Quick home snapshot

• Tell me the main reason you are considering an addition now, and how long this has been top of mind.
• Walk me through a typical day in the rooms you want to change, focusing on who uses each space and when.
• When would you ideally like construction to be complete, and why is that timing important to your household? Options: Within 3 months, 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, 12+ months, Timing flexible
• Who in your household or extended family must sign off on scope, schedule, or budget before you move forward? Options: You alone, Partner or spouse, Adult child or caregiver, Shared household decision, External advisor or lender
• Would you pause or cancel the project if it required temporary relocation for more than 4 weeks? Options: Yes, we would relocate, No, we would pause or cancel, Maybe, depending on cost and timing

Where the space pressure actually shows up

• Which daily problem would make you walk away from an addition if it could not be solved, for example loss of privacy, excessive disruption, or a poor architectural match? Options: Loss of privacy or functionality, Too much disruption to routines, Addition would not match house style, Budget increases beyond comfort, Timeline delays beyond 3 months
• Share a recent moment when the current layout created real stress, and tell us what happened next.
• On a scale from 1 to 10, how disruptive is the lack of this space to your family's daily life? Options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• List the primary functions you need the new space to perform, choose up to three. Options: Bedroom suite, Bathroom, Home office, Playroom or family room, Kitchen expansion, Laundry or mudroom, In-law suite, Accessory dwelling, Other
• Confirm whether you have tried a temporary fix such as converting a garage, basement, or adding a modular unit and why that solution did or did not work. Options: Tried and failed, Tried and partly worked, Not tried, considered, Not tried, not considered

Design fit, not just bigger

• Imagine you regret the addition a year after completion, what about the design or integration would most likely cause that regret?
• Tell me which architectural details on your house matter most to match, for example roof pitch, siding material, or window style. Options: Roof pitch and form, Siding material or color, Window proportion and style, Trim and cornice details, Masonry or foundation appearance, Not sure, need guidance
• Confirm whether you have collected photos or examples of additions you like and which specific features in those images matter most. Options: Yes, many examples, Yes, a few examples, Not yet, but I can collect, I need help finding examples
• Where in your home do you expect HVAC, plumbing, or electrical tie-ins to occur, and how flexible is that location?
• Share any interior finish materials that must match exactly for resale or aesthetic reasons.

Hidden risks that break budgets and trust

• If an inspector or engineer finds a structural or code issue that requires additional funds or time, what would make you stop the project immediately? Options: Cost overrun I cannot cover, Delay beyond 3 months, Requirement to move out temporarily, Loss of trust in contractor, I would still proceed with conditions
• List any known site constraints or conditions we should know about, for example poor soil, septic field, large trees, narrow access, or buried tanks. Options: Poor soil or drainage, Septic or sewer field, Large mature trees, Narrow driveway or access, Underground tanks or utilities, None known, Unsure
• Imagine opening walls reveals older wiring or plumbing, are you prepared to accept contingency allowances in the 10% to 20% range while we investigate? Options: Comfortable with 10%, Comfortable with 15%, Comfortable with 20%, Need more analysis before agreeing, Not willing to accept
• Do you have non-negotiable limits for dust, noise, or access while you live in the home, such as sealed rooms, no weekend work, or no loud work after 5pm? Options: Sealed rooms required, No work on weekends, No loud work after 5pm, Family member health concerns, No strict limits
• On a scale from 1 to 10, how willing are you to accept unknowns versus delaying work to investigate further? Options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Who else is in the market, and why they matter

• Who are the other options you are seriously considering for this addition, including architect-only, general remodeler, or doing the work yourself? Options: Local addition specialist, General remodeler, Architect-only approach, DIY or friend contractor, No other options yet, Other
• Which single factor would have to be true about your current approach for you to keep it instead of hiring an outside builder? Options: Cost lower by more than 20%, Timeline meaningfully faster, No disruption to daily life, Keeps original appearance exactly, Other
• Identify whether anyone inside your household or network has proposed solving this without an outside contractor, for example staged work, family labor, or phased DIY. Options: Yes, staged over time, Yes, family or friends would help, No internal plan, Considering internal options
• Describe the past homeowner references, case studies, or review details that would convince you to move forward with a contractor.
• Is there an incumbent contractor, architect, or advisor you already favor, and if so what is the main barrier to choosing them now? Options: Yes, we favor someone but price, Yes, but timing conflicts, No incumbent, Unsure

Site readiness and practical constraints

• Do you already have a property survey, utility locate, or structural report that would allow work to start within 4 weeks? Options: Survey and utility locate ready, Partial documents only, None but can obtain within 4 weeks, None and not ready
• When was your last major roof, foundation, or HVAC update and could that affect tie-ins for the addition? Options: Within 5 years, 5 to 15 years, 15+ years, Not sure
• Is your property subject to homeowners association rules, a historic district, or easements that could limit exterior changes? Options: HOA rules apply, Historic district restrictions, Easement or setback issues, No known restrictions, Unsure
• Describe vehicle access, parking, and staging areas on your property for equipment and materials, and note any restrictions.
• Identify who will be the day-to-day point person on your side for permits, decisions, and communications. Options: Homeowner, Partner or spouse, Property manager, Agent or representative, Other
• Are there any scheduled events in the next 6 months, such as a wedding, newborn, or long work travel, that would make construction impossible during that window? Options: Major event in next 3 months, Event in 3 to 6 months, No major events, Unsure

Budget, decision triggers, and timeline to yes

• Rate from 1 to 10 how ready you are to sign a construction agreement if scope, schedule, and contingencies align with your budget. Options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Walk me through how budget decisions are made in your household, including any lenders or external advisors involved.
• Where does your planned budget sit today, including a reasonable contingency, and how firm is that figure? Options: Under $75,000, $75,000 to $150,000, $150,000 to $300,000, Over $300,000, Not sure
• If permits or unexpected engineering push price or timeline beyond your window, what is your threshold for pausing or canceling the project? Options: Additional cost >10% of budget, Delay >3 months, Required temporary relocation, Loss of confidence in contractor, Other
• State your preferred payment schedule or financing route and whether you need help exploring options. Options: Own funds, Construction loan, Home equity line, Contractor financing, Need help exploring
• Are there fixed dates tied to resale, insurance, school year, or occupancy that require final completion and inspection by a specific date? Options: Yes, fixed date required, Yes, an approximate window, No fixed date, Unsure

Living through construction and next steps

• Name the conditions that would make living in your home during construction unacceptable, for example inability to sleep in certain rooms or critical health concerns. Options: Cannot live on site at all, Can live with sealed rooms, Can tolerate minor disruptions, Requires temporary relocation, Other
• Why would you prioritize daily access to parts of the home versus speed of completion, and which matters more if they conflict? Options: Daily access matters most, Speed of completion matters most, Balance both equally, Unsure
• Choose which communication cadence would make you feel confident during build, for example daily updates, weekly check-ins, or milestone photos. Options: Daily updates, 3 times per week, Weekly check-ins, Photo log by milestone, As-needed
• Summarize the single decision or condition that would allow you to sign within two weeks, assuming scope and budget line up.
• Explain any final acceptance criteria you must see before authorizing final payment, such as inspection completion, punchlist resolution, or permit closeout.

• Design & Living-in-Place Review

• You confirm the restated current state and accept the described cost, delay, or risk as accurate.
• Deliver a concept-level integration sketch showing foundation connections, roof tie-in, and exterior material approach for the preferred option within 5 business days.
• Confirm the current state and its cost
• You confirm the demonstrated integration approach resolves the architectural match concerns and identifies any remaining unknowns to verify before commitment.
• Walk the concept in your home context
• Provide a written living-in-place schedule that lists access windows, staging plan, and dust/noise controls tied to major milestones.
• You accept the proposed living-in-place plan and disruption windows as operationally workable for your household.
• Quantify living-in-place impact and controls
• Produce a concealed-condition contingency table that links specific likely discoveries to defined cost allowances and timeline adjustments and includes the proposed verification checkpoints.
• Define concealed-condition contingency and verification criteria
• You agree that the concealed-condition contingency and the verification criteria are sufficient to manage cost and schedule risk.
• Confirm the full list of decision-makers, acceptable daily access windows, and any homeowner living preferences that will constrain the schedule.
• Supply clear photos or notes about known prior structural modifications and any known underground utilities or access constraints.
• Validate that this maps to what you described
• Schedule the follow-up meeting to review the revised integration sketch, living-in-place schedule, and updated estimate.
• Agree remaining evidence and next decisions

• Design & Living-in-Place Review
• Design & Experience Deck
• Solution Brief - Design & Experience Review

• meeting
• slides
• document

• Demolition and Selective Removal
• Temporary Protection and Occupied-Home Access
• Obtain Building Permits and Agency Submittals
• Structural Engineering and Stamped Drawings
• Foundation Excavation, Footings, and Pour
• Framing and Roof Tie-In
• Roofing Integration and Flashing
• Exterior Weatherproofing and Finish Matching
• Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Rough-In
• Insulation and Drywall Installation
• Finish Carpentry, Flooring, and Millwork
• System Balancing and Mechanical Commissioning
• Final Inspections, Closeout Documentation, and Warranty Handover

Demolition and Selective Removal

• Do you require asbestos or lead testing and abatement before demolition? Options: Yes - testing required, Yes - abatement required, No known hazardous materials
• Which interior elements must be preserved or matched (built-in cabinets, historic moldings, stair newel)? Options: Built-in cabinets, Historic moldings, Stair newel, Other (describe)
• How many linear feet of walls or how many door assemblies are planned for selective removal? Options: Less than 50 linear feet / 0-2 door assemblies, 50-200 linear feet / 3-6 door assemblies, More than 200 linear feet / 7+ door assemblies
• Provide the temporary power disconnect plan for affected circuits and the expected outage duration in hours.
• Specify disposal or recycling requirements for demolition debris (municipal transfer station, C&D recycling, hazardous disposal). Options: Municipal landfill, C&D recycling facility, Hazardous waste facility, Owner will remove

Temporary Protection and Occupied-Home Access

• Identify doors, hallways, and HVAC returns that need temporary protection (zip barrier, filter covers) during construction. Options: Entry door, Hallways, Bedrooms, Kitchen, HVAC returns
• Confirm homeowner living preferences for access hours, contractor check-ins, and locked rooms. Options: Standard work hours (8am-5pm), Restricted hours (e.g., 9am-3pm), By appointment only
• Attach a floor plan showing proposed contractor access paths, staging zones, and protected areas.
• Are there pets or occupants with mobility or medical considerations that require special access controls? Options: Yes, No
• Select preferred entry control method for the jobsite (key lockbox, supervised entry, homeowner escort). Options: Key lockbox, Supervised entry, Homeowner escort

Obtain Building Permits and Agency Submittals

• State the project jurisdiction (city, county) and the known permit types required (building, plumbing, mechanical).
• List any previously issued permits or open code violations on the property.
• When would you like permit submission relative to contract signing (immediately, after engineering, after homeowner approvals)? Options: Immediately, After engineering, After homeowner approvals
• Specify if a site survey, tree protection plan, or soils report is required by the authority having jurisdiction. Options: Site survey, Tree protection plan, Soils report, None known
• Confirm the name and contact of the person authorized to sign permit applications on your behalf.

Structural Engineering and Stamped Drawings

• Attach engineered structural drawings, foundation details, and any existing structural reports you have.
• Who should be the engineer of record for stamped calculations and field observation reports?
• Describe known structural constraints such as existing beam sizes, visible sag, or cantilevered floors.
• Identify required stamped items: lateral calculations, connection details for the new roof tie-in, and shear wall locations. Options: Lateral calculations, Connection details, Shear wall layout, Other (specify)
• Verify whether the engineer must perform scheduled field observations at footing, framing, and final stages. Options: Yes - scheduled observations, No - spot checks only, By exception only

Foundation Excavation, Footings, and Pour

• Supply the soils report or note if one must be obtained before excavation. Options: Soils report provided, Soils report required, Unknown
• Estimate the expected foundation type based on site conditions (continuous footing, isolated footings, shallow slab). Options: Continuous footing, Isolated footings, Shallow slab, Unknown - need field review
• Measure or confirm required footing depths and reinforcing per engineer's stamp and local frost depth.
• Define required municipal inspections and acceptance evidence for footings (inspection sign-off, inspected footing depth photo). Options: Municipal inspection and sign-off, Engineer field observation report, Photo evidence with engineer verification
• State whether temporary shoring or underpinning is needed for adjacent existing foundations or shafts. Options: Yes - shoring required, No, To be determined after excavation

Framing and Roof Tie-In

• Point out the roof tie-in location and provide existing roof pitch, ridge height, and shingle type.
• Select the framing approach for the addition: stick-framed timber, prefabricated trusses, or structural steel. Options: Stick-framed timber, Prefabricated trusses, Structural steel, Hybrid
• Define required structural sign-off deliverables: stamped framing plans, on-site engineer inspection reports, and deflection limits. Options: Stamped plans and engineer report, Field verification only, Other (describe)
• Describe connections to existing framing including ledger attachment, rim-joist splice, and fastener schedules.
• Indicate whether existing roof sheathing needs full replacement at the tie-in area or can be patched. Options: Full replacement, Local patch, Unknown - need field review

Roofing Integration and Flashing

• Provide the existing roof material specification, underlayment type, and current flashing details at valleys and chimneys.
• Which flashing method do you prefer where new roof meets existing roof (step flashing, continuous metal, field-formed)? Options: Step flashing, Continuous metal flashing, Field-formed flashing, No preference - follow engineer
• Photograph the existing roof tie-in area and upload images to serve as reference for flashing sequencing.
• Are ice and water shield or specific underlayment mandated by the authority having jurisdiction or warranty? Options: Yes - mandated by AHJ or warranty, Recommended but not mandated, Not required
• Detail expected manufacturer warranty transfer requirements for new shingles and flashing assemblies.

Exterior Weatherproofing and Finish Matching

• Name the existing siding, trim, and paint system to be matched and provide color or product codes if available.
• Choose an exterior material match strategy: exact match, complementary but distinct, or full replacement for continuity. Options: Exact match, Complementary but distinct, Full replacement of existing cladding
• Measure exposed exterior trim profiles and provide photos or profile templates for millwork matching.
• Is a full water-resistive barrier replacement required at the interface with existing walls? Options: Yes, No, Unknown - need field review
• Upload a photo of the existing window trim and corner details to aid finish and color matching.

Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Rough-In

• Share the existing electrical panel capacity and main breaker size and indicate if a subpanel is acceptable for new branch circuits. Options: Panel has capacity, Subpanel required, Service upgrade required, Unknown - need electrician review
• List new mechanical penetrations required (new HVAC run, water heater relocation, dryer vent) and preferred locations.
• Estimate the number of additional circuits required for lighting, receptacles, and dedicated appliances introduced by the addition. Options: Less than 5 circuits, 5-10 circuits, More than 10 circuits
• Clarify required inspection evidence for rough-in trades (electrical inspection sign-off, plumbing pressure test, duct leakage test). Options: Municipal inspection sign-offs, Third-party test reports, Visual field reports with photos
• Indicate if HVAC balancing and new thermostat zoning are required as part of the mechanical scope. Options: Yes - balancing and zoning, No - tie into existing zone, Unknown - recommend HVAC review

Insulation and Drywall Installation

• Outline the target insulation R-values per assembly (roof R-value, wall R-value, rim joist) and whether spray foam, batt, or blown-in is preferred. Options: Spray foam, Batt insulation, Blown-in, Hybrid approach
• Choose the drywall finish level for painted areas (Level 4, Level 5). Options: Level 4, Level 5
• Photograph any existing interior plaster profiles or textured ceilings to confirm matching approach for joints and textures.
• Tell if fire-rated assemblies are required at the addition interface and provide the required fire-resistance rating in hours. Options: 1 hour, 2 hour, None
• Document planned sequencing between insulation, drywall hang, and finish carpentry to minimize rework while the home is occupied.

Finish Carpentry, Flooring, and Millwork

• Name the flooring materials and finish (hardwood species and grade, engineered plank, tile) and whether matching to existing floors is required. Options: Match existing flooring, New contrasting finish, Full replacement of all flooring
• Detail required trim profiles: baseboard height, casing profile, crown molding dimensions, and staircase newel style.
• Upload photos of existing cabinetry and millwork profiles for color, reveal, and profile matching.
• Approximate expected material lead times for custom millwork and long-lead finishes in weeks. Options: Less than 4 weeks, 4-8 weeks, More than 8 weeks
• Who will be responsible for selecting final paint colors and hardware finishes and by what milestone (permit, framing, drywall)? Options: We will select, You will select, Shared decision - milestone (specify)

System Balancing and Mechanical Commissioning

• Plan required commissioning tests: HVAC airflow balancing with CFM targets, hydronic pressure tests, and electrical load verification. Options: Include all tests, Include HVAC and hydronic only, Include HVAC only, Custom (describe)
• Set measurable acceptance thresholds for HVAC performance (supply/return delta temps, CFM per register) to be met at final balancing.
• Explain required documentation deliverables for system commissioning: balancing report, as-built duct layout, and final equipment operations manual.
• Schedule a commissioning date window after HVAC start-up and mirror the homeowner's least disruptive days for testing. Options: Weekdays, Weekend, By agreement
• Assign responsibility for recording test measurements and storing commissioning documents in the project folder. Options: We record and store, You provide third-party report, Shared responsibility

• Master Construction Agreement (MCA)
• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Payment Schedule Agreement
• Concealed Conditions Contingency Addendum
• Permit & Inspection Responsibilities Addendum
• Change Order Agreement
• Authorization to Proceed (Notice to Proceed)
• Lien Waiver & Final Payment Release
• Warranty & Final Acceptance Terms

• Warranty Kickoff and Handover
• First Warranty Measurement
• 90-Day Outcomes Review and Warranty Resolution Plan
• Quarterly Warranty and Outcomes Review

• If a systemic defect is identified, draft a corrective action recommendation for construction standards or subcontractor scope adjustments.
• Present 90-day outcome metrics
• Quantify 90-day performance by percentage of warranty items closed within 30 days and homeowner satisfaction score, and assess whether these meet the expectations stated in Construction Scope.
• Document final remediation schedules for all outstanding items or confirm that items are closed to homeowner satisfaction.
• Agree next steps for any remediation that extends beyond 90 days and record checkpoints for follow-up.
• Publish the 90-day outcomes report showing the percent closed within 30 days and the homeowner satisfaction score, and link to the Construction Scope verification criteria.
• Create timeline entries for any long-lead remediations with milestone dates and required approvals.
• Schedule any trades or inspection re-tests required to close remaining items.
• Current warranty dashboard review
• Ensure the open warranty item count and average days-to-resolve continue to trend toward the targets in Construction Scope.
• Triage new homeowner enhancement requests and decide immediate disposition for each.
• Identify any systemic issues requiring process or detail changes and document recommended preventive actions.
• Update the warranty dashboard with current open counts and average resolution time and circulate to stakeholders.
• Log disposition decisions for each enhancement request and, where accepted, create a scoped follow-up task or quote item.
• Reconfirm scope, warranty terms, and verification criteria
• Warranty coverage and the measurable verification criteria in Construction Scope are confirmed and understood by all parties.
• All as-built documents and permit/inspection records are uploaded and accessible to the homeowner and the project team.
• The warranty reporting workflow and communication cadence are agreed and an initial set of remediation actions are recorded.
• Publish the warranty register and the reporting instructions to the shared workspace.
• Upload final as-built drawings, HVAC balancing report, and permit close documents to the project folder.
• Log any immediate open items identified in the walkthrough with target completion dates.
• Present the warranty log and early outcome metrics
• The current warranty performance is quantified by the number of open warranty items and the median days to resolve those items.
• Root causes for the top recurring issues are identified and a remediation plan with dates is agreed.
• Any concealed-conditions impacts are documented and next steps for resolution are agreed.
• Update the warranty register with the agreed remediation tasks and target completion dates.
• Produce a short root cause summary for any recurring defect and circulate to the project team.
• If the concealed-conditions contingency was used, publish the expenditure summary and justification to the shared workspace.
• As-built and permit handover
• Match outcomes to verification criteria
• Status review of outstanding warranty items
• Triage enhancement and minor improvement requests
• Finalize long-lead or phased remediation plans
• Warranty logging process and communication cadence
• Persistent defect detailed review
• Root cause analysis for recurrent issues
• Homeowner experience and living-in-place adjustments
• Short checklist and next-step confirmations
• Initial site verification and immediate open items
• Remediation plan and timetable
• Agree immediate remediation actions and owners
• Contingency and concealed-conditions review