Pre-Job Master Checklist
Complete before starting any framing project in Wisconsin
Business Setup
Insurance & Compliance
Legal Documents
Per-Project Setup
💡 Tips for the Master Checklist
- Complete this checklist for every new project — even for repeat GC clients.
- Keep a digital folder with scanned copies of all documents checked off here.
- Wisconsin DWD may audit your IC status at any time — having this ready saves headaches.
W-9: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number
Provide to every General Contractor before first payment
Federal Tax Classification
Exemptions (if applicable)
Address
Part I — Taxpayer Identification Number
Part II — Certification
💡 Tips for W-9
- Have multiple copies ready — every new GC will request one before your first payment.
- Always use your EIN, never your SSN, for Wisconsin IC classification.
- Update and re-issue your W-9 if any information changes during the year.
Wisconsin Independent Contractor Agreement
Rough Framing Services — Sole Proprietor
1. Parties
Contractor: , doing business as , located at , EIN: .
Client / GC: , Company: , located at , Contact: .
2. Scope of Work
3. Term
4. Compensation
5. Independent Contractor Status
Contractor is an independent contractor, not an employee of Client. Contractor controls the means and methods of performing the work. Contractor is responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes.
Wisconsin IC Requirements (s.102.07(8)) — All 9 must be met:
6. Insurance
Contractor certifies they carry general liability insurance.
7. Workers' Compensation
Contractor is a sole proprietor with no employees and is exempt from mandatory workers' compensation coverage under Wisconsin law, provided no employees are hired.
8. Equipment & Expenses
9. Termination
Either party may terminate this Agreement with days' written notice to the other party.
10. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
11. Signatures
Contractor
Client / GC
💡 Tips for the IC Agreement
- Never start work without a signed IC agreement — it's your primary proof of IC status.
- Ensure all 9 Wisconsin IC requirements are checked and documented.
- Keep signed originals; provide copies to the GC.
Wisconsin Independent Contractor Status Certification
Proof of IC Status per Wisconsin Statute s.102.07(8) — DWD Worker's Compensation
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute s.102.07(8), an individual performing services in the construction trades must satisfy all nine of the following conditions to be classified as an independent contractor for workers' compensation purposes.
| # | Requirement | ✓ | Evidence / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maintains a separate business with his or her own office, equipment, materials and other facilities. | ||
| 2 | Holds or has applied for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) with the IRS. | ||
| 3 | Operates under contracts to perform specific services for specific amounts of money and under which the independent contractor controls the means of performing the services. | ||
| 4 | Incurs the main expenses related to the service that he or she performs under contract. | ||
| 5 | Is responsible for the satisfactory completion of work that he or she contracts to perform and is liable for a failure to complete the work. | ||
| 6 | Receives compensation for work or services performed under a contract on a commission or per job or competitive bid basis and not on any other basis. | ||
| 7 | May realize a profit or suffer a loss under contracts to perform work or services. | ||
| 8 | Has continuing or recurring business liabilities or obligations. | ||
| 9 | The success or failure of the independent contractor's business depends on the relationship of business receipts to expenditures. |
Supporting Documents Checklist
Attestation
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that I meet all nine (9) requirements for independent contractor status under Wisconsin Statute s.102.07(8). The information provided above is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
💡 Tips for IC Certification
- This certification proves IC status during a DWD audit — keep it with your project file.
- Attach all supporting documents listed above to strengthen your certification.
- Update this form annually or whenever your business circumstances change.
Workers' Compensation Exemption Documentation
Wisconsin Sole Proprietor — No Employees
Contractor Business Information
Exemption Basis
Wisconsin Law Reference
Current Employee Status
Attestation
I certify that I am a sole proprietor operating without employees and am not required to maintain workers' compensation insurance under Wisconsin law at this time. I understand that if I hire any employees, I may become required to obtain coverage.
💡 Tips for Workers' Comp Exemption
- Keep this document updated — if you ever hire a helper, even temporarily, you may need WC insurance.
- Some GCs require you to carry WC regardless of exemption — check their contract terms.
- You can optionally purchase WC coverage for yourself to cover on-the-job injuries.
Certificate of Liability Insurance
ACORD 25-style Template — Provide to GC/Client Before Each Job
Producer (Insurance Agent)
Insured
Coverages
| Type of Insurance | Policy Number | Eff. Date | Exp. Date | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial General Liability | ||||
| Each Occurrence | ||||
| Damage to Rented Premises | ||||
| Med Exp (any one person) | ||||
| Personal & Adv Injury | ||||
| General Aggregate | ||||
| Products-Comp/Op Agg | ||||
| Automobile Liability | ||||
| Combined Single Limit | ||||
| Workers Compensation | ||||
| WC Statutory / EL | ||||
| Umbrella / Excess Liability | ||||
| Each Occurrence | ||||
Certificate Holder
💡 Tips for Certificate of Insurance
- Request your insurance agent complete an official ACORD 25 form — this template helps you track details.
- Most GCs require a COI naming them as "Additional Insured" before you can start work.
- Verify policy dates haven't expired before each new project.
Rough Framing Contract
Between Contractor and General Contractor / Owner
1. Project Details
2. Scope of Framing Work
3. Materials
4. Contract Price
5. Timeline
6. Change Orders
Any changes to scope, materials, or timeline must be documented on a signed Change Order Form before work proceeds. Verbal change orders are not binding.
7. Site Conditions
8. Defect Correction
Contractor will correct any framing defects identified by inspection within business days at no additional cost.
9. Governing Law
This contract is governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
10. Signatures
Contractor
Client / GC
💡 Tips for the Framing Contract
- Always reference the specific blueprint set date so there's no dispute about which plans you priced.
- Include language about material delivery delays being outside your control.
- Get the contract signed before mobilizing any tools or materials to the site.
Change Order Form
Document all scope, material, or timeline changes — required before work begins
Cost Impact
Schedule Impact
Approvals
Contractor Approval
Client / GC Approval
💡 Tips for Change Orders
- Never start changed work without a signed CO — verbal agreements lead to payment disputes.
- Number change orders sequentially (CO-001, CO-002...) for easy tracking.
- Keep a running total of all COs to know your actual contract value at any time.
Bid & Estimate Log
Track all project bids — win/loss/pending
New Bid Entry
| Date | Client | Address | Bid $ | Status | Notes | Actions |
|---|
No bids recorded yet. Click "Add New Bid" to start tracking.
💡 Tips for Bid Tracking
- Track every bid — even ones you lose. Your win rate tells you if your pricing is competitive.
- Note the reason you lost bids so you can adjust strategy over time.
- Review this log quarterly to understand your pipeline and revenue trends.
Invoice
Professional Invoice for Framing Services
From (Contractor)
Invoice Details
Bill To
Line Items
Payment Instructions
Thank you for your business!
💡 Tips for Invoicing
- Invoice promptly — send the invoice the day the work is complete or at each milestone.
- Include the project address on every invoice so the GC can easily match it to the job.
- Keep copies of all invoices for your tax records (Schedule C).
Project Information Sheet
Complete at project kickoff — keep on-site
Project Details
Framing Scope
Site Conditions
Key Dates
Plan / Spec References
Emergency Contacts
💡 Tips for Project Info Sheet
- Print this sheet and keep it in your truck or toolbox so it's always available on-site.
- Verify the inspector's contact info — you'll need to schedule the frame inspection.
- Update key dates as the project progresses.
Equipment & Tools Summary Log
Track owned equipment for insurance, tax, and job-site documentation
Add Equipment
| Name | Category | Make/Model | Serial # | Purchase Date | Value | Condition | Insured | Actions |
|---|
No equipment recorded yet.
💡 Tips for Equipment Tracking
- Keep serial numbers documented — they're essential for insurance claims and police reports.
- Update values annually for accurate insurance coverage (inland marine / tool floater).
- Take photos of major equipment and store them with this log.
Accident & Incident Report Form
Complete within 24 hours of any on-site incident
Incident Details
Injured Person (if applicable)
Witnesses
Property / Equipment Damage
Root Cause Analysis
In Wisconsin, work-related fatalities must be reported to OSHA within 8 hours. Hospitalizations of 3+ workers within 24 hours. Call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
💡 Tips for Incident Reporting
- Complete this form within 24 hours while details are fresh — delay leads to inaccuracy.
- Take photos of the scene, any damage, and the conditions that contributed to the incident.
- Even "near misses" should be documented — they help prevent future injuries.
Safety & Health Plan
Wisconsin One-Person Rough Framing Operation — Review Before Each Project
Emergency Procedures
Fall Protection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Power Tool Safety
Ladder & Scaffolding Safety
Housekeeping
Hazard Communication
Daily Safety Checklist
Review Log
| Date | Reviewed By | Signature |
|---|---|---|
💡 Tips for Safety Planning
- Review this plan at the start of every new project — conditions vary site to site.
- Fall protection is the #1 OSHA citation in construction — take it seriously even working alone.
- Keep your first aid kit stocked and know the route to the nearest hospital before starting work.