Your end-of-day 10-minute construction site checklist

There’s nothing worse than lobbing on a jobsite after leaving it in a shambles the day before. With more than four decades experience in building and construction, Pete Hume says it’s the small details that can often get overlooked and having a construction site checklist will save valuable time. Pete takes us around his construction site as he does his final end-of-day scan, sharing his checklist – each only taking 10 minutes to complete – that will give you and your team the best start to a working day.

“It’s one of the most important things you can do,” Pete, who is also the Night Supervisor on hit TV renovation series The Block, says, adding: “And it’s not that hard to do it right.” But, it all starts with making sure the site is up to scratch (including safety equipment and PPE) before knocking off the day before. “It just makes a job flow a lot better if you think about tomorrow instead of just, ‘Okay, well I'm done for today.’”

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

At a glance: Construction site daily checklist

Do this 10‑minute end‑of‑day construction site checklist to fix hazards, secure access, weather‑proof, clean up, record handover notes and lock up with security enabled.

• Safety and security: Ensure all barriers and/or fencing is in place and any sharp edges or trip hazards are dealt with.
• Weather protection: Are doors and windows closed? Wraps and tarps in place? Are the drains ready if it rains?
• Clean-up: A clean site is a safe site, so don’t let rubbish or debris pile up day-to-day.
• Handover notes: Make a list of handover notes on anything you see, what stage every job is at and take reference pictures or footage (where applicable).
• Lock-up: Do one last circuit before leaving to make sure all potential entries are locked and security cameras are enabled.

Checklist item 1: Construction site safety and security

Quick answer: Scan for trip hazards, sharp edges and penetrations, secure rails, cap services and confirm temporary power is safe off‑ground.

What the tradie says:

Pete’s first check is how secure and safe the jobsite is. At the end of each day, he does a scan around the entire worksite for any trip hazards, safety rails that might have been moved, sharp edges, any penetrations – even something as obvious as an uncovered stair void can be missed in the daily rush.

“I check all services are switched off, temporary power is off the ground, pipes are capped, flooring protection is still solidly down,” he says. “Stair risers, in particular, can come loose if people are up and down them all day and that can be really dangerous for the next person to step on it! I make sure all is secure and ready to roll for the next day.”

Checklist item 2: Weather protection

Quick answer: Check drains, ag pipe and geotextile are connected, wraps/tarps tight and vulnerable areas dry.

What the tradie says:

The weather can turn quickly. Pete always has the right equipment stored onsite (tarps, wraps, drain solutions including geotextiles and ag pipe) to put him and the team ahead of any unexpected weather events. Of course, checking the weather is second nature to Pete, and before leaving the site he checks for areas that are going to cop it should Mother Nature turn.

“Some areas can get a bit of rain, but a lot of products we use won’t cure or dry properly if they’re wet,” Pete says. “If you need to tile a bathroom, for example, and the screed is wet when the team arrives the next day, that work stops.”

His other tip? “Make sure your wraps are tight because if the insulation gets wet, it takes forever to dry!”

Tip: Save yourself time and get what you need delivered straight to your jobsite with our Click & Deliver service.

Checklist item 3: Construction site clean-up

Quick answer: Remove offcuts and debris; wipe adhesives and overspray while wet to avoid costly delays.

What the tradie says:

When Pete and his team get out the trusty broom and vacuum, clearing the site of debris and throwing away offcuts and rubbish so the site’s clean, it’s about more than just making things look good. A dirty site can slow work. He does a quick patrol of the jobsite before locking up to ensure it’s as it should be.

“Overspray, adhesives that can be wiped up while they’re wet but will need scraping later – those sorts of jobs should be done while they can,” Pete explains. “It’ll save you so much time the next day.” Plus, it’s just safer.

“All sites need safe access in and out in case someone has an accident, so you don’t want rubbish hazards in your way,” he says.

Checklist item 4: Handover notes

Quick answer: Note job status, who’s next, blockers and attach timestamped photos for tomorrow’s crew.

What the tradie says:

“I love handover notes,” Pete says, “but they don’t have to be long, just enough so everyone’s up to speed.” Has one coat of waterproofing been done but not the second? Pete notes it down. Did a sparky leave before fitting off that extra general purpose outlet? He jots that down too. “Take pics too,” Pete advises. “It doesn’t have to be a lot, but imagine if someone is sitting in an office and they haven't been to site, they need to be able to read it and look at your pics and know what's happened during the day and what can happen the next day.”

Checklist item 5: Construction site lock-up

Quick answer: Walk the perimeter; lock gates, toolboxes, sheds and doors; arm cameras; set site lights.

What the tradie says:

The very last thing Pete does before walking out of a jobsite is a check that everything’s safe. “I do one big lap right around the whole site and progressively check all gates, toolboxes, sheds, doors and machinery is locked up,” he says. “And then finish with the front gate as you finally leave. It's common sense, but you will be surprised how many times someone will miss something.” Are the security cameras on? Are the site lights on? And, importantly, are all other lights off so the neighbours aren’t kept awake all night? If it’s all good to go, it’s knock-off time!

Tip: Need support with your next construction project or build? The 134 TRADE Bunnings Trade Specialist team is there to quote, source products, sort out delivery and more.

Frequently asked questions

That’s a big part, but making sure a jobsite is good to go for the first trades onsite is as important. Maybe even more so.

Whose job is the site check?

Normally a site foreman or an OHS-designated worker will make the checks, but don’t just walk off leaving things you know someone else will have to fix!

Can I leave things off if I’m running late?

Definitely not! It will slow things down the next day and leave others walking into a potential jobsite disaster.

What are the different safety signs that should be on a construction site?

Having clear, well positioned signage around your construction site ensures everyone on site is safe and across procedures. Signs that can be found on a worksite are:

• Warning signs for hazards
• Mandatory signs for site instructions
• Prohibition signs to signify area restrictions
• Safe conditions signs in case of an emergency
• Fire equipment and marshalling area signs in case of a fire emergency

What do I do if I spot something not up to scratch on the way out?

Make notes, take pics and let the right people know. This will ensure everyone is aware of what they’re walking into tomorrow.

What are some things I should think about when preparing a jobsite for the morning?

• Is the site safe, tidy and rubbish-free for a smooth start to the day?
• Will the first people onsite have the codes or keys they need to get in?
• Is there a car, crane or some kind of plant in the way for an early delivery?
• Does everyone onsite know where yesterday’s jobs are at?