GROWTH & SCALE
100+ SOP TOPICS
EVERY BUILDER NEEDS
Systematize Your Operations & Build a Predictable Business
Congratulations on taking a big step toward building a strong foundation of processes for your business! Inside this resource, you'll find a comprehensive series of standard operating procedures (SOP) topics that will help guide your systemization journey.

by Grant Fuellenbach

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Table of contents
  • WHAT IS AN SOP?
WHAT IS AN SOP?
Great question! SOPs are detailed instructions that guide the reader toward achieving a specific result. Like recipes in a cookbook, SOPs are typically titled based on the end result they're providing. For example, your SOP for "How to Invoice a Client" would outline all the steps—big and small!—you'd need to complete in order to send an invoice.

WHY DO CONSTRUCTION TEAMS CREATE SOPS?

Consistent quality across all projects regardless of which team members are involved Reduced errors and rework saving time and protecting your margins Improved safety performance and compliance with regulations Easier onboarding for new team members (crucial during labor shortages) Protection against knowledge loss when key employees leave Scalability that allows your business to grow without chaos SOPs are one of the easiest ways to start systemizing your operations because they're easy to create, search through, and update. When you're looking to document institutional knowledge (and get it out of human brains for safe-keeping!), SOPs are the go-to option.

WHAT DOES THIS RESOURCE PROVIDE?

Comprehensive SOP Topics This SOP toolkit is intended to help you start thinking about which SOPs you need in your business to systematize operations and ultimately grow your construction company. We've curated a comprehensive list of SOP topics specifically for construction and remodeling businesses. Important Note Please note: We're providing SOP topics and not pre-written SOPs—that's intentional! The content of standard operating procedures must be completely unique to your team's processes, technology, and people. Your SOPs need to reflect YOUR reality, not ours!

Please note that we’re providing SOP topics and not pre-written SOPs -- that’s intentional! The content of standard operating procedures will be completely unique to your teams’ processes, technology, and people. Your SOPs need to reflect your reality, not ours!
WHAT SHOULD MY SOP LOOK LIKE?
FAQs
Outline common roadblocks or issues that might arise
Procedure
Provide your step-by-step "recipe" with clear responsibilities
Purpose
Define why this process matters and what it achieves
SOP structure can be as simple or complex as you prefer. At GO First, we recommend you keep it simple by including just three sections.

SOP TOPIC CHECKLISTS

Identify Key Areas Focus on critical business functions Document Processes Create clear step-by-step instructions Implement With Team Train staff on following procedures

SALES & CLIENT ACQUISITION
The foundation of your revenue pipeline. These SOPs ensure consistent lead generation, professional client interactions, and profitable project acquisition.
MARKETING
  • How to Draft a Newsletter
  • How to Schedule a Newsletter
  • How to Upload Subtitles for a YouTube Video
  • How to Manually Create Social Media Posts
  • How to Draft a Blog Post
  • How to Proofread a Blog Post
  • How to Schedule a YouTube Video
  • How to Select Which Ideas to Turn Into Content
  • How to Collect Ideas/Feedback from our Audience
  • How to Design a Thumbnail
  • How to Pitch Services/Offerings in a Facebook Group
  • How to Respond to Facebook Questions in the Facebook Group
  • How to Accept New Members in the Facebook Group
  • How to Welcome New Members in the Facebook Group
  • How to Collect Testimonials From Our Public Audience
  • How to Book Speaking Gigs/Podcast Appearances
  • How to Audit an Opt-in/Freebie
  • How to Review Content Before it Gets Published
  • How to Create an Email Automation
  • How to Complete Quarterly Competitor Research
  • How to Respond to YouTube Comments
  • How to Respond to Sponsorship Requests
  • How to Respond to Requests for Discounts
  • How to Schedule a Livestream
  • How to Reply to Social Media Messages
  • How to A/B Test with our Newsletter
  • How to Schedule Social Media Posts
SALES
  • How to Create a Comprehensive Client Avatar/Profile
  • How to Respond to Initial Client Inquiries
  • How to Conduct the First Client Consultation
  • How to Prepare a Preliminary Budget for Clients
  • How to Create a Compelling Project Proposal
  • How to Qualify Leads Based on Project Fit
  • How to Present and Pitch Your Services
  • How to Follow Up with Prospects
  • How to Structure a Design/Build Contract
  • How to Gather and Leverage Client Testimonials
  • How to Conduct a Competitive Analysis
  • How to Handle Client Objections
  • How to Determine Accurate Profit Margins
  • How to Charge for Initial Consultations and Designs
  • How to Measure Sales Team Performance
  • How to Generate More Referrals from Past Clients
  • How to Properly Document Client Requirements
  • How to Create and Present a Project Timeline
  • How to Set Realistic Client Expectations
  • How to Transition from Sales to Production
PRE-CONSTRUCTION & PLANNING
The planning phase sets your projects up for success. These SOPs ensure thorough preparation before the first hammer swings.
Project Planning
Thorough planning is essential for project success, involving detailed schedules, budgets, and risk assessments.
Site Analysis
Comprehensive site evaluation helps identify potential challenges and informs logistics planning.
Permit Acquisition
Securing proper permits is a critical step in the pre-construction phase to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • How to Conduct a Thorough Site Assessment
  • How to Coordinate with Design Teams
  • How to Develop a Detailed Scope of Work
  • How to Create Accurate Construction Estimates
  • How to Identify and Manage Project Risks
  • How to Set Up a Project Schedule
  • How to Secure Required Permits and Approvals
  • How to Select and Qualify Subcontractors
  • How to Procure Materials and Equipment
  • How to Conduct a Pre-Construction Meeting
  • How to Prepare Project Documentation
  • How to Set Up Project Management Software
  • How to Perform Constructability Reviews
  • How to Conduct Zoning and Code Analysis
  • How to Create a Site Logistics Plan
  • How to Coordinate with Engineering Consultants
  • How to Develop a Project Communication Plan
  • How to Set Up Project Filing Systems
  • How to Create a Project Budget Control System
  • How to Establish Project KPIs
PROJECT EXECUTION
The build phase is where chaos can reign without strong SOPs. These procedures ensure consistent, high-quality execution.
ACTIVE OPERATIONS
  • How to Conduct Daily Site Management
  • How to Run Effective Project Meetings
  • How to Track Labor Hours and Productivity
  • How to Document Project Progress
  • How to Implement the Last Planner System
  • How to Process RFIs (Requests for Information)
  • How to Manage Submittals and Approvals
  • How to Process and Document Change Orders
  • How to Perform Quality Control Inspections
  • How to Coordinate Multiple Subcontractors
  • How to Conduct Safety Orientations and Meetings
  • How to Identify and Address Construction Defects
  • How to Maintain Daily Logs and Reports
  • How to Update Project Schedules
  • How to Manage Material Deliveries and Storage
  • How to Track Project Costs Against Budget
  • How to Implement Lean Construction Techniques
  • How to Conduct Client Progress Meetings
  • How to Properly Document Field Changes
  • How to Manage Project Cash Flow
QUALITY & SAFETY
  • How to Create a Comprehensive Safety Program
  • How to Conduct Job Hazard Analysis
  • How to Implement OSHA Requirements
  • How to Conduct Safety Training Sessions
  • How to Perform Safety Audits and Inspections
  • How to Manage Safety Incidents and Near Misses
  • How to Select and Maintain Personal Protective Equipment
  • How to Create Quality Control Checklists
  • How to Implement a Quality Management System
  • How to Train Employees on Quality Standards
  • How to Validate Subcontractor Work Quality
  • How to Correct Quality Deficiencies
  • How to Implement Safety Incentive Programs
  • How to Create Emergency Response Plans
  • How to Conduct Jobsite Safety Meetings
  • How to Document Safety Compliance
PROJECT CLOSEOUT & CLIENT RETENTION
Finishing strong creates satisfied clients and future referrals. These SOPs ensure smooth project completion.
  • How to Conduct a Final Quality Inspection
  • How to Create and Manage Punch Lists
  • How to Prepare Project Close-out Documentation
  • How to Conduct Project Handover to Clients
  • How to Process Final Payments and Retainage
  • How to Provide Warranty Documentation
  • How to Handle Warranty Service Requests
  • How to Conduct Post-Project Client Surveys
  • How to Analyze Project Profitability
  • How to Conduct Post-Project Team Reviews
  • How to Document Lessons Learned
  • How to Obtain Final Regulatory Approvals
  • How to Create As-Built Documentation
  • How to Close Out Subcontractor Contracts
  • How to Archive Project Records
  • How to Implement Post-Project Improvements
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Profit isn't just about winning projects—it's about managing them effectively. These SOPs protect your margins.
Track Project Costs
  • Monitor expenses against budget in real-time
Process Payments
  • Manage client billing and vendor payments efficiently
Handle Change Orders
  • Document and price all scope changes properly
Conduct Financial Reviews
  • Regularly analyze project performance metrics
TEAM & SUBCONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT
Your people determine your success. These SOPs ensure effective team management.
Employee Management
  • How to Recruit and Hire Field Staff
  • How to Onboard New Employees
  • How to Train Field Personnel
  • How to Conduct Employee Performance Reviews
  • How to Implement Progressive Discipline
  • How to Document Employee Safety Training
  • How to Handle Team Conflicts
  • How to Implement Incentive Programs
  • How to Conduct Team Building Activities
Subcontractor Management
  • How to Qualify New Subcontractors
  • How to Develop Subcontractor Agreements
  • How to Evaluate Subcontractor Performance
  • How to Address Subcontractor Issues
  • How to Schedule Subcontractor Work
  • How to Manage Subcontractor Documentation
Policy & Development
  • How to Manage Remote Workers
  • How to Enforce Company Policies
  • How to Develop Career Progression Plans
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
These foundational SOPs support your entire business infrastructure.
Strategic Planning
  • How to Create Annual Business Plans
  • How to Conduct Strategic Planning Sessions
  • How to Create and Monitor Departmental Budgets
  • How to Manage Company Finances and Cash Flow
  • How to Implement Tax Planning Strategies
  • How to Establish and Monitor Company KPIs
  • How to Create a Company Organizational Chart
  • How to Develop a Leadership Training Program
  • How to Structure Incentive Programs
Operations Management
  • How to Implement Effective Meeting Rhythms
  • How to Recruit and Hire Quality Employees
  • How to Onboard New Team Members
  • How to Evaluate Employee Performance
  • How to Develop and Update a Company Handbook
  • How to Process Payroll and Benefits
  • How to Ensure Regulatory Compliance
  • How to Secure Construction Insurance
  • How to Create and Maintain Vendor Relationships
Technology & Systems
  • How to Implement Project Management Software
  • How to Use Building Information Modeling (BIM)
  • How to Create Digital Document Management Systems
  • How to Leverage Mobile Technology in the Field
  • How to Use Estimating Software Effectively
  • How to Create Digital Photo/Video Documentation
  • How to Implement Digital Time Tracking
  • How to Create and Manage Digital Workflows
  • How to Select Construction Technology Tools
  • How to Train Team Members on Technology
  • How to Secure Digital Construction Data
  • How to Create Digital Training Resources
  • How to Integrate Software Systems
  • How to Maintain Technology Infrastructure
  • How to Use Data Analytics for Business Decisions
  • How to Create a Technology Roadmap
Implementing SOPs in Your Construction Business
Now that you have this comprehensive list, don't get overwhelmed!
Remember, implementing SOPs is a journey, not an overnight transformation. Here are some practical next steps:
1
Start Small
Identify your top 3-5 most critical or problematic processes and create SOPs for those first
2
Involve Your Team
Get input from the people who actually do the work before finalizing any SOP
3
Make Them Accessible
Store SOPs where your team can easily access them (digital is best)
4
Train Consistently
Don't just distribute SOPs; actually train your team on using them
5
Review Regularly
Set calendar reminders to review and update SOPs at least annually
Ready to Transform Your Construction Business?
If you're serious about taking your construction business to the next level through systemization, I'm here to help. At GO First, we specialize in helping construction business owners implement the systems and processes that allow them to:
  • Win more high-value projects
  • Increase profit margins
  • Reduce daily operational stress
  • Scale without sacrificing quality
To learn more about how we can help you implement these SOPs and create a truly scalable construction business, book your free Growth Strategy Call today.
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