Why Free Checklists Fall Short
Why Free Checklists Fall Short — and How DraftCheck Does It Better
In the age of online resources, there’s no shortage of free construction and design checklists floating around the internet. A quick search will bring up snagging lists, site inspection forms, and project trackers from a range of platforms — often available at no cost.
It can be tempting to download a free template and call it a day. But when it comes to compliance, quality assurance (QA), and the Building Safety Act (BSA), free checklists often leave major gaps that can put your projects — and your professional reputation — at risk.
Here’s why DraftCheck is different.
Free Checklists Are Generic — DraftCheck is RIBA & ISO-Aligned
Most free templates offer one-size-fits-all lists with little or no alignment to recognised standards. They rarely:
Follow RIBA Plan of Work stages
Reference ISO 9001 quality procedures or ISO 19650 information management
Map to BSA Gateway requirements or Principal Designer duties
DraftCheck templates are explicitly structured by RIBA Stage, incorporating the right level of detail for each stage deliverable, with clear responsibilities, version control, and references to relevant regulations.
Free Templates Lack Audit Trails — DraftCheck Builds the Golden Thread
Regulators and clients expect more than a tick-box exercise. They want:
Evidence logs for Gateway submissions
Version history (WIP → Shared → Published → Archive)
Accountability — who submitted, reviewed, and approved
DraftCheck templates are built to maintain the Golden Thread of information. Each log, checklist, and form is ready to integrate into your practice, ensuring clear records for compliance, handover, and future audits.
Free Checklists Miss the Real-World Complexity
Typical free checklists focus on basic tasks: “Install fire doors”, “Complete snagging”. But projects need more:
Detailed inspection points by category (Architectural, Structural, MEP, Fire Safety, Envelope, External Works, Handover Readiness)
Clear status tracking (Open, In Progress, Resolved)
Priority grading (High, Medium, Low) for risk-based management
DraftCheck trackers provide structured tables for every inspection item, issue, and document submission — helping teams manage complexity with confidence.
Free Templates Don’t Evolve — DraftCheck Does
Regulations change. Standards update. Roles under the Building Safety Act continue to be refined.
Free downloads rarely keep pace — leaving you open to non-compliance.
DraftCheck templates are actively reviewed and updated to stay aligned with current:
BSA duty holder requirements
Building Regulations
RIBA Plan of Work guidance
ISO frameworks
Free Checklists Don’t Save Time — DraftCheck Reduces Risk AND Workload
A free checklist might save you a few minutes today.
But what about:
Searching for missing templates?
Reformatting for every project?
Chasing evidence trails before Gateway submission?
DraftCheck delivers a complete, ready-to-use library covering all RIBA stages, so your team can focus on delivery — not paperwork. PREMIUM Pack covers it all and all documents are arranged with RIBA Stages in mind.
The Bottom Line: Compliance Isn’t Optional
Free templates might be fine for personal reminders or student projects.
But for architectural practices, designers, contractors, and anyone under PI obligations, relying on incomplete or out-of-date templates can mean:
Missed compliance requirements
Inconsistent quality reviews
Greater professional liability risks
DraftCheck helps you:
Work to recognised standards
Document QA processes properly
Provide clear evidence trails for audits and regulators
Upgrade from Free to Compliant
Stop relying on incomplete, unstructured checklists.
With DraftCheck, you get:
111 fully structured templates across RIBA Stages 0–6
BSA Gateway compliance logs and ISO 9001 / 19650 QA frameworks
Snagging, inspection, and handover trackers built for real-world projects
Because compliance, quality, and risk management deserve more than a free download.