Plan for Tear-Off and Hidden Decking Conditions

Write the pre-tear-off assumptions

The proposal should state the roof areas and assumed layers to be removed, how debris is handled, and what existing deck condition is included in the base price. Existing records or limited observations may inform the assumption, but concealed areas remain unknown until exposed.

Ask how the building and contents will be protected during removal. Include daily weather protection, debris routes, occupied-area controls, and what happens if opening must pause. These are project planning questions, not proof of a specific hidden condition.

Define the deck decision gate

Before work begins, name the person authorized to approve added deck work. Require marked location photos, a description of the observed condition, a measured quantity, and the proposed correction. Decide whether pricing uses an included quantity, allowance, unit price, or written quote.

Also define the stopping point. The crew needs a clear process when uncovered work exceeds the included amount or raises a different structural question. The owner needs time and evidence to make a decision without leaving responsibilities vague.

Carry changes into the final record

Every approved deck change should appear on the final roof map or a linked repair diagram. Keep before and after photos and the measured quantity. Do not let a verbal field authorization disappear into a larger final invoice with no location record.

At closeout, compare approved changes against the billed quantities. Keep rejected or deferred findings in a separate note so they are not confused with completed work. A disciplined hidden-condition process protects schedule decisions while leaving a clear building record.

• What deck condition is included?
• How is added quantity measured?
• Who can approve a change?
• Where will completed deck work be mapped?

Plan the communication rhythm

Decide who receives opening-day findings and how quickly an approval decision is needed to protect the project. A consistent photo label and roof-map reference lets the owner respond without trying to interpret an isolated close-up.

If work pauses, record which areas are open, protected, or untouched and when the next update is due. This operational note should remain separate from approval of the added permanent work.