Hands signing paperwork with a pen
Photo: Unsplash License. Illustration of the topic, not a service endorsement.
Support this guide

This guide is free. If it helped, you can chip in any amount (suggested $5) through Stripe.

Documents to keep

Keep these after the project.

Document Why it matters How long to keep
Contract Shows terms As long as you own the home
Change orders Shows changes As long as you own the home
Permits Shows inspections As long as you own the home
Payment records Proves payments Several years
Lien waivers Protect against liens As long as you own the home
Warranties Covers future issues Until they expire