Why Stay? Why Grow Here?

• What’s the main reason you’re considering an addition right now? Options: Growing family, Need for home office, Aging-in-place / in-law suite, Increase resale value, Entertain / lifestyle space, Replace outdated space, Other
• How long have you been thinking about adding on—weeks, months, or years? Options: A few weeks, A few months, One year+, Several years
• Who lives in the home today and who uses the spaces most often? Tell us by role (kids, adults, remote workers, caregivers, pets).
• If nothing changes, what everyday problem do you expect will be the hardest to keep tolerating?
• How important is staying in this neighborhood versus moving to a larger home? Options: Very important — we want to stay, Somewhat important, Neutral, Open to moving if price/option exists

What’s the Real Cost of Staying As-Is?

• How much daily stress or inconvenience does your current space cause—and in what moments does it show up most? Options: High — affects daily life, Moderate — occasional stress, Low — manageable, Minimal
• Where does that stress show up—during mornings, meal times, work hours, or bedtime routines? Give examples.
• And how long have you been tolerating that pattern? Options: Less than 6 months, 6–12 months, 1–3 years, 3+ years
• What have you tried so far to cope with the lack of space (rearranging, storage, scheduling, moving rooms)? What worked and what didn’t?
• If we solved this problem well, what would be the most immediate change in your daily life?

What’s Your Worst Construction Nightmare?

• If a project went badly, what single outcome would make you most regret doing an addition? Options: Excessive dust and mess, Months of missed deadlines, Finished look doesn’t match home, Surprise costs/large change orders, Loss of use of critical rooms, Safety or access issues
• Have you or someone you know lived through a renovation that felt chaotic? What specifically made it hard to live through?
• During construction, how willing would you be to live in the home versus relocate temporarily? Options: Stay in home the whole time, Stay with some rooms off-limits, Relocate for high-disruption phases, Prefer full temporary relocation
• Do you have pets, medical needs, or work-from-home schedules that require special protection plans? Tell us specifics.
• What level of dust/noise mitigation would feel acceptable to you (examples: daily cleaning, negative pressure, off-hours work)? Options: High — daily cleaning & containment, Medium — weekly cleaning & barriers, Low — basic protection, Unsure — want recommendations

Are We Building for Today — or for the Future Buyer?

• Would you prioritize designing strictly for your current lifestyle, strictly for resale value, or a balanced approach—and why? Options: Design for current lifestyle, Design for resale value, Balanced approach, Undecided — need guidance
• How important is an architectural match to the existing home on a scale from 'not important' to 'essential' (it should look like it was always there)? Options: Essential — seamless match, Important — close match, Somewhat important — function first, Not important — modern contrast ok
• If we had to choose between saving time or saving cost versus achieving a precise historical match, which would you choose? Options: Save time, Save cost, Achieve precise match even if slower/costlier
• Are there neighborhood examples of additions you love or dislike? Please paste links or describe what stands out.
• How much would resale considerations influence finishing choices like hardwood vs. carpet, full kitchen upgrade vs. partial, or adding an extra bathroom? Options: Major influence, Some influence, Little influence, No influence

What Would Peace of Mind During Construction Look Like?

• What single communication or process would make you feel calm day-to-day during the build (e.g., daily photos, single point of contact, weekly walkthroughs)? Options: Daily updates & photos, Single dedicated contact, Weekly on-site walkthroughs, Real-time schedule portal, Clear escalation plan
• How often do you want schedule and cost updates—daily, every few days, weekly, or only for milestones? Options: Daily, Every few days, Weekly, For major milestones only
• Who in your household needs to be in the loop on decisions and updates? Tell us names and roles (decision-maker, veto, informed).
• What acceptance criteria are most important for you at handover (finish quality, color/material match, mechanical balancing, punchlist timeline)? Options: Finish quality & match, Systems working & balanced, Quick punchlist resolution, Comprehensive warranty
• If issues arise after handover, which warranty approach would give you the most confidence: fixed warranty period, response-time guarantee, or on-call hotline? Options: Fixed warranty period (years), Guaranteed response time, Priority on-call hotline, Combination

Let’s Face the Unknowns — Concealed Conditions and Permits

• When walls come down, the unexpected happens—how do you want us to handle discoveries that affect scope, timeline, or cost? Options: Pause and present options, Proceed within a predefined contingency, Implement minimal fixes now, choose later, Prefer contractor-led decision within a budget cap
• Have you had any prior structural, pest, or code issues in the house we should know about (sump pumps, foundation cracks, knob-and-tube wiring, etc.)? Options: Yes — structural, Yes — pest/termite, Yes — electrical/plumbing, None known, Not sure
• Would you prefer an upfront concealed-conditions contingency as a percentage of construction cost, or to review change orders as they arise? Options: Upfront contingency %, Review change orders as they arise, Combination (small contingency + orders)
• If permitting will take time, how flexible is your preferred start date—can you wait for permits or do you need a fast-track? Options: Flexible — can wait, Prefer fast-track, Need to start by a specific date
• Who will be responsible for permit coordination and approvals on your side (you, contractor, architect, other)? Options: Contractor handles, Owner handles, Architect handles, Shared responsibility

Picture the Finished Room—and the Life in It

• Describe the first moment you’d like to experience in the finished space—what are you doing, who’s there, and how does it feel?
• Which functions must the new space absolutely accomplish (choose all that apply)? Options: Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen / wet bar, Home office, Living / family space, Laundry, ADU / in-law unit, Storage
• Do you have a target size or number of rooms in mind (square feet or 'one bedroom + bathroom', etc.)? Please specify.
• What are must-have features versus nice-to-haves (e.g., full bath vs. half, walk-in closet, built-ins, skylights)?
• Which finishes or materials feel essential to you for a cohesive look (roof type, siding, window style, interior flooring)? Options: Roof match (shingles/tiles), Exterior siding/trim match, Window style match, Interior hardwood floors, Tile/stone accents, Prefer modern contrast

Decisions, Dollars, and Next Steps

• What would make you comfortable signing a contract—clear price, fixed timeline, design approval, or something else? Options: Clear itemized price, Realistic fixed timeline, Full design approval, Warranty & insurance, Detailed disruption plan
• If you can give a target budget range today, which band fits your expectations? Options: <$75k, $75k–$150k, $150k–$300k, $300k–$600k, $600k+
• How do you prefer to handle payments—progress draws tied to milestones, percentage up front, or another structure? Options: Milestone draws, Deposit + milestone draws, Financing via lender, Prefer contractor financing options, Other
• Who has final sign-off authority on decisions and contract acceptance? List names and relationship to household.
• Realistically, when would you like construction to start if everything aligned? Options: Immediately (within 30 days), 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6+ months, Flexible
• What would you like our next step to be after this discovery—an on-site visit, preliminary concept, ballpark estimate, or something else? Options: Schedule on-site visit, Preliminary design concept, Ballpark budget estimate, Detailed proposal & contract, Unsure — want to discuss options

• Current State & Impact Confirmation
• Site Context Walkthrough (On-site or Virtual)
• Solution Experience — Concept Vision & Measurable Outcomes
• Options, Trade-offs & Vision Validation

• Contractor to schedule the Solution Scope kickoff and deliverables timeline.
• Contractor to produce annotated photos and a site mark-up pack capturing tie-ins and protection zones.
• Contractor to list top 3 concealed-condition risks and suggested contingency ranges for each.
• Homeowner to provide any additional access keys, utility info, or historical fixes relevant to risk areas.
• One-Sentence Future State & Targets
• Homeowner explicitly confirms the concept delivers the defined future state and measurable targets.
• Homeowner understands expected disruption in measurable terms and accepts mitigation approach.
• Agreement on a preferred direction to refine into a scoped proposal.
• Contractor to update concept drawings to reflect homeowner feedback and capture a redline list of requested changes.
• Contractor to prepare a 2–3 band cost and schedule estimate with concealed-conditions contingency explained.
• Homeowner to rank features or finishes that affect price vs. resale preference.
• Recap: Current State, Consequence, & Future State
• Homeowner has compared options using a structured rubric and indicated a preferred option.
• Homeowner understands resale implications and accepts the trade-offs for their prioritized outcome.
• Homeowner validates and signs the Vision Summary and measurable success signals to proceed to detailed scope.
• Contractor to produce an options comparison matrix with projected resale/value impact and clear schedule/disruption expectations.
• Homeowner to confirm preferred option and sign or acknowledge the Vision Summary and success-signal checklist.
• Introductions & Objective
• A single, homeowner-validated one-sentence current-state statement.
• A quantified list of consequences that create urgency (time, cost, risk).
• Clear list of constraints, decision-makers, and missing pre-work items before the site walkthrough.
• Initial draft of measurable success signals to be validated later.
• Homeowner to upload any missing photos, existing plans, and a 2-minute video tour of high-use areas.
• Contractor to finalize and circulate the one-sentence current-state and consequence summary in writing.
• Schedule the Site Context Walkthrough (on-site or virtual) within 3–7 days.
• Safety, Logistics & Tour Plan
• A shared visual map (photos + mark-ups) showing proposed tie-in points and protection zones.
• A ranked list of likely concealed-condition risks with initial contingency thinking.
• Homeowner confirmation of daily-use areas that require special protection and access rules.
• Option A/B/C Presentation
• Guided Walk / Virtual Tour
• One-Sentence Current State
• Concept Walkthrough (plans + elevations)
• Decision-Criteria Scoring Exercise
• Consequence Quantification
• Disruption Map & Mitigation Metrics
• Live Mark-up & Overlays
• Risk Sensitivity & Contingency Rules
• Constraints & Decision Makers
• High-Level Cost, Timeline & Contingency Bands
• Concealed-Risk Identification
• Validation Checkpoint
• Sign-off on Vision & Success Signals
• Pre-work Review & Missing Info
• Homeowner Corrections & Contextual Notes
• Agree Success Signals to Test Later

• Selective demolition and debris removal
• Excavate and pour foundation footings and tie‑ins
• Construct structural framing and roof tie‑ins
• Install roof system, underlayment, and flashing
• Install exterior siding, trim, and material matching
• Install windows and exterior doors
• Extend HVAC ducting, install equipment, and balance
• Extend plumbing lines and install fixtures
• Extend electrical service and install branch circuits
• Install insulation and perform air sealing
• Hang, tape, and finish drywall
• Install interior millwork, cabinetry, and trim
• Install flooring, thresholds, and finish surfaces
• Deploy dust containment, negative air, and site protection
• Perform system commissioning and obtain final inspection sign‑off

Selective demolition and debris removal

• Is selective demolition required as part of the scope for this addition? Options: Yes, No
• Which areas will require demolition (interior partitions, flooring, exterior walls, roof)? Please list locations.
• Are there known hazardous materials (lead paint, asbestos, contaminated insulation) in demo areas? Options: None identified, Suspected (needs testing), Confirmed (abatement required), Unknown
• Are there items the homeowner wants salvaged or protected (trim, fixtures, appliances)? If yes, describe. Options: Yes, No
• What is site access for debris removal (driveway/bin access, street permit required, limited access)? Options: Driveway/bin access available, Street permit required, Limited access/need hoist/boom, Other

Excavate and pour foundation footings and tie‑ins

• Will new foundation footings be required for the addition? Options: Full new foundation, Partial footings/piers, Underpinning/strengthening only, No new foundation required
• Are existing foundation plans or as-built drawings available for tie‑in details? Options: Yes - plans available, Photos only, No documentation, Unknown
• Describe known site/geotechnical constraints (rock, high water table, steep grade, limited access). Options: Rock/bedrock, High groundwater, Sloped site, Limited dig access/adjacent structures, Unknown
• Will dewatering, underpinning, or shotcrete be anticipated for tie‑ins? Options: Yes - anticipated, No, Maybe/needs evaluation
• What is the approximate footprint or linear footage of new footings that need excavation?

Construct structural framing and roof tie‑ins

• Which framing types are required for the scope (new walls, second-story, roof rafters/trusses)? Options: New wall framing, Second‑story framing, Roof extension/rafters or trusses, Shear/reinforcement work
• Does the new framing need to match existing structural members or introduce new load paths (e.g., new bearing points)? Options: Match existing load path, Introduce new bearing points, Requires engineered solution, Unknown
• Is access for connections to the existing structure straightforward or will temporary shoring/bridging be required? Options: Full access available, Limited access/need lifts, Temporary shoring required, Unknown
• Are there anticipated structural upgrades where framing ties into existing (headers, beam replacements, shear panels)? Options: Yes - upgrades expected, No, Unknown - need evaluation
• Are engineered structural drawings already provided for framing and roof tie‑ins? Options: Yes - provided, No - need to procure, In progress

Install roof system, underlayment, and flashing

• What roof covering is specified for the new roof area? Options: Composition shingles, Standing seam metal, Tile, Other
• Will flashing and underlayment on adjacent existing roof areas be replaced to ensure proper tie‑in? Options: Replace adjacent flashing, Match existing flashing only, Unknown/need evaluation
• Are there rooftop penetrations or features to coordinate around (chimney, skylights, solar panels, gutters)? Options: Chimney/flue, Skylights, Solar panels, Gutters/downspouts, None/unknown
• Are there known slope/drainage constraints that affect roofing strategy (flat/low slope, need for crickets, added drains)? Options: Steep pitch - standard drainage, Low/flat slope - special membrane, Need crickets/deflectors, Unknown
• Is there a critical weather window or deadline when roofing must be completed? Options: Flexible, Need completion before (date) - specify, Weather dependent, Unknown

Install exterior siding, trim, and material matching

• What is the existing exterior cladding to match? Options: Wood clapboard/shiplap, Fiber cement (e.g., Hardie), Vinyl, Brick/stone, Stucco, Mixed/Other
• Is an exact material and profile match required or is best‑effort/craft match acceptable? Options: Exact match required, Best‑effort match acceptable, Homeowner undecided
• Are physical samples or clear photos of the existing siding available to verify color/profile? Options: Samples available, Photos available, No documentation
• Will siding work require replacing or repairing adjoining runs to avoid visible seams? Options: Replace adjoining run, Repair/patch only, Owner preference to minimize scope
• Are specialty exterior trims, cornices, or moldings present that require custom millwork to match? Options: Yes - custom trim required, No - standard trim, Unknown

Install windows and exterior doors

• How many new windows and exterior doors are planned and what are their rough opening sizes?
• Do new openings need to match existing style (divided lights/grilles, frame color, sash style)? Options: Match existing style, Different/new contemporary style, Custom sizes required
• Are there energy, performance, or sound requirements for glazing (Low‑E, double/triple pane, acoustic)? Options: Standard windows, High‑performance/Low‑E, Triple pane/sound, Unknown
• Will structural headers or lintels need replacement to create or enlarge openings? Options: Yes - headers required, No, Unknown - need inspection
• Are egress, security, or code requirements for doors/windows applicable (e.g., bedroom egress)? Options: Egress required, Security upgrades desired, No special requirements, Unknown

Extend HVAC ducting, install equipment, and balance

• Is HVAC extension required for the addition or will the existing system support it? Options: Extend existing ducting and rebalance, Install new split/mini‑split or separate system, System upgrade (capacity) required, Unknown
• What type of heating/cooling system is existing (forced air, hydronic, heat pump, mini‑split)? Options: Forced air (ducted), Heat pump, Hydronic/radiant, Mini‑split(s), Unknown
• Will new duct runs require soffits/ceilings modifications or exterior equipment placement? Options: Interior soffits/changes required, Exterior condenser placement required, No major routing impacts, Unknown
• Is commissioning/balancing required for the extended system (airflow balancing, refrigerant charge)? Options: Yes - balancing required, No, Recommend evaluation
• Are permits or fuel/gas inspections anticipated for mechanical/equipment changes? Options: Mechanical permit required, Gas permit required, No permits expected, Unknown

Extend plumbing lines and install fixtures

• Which new plumbing fixtures will be installed (toilet, sink, shower, tub, laundry, hose bib)? Please list counts.
• What is the existing sanitary connection type (public sewer, septic, unknown)? Options: Public sewer, Septic system, Unknown
• Will the water heater or service need upsizing to serve additional fixtures? Options: Upgrade required, No change, Unknown - need load calc
• What routing is available for new lines (crawlspace, basement, attic, external trench)? Options: Accessible crawlspace/basement, Attic routing possible, Requires trenching/exterior work, Unknown
• Are there existing plumbing or drainage issues that could affect scope (clogged/sewer backups, shallow lines)? Options: Known issues present, No known issues, Unknown - need inspection

Extend electrical service and install branch circuits

• Will the project require a service upgrade or addition of a sub‑panel? Options: No change to service, Install sub‑panel, Main service upgrade required, Unknown
• Which high‑load circuits are anticipated (electric range, dryer, EV charger, HVAC)? Options: Electric range/oven, Dryer, EV charger, HVAC/heat pump, None of the above
• Are existing conduit and pathways usable for new circuits or will new routing be required? Options: Existing pathways usable, Partial reuse/partial new, New routing required, Unknown
• Is temporary power required on site during construction (location and duration)? Options: Yes - temporary power needed, No - existing power sufficient, Unknown
• Are there expected code-driven upgrades (AFCI/GFCI, grounding, tamper‑resistant outlets) to be included? Options: Yes - include code upgrades, No, Unknown

Install insulation and perform air sealing

• What insulation type and target R‑values are desired for walls, ceiling, and floors? Options: Fiberglass batts, Spray foam, Cellulose, Blown‑in, Owner undecided
• Should air‑sealing be performed only at new interfaces or for the full combined thermal envelope? Options: Full thermal envelope sealing, Targeted sealing at new junctions, Only new assemblies
• Are there moisture or ventilation concerns (vapor barrier, continuous ventilation) that affect insulation choice? Options: Moisture control required, Standard approach acceptable, Unknown - need assessment
• Is blower‑door or thermal imaging testing required to verify air sealing performance? Options: Yes - testing required, No, Recommend if budget allows
• Are there areas with restricted cavity access that will influence insulation method (historic walls, tight rafters)? Options: Restricted access areas present, Open cavities throughout, Unknown

Hang, tape, and finish drywall

• What level of drywall finish is required (Level 3/4/5 or skim coat) and are there specialty textures? Options: Level 3 (standard), Level 4 (paint ready), Level 5 (smooth/skim coat), Skim coat or custom texture
• Are fire‑rated or sound‑rated assemblies required between old and new construction? Options: Fire‑rated assemblies required, Sound rated assemblies required, No special assemblies required, Unknown
• Will ceiling heights or bulkhead soffits require special drywall handling or scaffolding? Options: High ceilings/scaffold required, Standard single story heights, Second story ceilings, Unknown
• Is final ready‑for‑paint schedule critical (e.g., move‑in or inspection milestones)? Options: Yes - strict deadline, Flexible, Unknown
• Are there built‑in features or niches that require blocking and special drywall finishing? Options: Yes - built‑ins present, No

Install interior millwork, cabinetry, and trim

• Which millwork items are in scope (kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, built‑ins, interior doors, base/casing)? Options: Kitchen cabinetry, Bathroom vanities, Built‑ins/shelving, Interior doors & trim, Custom millwork
• What finish and material preferences exist (painted MDF, stained hardwood, veneer, custom)? Options: Painted, Stained wood, Veneer/laminate, Custom millwork
• Are appliance and fixture dimensions/specs available for cabinet coordination? Options: Yes - specs provided, No - standard sizes, Will provide later
• Is there a preferred lead time or expedited delivery requirement for millwork/cabinetry? Options: Standard lead time acceptable, Expedite required, Unknown
• Are on‑site modifications and fit‑adjustments allowed during final installation? Options: Yes - on‑site modifications OK, No - prefabricated exact fit only, Limited modifications allowed

• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Itemized Pricing & Payment Schedule
• Concealed Conditions Contingency
• Permitting & Permit Responsibilities
• Final Drawings & Engineering Approval
• Materials Selections & Substitutions Authorization
• Acceptance Criteria & Punchlist Process
• Warranty & Post-Completion Support
• Homeowner Access & Site Rules
• Change Order Agreement
• Insurance, Indemnity & Certificates of Insurance (COI)
• Lien Waivers & Final Payment Conditions
• Schedule & Mobilization Commitment
• Termination, Remedies & Dispute Resolution

• Success Review & Acceptance
• Lessons Learned & Project Retrospective
• Warranty & Shared Support Channel Setup
• 30/90-Day Performance Check & Maintenance Plan
• Enhancements, Referrals & Continuous Engagement

• Generate repair orders for any non-closed items with assigned crews and target completion dates.
• Align on SLAs, evidence requirements, and escalation rules so expectations are clear.
• Complete a test claim submission to validate the workflow.
• Create the support thread/ticket queue, add homeowner and internal contacts, and document the escalation path in the channel.
• Upload warranty documents, coverage matrix, and submission checklist to the shared folder and link it in the channel.
• Log the test submission and confirm notifications reached all responders.
• Pre-inspection homeowner feedback summary
• Verify that systems perform as promised and close simple items during the visit.
• Create timely repair orders for any defects requiring follow-up with owners and dates.
• Confirm the homeowner understands routine maintenance and the warranty claim process.
• Pre-meeting checklist review
• Log inspection results and homeowner notes into the project file and warranty tracker.
• Send homeowner a short maintenance checklist and reminders for seasonal items (HVAC filter, flashing inspection, etc.).
• Current satisfaction recap (Current state)
• Identify any near-term enhancement opportunities and secure permission to provide estimates.
• Obtain homeowner permission for testimonials/referral outreach where appropriate.
• Keep the homeowner engaged with a clear next contact date and purpose.
• Capture homeowner testimonial or referral permission and schedule a short recording or write-up.
• If enhancements requested, create a brief scope-of-work and estimate request to be delivered within agreed timeframe.
• Schedule the next engagement touchpoint (e.g., 6‑12 month check-in) and note the purpose in the CRM.
• Confirm which agreed success signals are met and which require remediation.
• Secure homeowner acceptance where possible or produce a clear, time-bound punchlist with owners.
• Establish the warranty/support channel and immediate next steps for outstanding items.
• Generate and circulate the official acceptance document or punchlist within 24 hours with owners and target dates.
• Upload inspection reports, photos, and system test results to the shared project channel and link in the warranty folder.
• Register the project for warranty coverage and confirm emergency contact details with the homeowner.
• One-line project recap (Current state)
• Produce a prioritized list of 4–8 concrete improvements with assigned owners and timelines.
• Ensure the homeowner feels heard and that agreed changes will reduce future risk or disruption.
• Commit to specific documentation or training updates to prevent recurrence of key issues.
• Document and publish the retrospective notes and assigned improvements to the company playbook repository.
• Schedule and assign internal owners to update checklists, permit workflows, or protection plans within agreed deadlines.
• Send the homeowner a one-page summary of lessons learned and expected changes to be implemented.
• Review warranty scope and durations
• Activate a shared warranty/support channel with the homeowner and internal responders.
• On-site systems and finishes inspection (Proof)
• Explore enhancement opportunities (Brainstorming)
• Choose and provision the shared channel (platform & users)
• What went well (Information Sharing)
• Current state summary (Diagnosis)
• Immediate remediation or scheduling (Decision Making)
• Claim intake: required evidence & triage rules
• Referral & testimonial invitation
• What didn't go well & root-cause discussion (Diagnosis)
• Proof: evidence & measurements (Proof)
• Update warranty and maintenance plan (Future state)
• Next steps & estimate request
• Consequence assessment
• SLA & escalation path
• Actionable improvements (Decision Making)
• Homeowner onboarding to channel
• Validation & sign-off or punchlist creation (Validation)
• Confirm documentation updates and training needs
• Warranty handoff & next-steps