Absolutely!! I second this. I've been keeping a notebook (I'm actually on my second one) and write down the name of everyone I talk to and what was said. When I sit down with my builder, a salesman, or anyone else associated with the project, I actually take notes on what was discussed, what was decided, and if we were discussing extra expenses, what they said it would cost. This has saved me a number of times when we have differing recollections of what was discussed. I can say "on this date, we discussed X and at that time you said Y and Z". I am not nearly as compulsive in any other area of my life--but this project had me so intimidated with the vast scope and number of details to be tracked that I just started writing EVERYTHING down, and it's turned out to be a very good thing.
Cj

I need to set up my binder now that my kitchen remodel is finally underway. I also keep all those handwritten notes and ephemera related to the project.

Another thing I've been doing is emailing my contractor and/or his assistant when we discuss anything. I'm keeping my 'kitchen' folder online with all the notes, just in case anything pops up later so I know I've got the record.

I've been saving everything, too, and I try to take notes when I have conversations with people. I also save all my emails (sent and received) and am finding I go back to them often. It would be absolutely impossible to remember every single detail!

My architect can be a bit absent minded so from the start after every meeting I summed it up in an email and sent it to both of us. It has been handy numerous times. I also did the same with my contractor and other subs - even if we agreed via phone or in person - I wanted a paper trail. Sometimes when we agreed on an item we were talking about different things and the email clarified it quickly.

And not just notes, but take pictures of everything!! (Every single day!)

I had many instances where our contractor said "the other guy did it" and I had pictures to back up me up when I told them, "no, you and your team did it". My pictures all have date/time stamps on them to prove when something was and/or was not done/existed. After the third time, all I had to say was, "do you want to see a picture?" and he would just grumble a little and say, "no, we'll fix it."