Handoff Memo Template: The One Page Every Trade Gets on Timber Jobs

Published March 20, 2026 by MVP Pro Timber

One-page builder handoff memo template for timber jobs: no-drill zones, interface freeze list, trade rules, contact/approval chain, and photo documentation conventions.

# Handoff Memo Template: The One Page Every Trade Gets on Timber Jobs On timber jobs, most preventable mistakes happen because trades do not have one clear page that answers: "Where can I drill? What must stay untouched? Who approves changes?" This is a practical one-page memo template you can issue to every trade that touches the frame. --- ## One-page Timber Job Handoff Memo (copy/paste template) **Project:** ____________________________ **Builder/Super:** _______________________ **Phone:** _______________________ **Timber contact:** ______________________ **Phone:** _______________________ **Change approval (must call):** ______________________ ### 1) Do not modify without approval - No drilling, cutting, notching, or grinding on timbers or hardware - No moving/removing temporary bracing - No relocating plates/straps/bolts ### 2) No-drill / no-cut zones (mark on site) - All connection areas within ____ inches of plates/bolts - All visible finish faces - Any locations marked with tape/paint on site ### 3) Key interfaces (frozen decisions) - Roofline datum: ________________________ - Eave/ridge details: ____________________ - Deck/loft connection method: ___________ - Penetrations allowed locations: _________ ### 4) Site rules (protect the finish) - No leaning ladders directly on timbers - No dragging materials/tools across timbers - Keep steel filings and wet metal off timbers - Stage materials only in approved zones ### 5) If you need a change 1. Stop work at the location 2. Take a photo (wide + close) 3. Call the approval contact above 4. Do not proceed until approved ### 6) Photo/documentation naming Use: **YYYY-MM-DD — Area — View — Issue** Example: *2026-03-20 — Loft beam — NW corner — hanger conflict* --- ## Builder move that prevents rework Print this memo, post it on site, and require every trade to acknowledge it at kickoff. It is inexpensive insurance against field improvisation. ## Where MVP Pro Timber helps We help builders identify the high-risk interfaces and produce a trade-ready one-page handoff memo so the job stays clean and coordinated.