor #1: ________________________________Co: ________________________________
Name of contractor #2: ________________________________Co: ________________________________
Name of contractor #3: ________________________________Co: ________________________________
Name of contractor #4:________________________________ Co: ________________________________
Before the person-to-person interview, provide each candidate with an exact copy of your detailed project requirements in order to compare bids accurately and fairly. Use the handy checklist below to assist you in assessing each contractor and their bid.
| Contractor #1 | Contractor #2 | Contractor #3 | Contractor #4 | |
| Visual proof of contractor license? | ||||
| Visual proof of insurance / bond? | ||||
| Visual proof of Workman’s Comp coverage? | ||||
| Did contractor provide customer references? | ||||
| Reference list checked out? | ||||
| List of trade & supplier references provided? | ||||
| Reference list checked out? | ||||
| Checked for complaints against the contractor (Dept. Bldg, BBB, etc.) | ||||
| Has contractor has done similar projects? | ||||
| I have seen other work completed by the contractor, similar to my own | ||||
| Does contractor provide design services? | ||||
| What range of services does the contractor offer? | ||||
| Contractor provided detailed itemized bid w/itemized charges both for labor and materials, as well as start and finish dates | ||||
| Contractor provided list of acceptable substitute materials, if they are required | ||||
| Contractor offers warranties on materials and workmanship | ||||
| Contractor will be onsite to supervise crew members and any sub-contractors | ||||
| Will contractor be working on other projects simultaneously with my own? | ||||
| Was the contractor easy to talk to? | ||||
| Was the contractor businesslike and professional? | ||||
| Comfort level: “I would feel comfortable working with this contractor” (rate using a 1 to 5 scale; 1 being the lowest score) |
Contract Content Checklist
Before signing the agreement for your home renovation project, make sure you read the contract thoroughly. Use this handy checklist to make sure pertinent information is clearly detailed.
| Details to Include | In Contract | Missing | Notes |
| Contractor’s name, address, telephone number | |||
| Homeowners name, address, telephone number | |||
| Address of construction site | |||
| Contractor’s license number | |||
| Contractor’s insurance and bond | |||
| Information on sub-contractual labor, if any | |||
| Detailed description of work | |||
| Who will be responsible for obtaining all necessary building permits | |||
| Itemized materials | |||
| Material specifics – including manufacturer, model, grade or quality | |||
| Substitute materials if necessary; manufacturer, model, grade, etc. | |||
| Costs for materials | |||
| Costs for labor | |||
| Total cost | |||
| Starting and finishing dates | |||
| Agreed upon delays (i.e. adverse weather conditions, delayed material arrival, etc.) |
Notes: you may have the right to cancel the contract within 3 business days if the contact was signed in your home. Check with a local building inspector or an attorney to find whether this is true in your area.