Details are everything. From costs and scopes of work to contractor information and project management processes, success often hinges on your ability to track and recall information. But relying solely on memory? That’s a recipe for costly mistakes and wasted time.

At The Rehabber’s Playbook (TRP), one of our key tenets is “document everything.” In fact, TRP itself was born from meticulously documenting the processes and lessons learned from hundreds of rehabs and new builds. Today, our members take this principle to heart, using it to systematize their businesses and contribute even more valuable resources to the TRP platform.

Why Documentation Matters

Failing to document your work can lead to:

• Missed Details: Forgetting key information like budget breakdowns, permit requirements, or material specs can delay projects or inflate costs.
• Starting from Scratch: Without documented processes, you may find yourself starting from scratch every time.
• Inconsistent Results: A lack of standardization can lead to inefficiencies, errors, or even legal troubles.

By documenting everything, you create a roadmap for success that saves time, reduces stress, and helps your business scale seamlessly.

What Should You Document?

Here are some examples of critical items to document:

• Budget Templates: Start each project with a nearly complete budget. With TRP’s templates, you simply add, subtract, or adjust to match your needs.
• Scope of Work (SOW) Templates: Avoid starting from scratch by creating SOW templates that outline tasks, materials, and deadlines for every type of project.

Imagine creating a budget or SOW in minutes instead of hours. That’s the power of documentation and ready-to-use templates—and it’s why TRP members rave about the efficiency and ease it brings to their businesses.

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Document repeatable processes like hiring contractors, ordering materials, and managing inspections to streamline your workflow.
• Permit Checklists: Every jurisdiction has unique requirements. Keep a checklist for permits to avoid costly delays and ensure compliance.
• Onboarding Processes: Whether it’s a new team member or a contractor, having a clear onboarding process ensures everyone is aligned and productive from day one.
• Site Management Checklists: From safety protocols to daily progress logs, document site management practices to maintain efficiency and accountability.
• Vendor and Contractor Details: Keep records of contact information, pricing, and reviews for every vendor and contractor you work with to simplify future projects.

Templates: A Cornerstone of TRP

One of the most significant advantages of documenting everything is the ability to build and use templates. At TRP, we pride ourselves on providing members with ready-to-use templates for budgets, scopes of work, and more. These tools allow you to start each project from a strong foundation, saving time and ensuring consistency.

Start Documenting Today

If you’re ready to level up your rehabbing or building business, it’s time to embrace documentation as a core practice. Not only will it save you time and effort, but it will also set you apart as a professional who delivers consistent, high-quality results.

Need help getting started? Join The Rehabber’s Playbook and gain access to the templates, resources, and community support that will help you document everything—and transform your business.