Getting Oriented, Briefly

• Tell me, what motivated you to consider a kitchen renovation now? Options: Outgrown layout, Aging finishes, New home purchase, Preparing to sell, Appliance failure, Other
• How do you and your household currently use the kitchen day to day? Options: Cooking most meals, Entertaining guests frequently, Quick breakfasts only, Shared family hub, Work from kitchen sometimes, Other
• Describe a recent moment in the kitchen that made you think it needs changing.
• Which areas of the kitchen feel most important to update right away? Options: Cabinets and storage, Countertops, Layout/reconfiguration, Lighting, Plumbing and appliances, Flooring, Other
• Do you have any must-keep items or heirlooms that must remain in place? Options: No, Yes, fixed appliance or built-in, Yes, cabinet or display piece, Yes, structural feature, Unsure
• When you imagine success at the end of this project, what would be different for your family?

Where the Kitchen Really Breaks Your Day

• If the kitchen stayed exactly as it is for another five years, what would cost your family the most in daily frustration or value?
• Who in the household notices problems first and how do they describe the impact? Options: Primary cook, Partner, Children, Caregiver, Guest feedback, Multiple people
• How often do current layout or appliance limitations force you to change plans for meals or gatherings? Options: Almost every time, Weekly, Monthly, Rarely, Never
• Tell me about any safety or accessibility issues that make using the kitchen stressful.
• Which small recurring annoyances—cleaning, drawer access, traffic flow—would you fix if you could pick only one? Options: Storage access, Counter space, Dishwasher reach, Traffic flow, Lighting, Ventilation, Other

Money and Tradeoffs That Feel Real

• Assuming budget were unlimited for a moment, where in the kitchen would you spend without pause? Options: Layout change, Custom cabinets, High-end appliances, Durable countertops, Professional lighting, Other
• To what extent are you comfortable fixing a firm maximum for the budget versus keeping broad allowances? Options: Firm maximum only, Mostly firm with small allowances, Large allowances preferred, Unsure
• Name the top three elements, cabinets, layout, appliances, countertops, that would make you feel the renovation was a success.
• Would an allowance-based proposal with potential change orders be a deal-breaker, or could you accept that with clear limits? Options: Deal-breaker, Acceptable with clear limits, Prefer firm price with allowances for rare items, Unsure
• Estimate the total including contingency that would make you confident moving forward this quarter. Options: <$30,000, $30,000–$60,000, $60,000–$100,000, $100,000–$150,000, >$150,000, Not ready to estimate

Timeline Realities, Not Hopes

• If this project slips beyond your target window, what impact would that have on your household plans?
• Who would be most affected at home if you were without a functioning kitchen for eight weeks? Options: Primary cook, Children, Elderly household member, Working adults, Guests and entertaining, All household members
• By when do you ideally want the major construction completed? Options: Within 4 weeks, Within 8 weeks, 8–12 weeks, 3–5 months, Flexible
• Are there fixed dates, moves, or events that cannot realistically change? Options: Yes, move-in or move-out, Yes, wedding or event, Yes, school start, No fixed dates, Unsure
• Describe any flexibility in your calendar that could absorb a two to four week schedule shift.

Hidden Site Risks and Existing Conditions

• What single hidden issue discovered during demolition would make you stop the project immediately? Options: Major structural repairs, Extensive mold or rot, Unknown asbestos, Severe plumbing failure, Unacceptable electrical upgrades needed, Other
• Have you experienced plumbing, wiring, or structural surprises in past work at this home? Options: Yes, plumbing, Yes, electrical, Yes, structural, No surprises, Not applicable
• Identify any shared systems, water shutoff locations, or load-bearing walls that tie into the kitchen.
• Are there recent plans or permits for the house that we can access for permit submissions? Options: Yes, full plans available, Partial plans only, No plans available, Unsure
• Share any long-lead items, specialty appliances or custom cabinets, you already own or have ordered. Options: No long-lead items, Appliances ordered, Cabinets ordered, Countertop material on order, Other

The Other Paths You're Considering

• Why would you stick with your current kitchen rather than starting a renovation now? Options: Cost concerns, Disruption worry, Satisfaction with current look, Timing not right, Other
• List the other contractors or approaches you have considered, including doing it yourself or hiring individual trades.
• Under what conditions would you decide not to renovate and keep the kitchen as-is? Options: Cost too high, Too much disruption, Not enough time, No clear benefit, Other
• Have any household members proposed handling parts of the work themselves to save cost? Options: Yes, full DIY, Yes, some trades only, No, will not DIY, Undecided
• Point to the single worry about hiring an outside team that would push you toward a different contractor or doing it yourself. Options: Quality concerns, Cost overruns, Timing unreliability, Communication issues, Trust or references, Other
• What would need to be true about your current approach for you to stay with it instead of changing?

Practical Readiness, Permits, and Site Access

• Suppose permits are delayed by local authority timelines, what contingency would you accept before pausing the project? Options: Accept minor delay, Allow overtime work, Start interior prep only, Pause until permits arrive, Other
• Please name the household contact who can provide site access, keys, or utility info during construction.
• Do you have a preferred location for staging materials and dumpsters on your property or a neighbor's driveway? Options: Front driveway, Side yard, Back yard, Street permit requested, Neighbor's drive available, No suitable location
• List any HOA rules, municipal restrictions, or shared driveway agreements that could restrict deliveries or work hours.
• Could someone from your household be available for a quick daily check-in during critical milestones? Options: Yes, available daily, Yes, available for milestone check-ins, No, only weekly, No one available
• Estimate the earliest date you could reasonably allow crews to start full demolition. Options: Within 2 weeks, 2–4 weeks, 4–8 weeks, More than 8 weeks, Flexible

Who Signs Off, and What Success Looks Like

• Should final finishes or the layout fall short, what specific remedies or timelines would you require before signing acceptance?
• Name the individual who will hold final approval authority for the budget, scope, and sign-off on completion. Options: Primary homeowner, Shared homeowner approval, Designated agent, Property manager, Other
• When presented with an allowance versus fixed-price option, how do you typically decide between certainty and flexibility? Options: Prefer fixed price, Prefer allowances for flexibility, Mix of both, Decide case by case
• Rank the acceptance criteria that matter most at handover: functional performance, visual finish, warranty response time, or timing. Options: Functional performance, Visual finish, Warranty response time, Completion timing
• Would you be prepared to commit to a signed contract within a week if we resolved scope, price, and start date? Options: Yes, Maybe with final review, No, need more time
• Please describe any last concerns or conditions that would stop you from moving ahead this month.

• Design & Selections, Solution Experience

• You confirm one preferred layout option that addresses daily workflow and storage needs.
• Confirm the current state and its cost
• Prepare three revised floorplans reflecting any choices made in this session and deliver them with annotated trade impacts.
• You confirm a finish package where cost, lead time, and aesthetics are acceptable and documented in an allowance.
• Provide a written selection package that lists chosen finishes, allowances, lead times, and the incremental cost for higher-spec options.
• Walk through tailored layout options
• You confirm a temporary-living and sequencing approach that keeps disruption within your tolerance and does not extend the agreed timeline materially.
• Schedule an on-site measurement and concealed-condition assessment to confirm plumbing, electrical, and structural assumptions before final pricing.
• Review material and finish packages with allowance impacts
• Confirm your preferred layout and selected finish package and state any nonnegotiable items within five business days.
• Demonstrate temporary living and sequencing options
• You agree on the remaining conditions to validate before final pricing, such as site measurement or concealed-condition checks.
• Validate that this matches what you described needing
• Confirm next decisions and evidence needed

• Design & Selections, Solution Experience
• Design & Selections Deck
• Design & Selections Solution Brief

• meeting
• slides
• document

• Secure building permits and inspections
• Demolition and debris removal
• Repair hidden plumbing and structural issues
• Structural framing and wall reconfiguration
• Rough plumbing installation and relocation
• Rough electrical circuits and lighting wiring
• HVAC venting and range hood ductwork
• Remove and install flooring
• Fabricate and install cabinetry
• Countertop templating, fabrication, and installation
• Install tile backsplash and wall finishes
• Install lighting fixtures and undercabinet lighting
• Appliance delivery, hookup, and commissioning
• Final inspection, punch-list, and client handover

Secure building permits and inspections

• Which permits are required based on the planned work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural)? Options: Building/structural, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical/HVAC, Demolition only, Unknown / need help confirming
• How will you provide permit documentation (permit number, approved plans) to the project folder? Options: Upload PDF in platform, Email scans, Provide permit number only, We need assistance obtaining permits
• What is the target authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) or local building department for inspections (city/town)?
• When do you expect permits to be approved relative to the planned start date? Options: Approved before contract, Within 2 weeks of contract, Within 2-4 weeks, Permit delays likely
• Are there existing permit conditions or historic preservation requirements that affect scope (e.g., protected finishes, inspection hold points)? Options: Yes, No
• What evidence will validate that permits are closed and inspections passed (inspection sign-offs, final certificate, stamped plans)? Options: Final inspection report/PDF, Certificate of occupancy or final sign-off, Inspection stickers/photos with inspector name, Other documentation

Demolition and debris removal

• Which areas are included in demolition (full kitchen, partial walls, island only, adjacent pantry)? Options: Full kitchen gut, Partial demo (cabinets only), Island only, Walls/doorways, Other
• How will you handle hazardous-materials discovery (lead paint, asbestos) and testing reports? Options: We will provide testing and abatement, Testing required if suspected, No hazards expected
• Where will debris be staged for removal and which access point will the crew use (driveway, side yard, garage)? Options: Driveway, Side yard, Garage, Street curb (permits required)
• What containment measures do you require during demolition (dust barriers, negative pressure, floor protection)? Options: Dust barriers and zipper doors, Negative air machine, Basic floor protection only, Full-site containment
• How frequently should demolition debris be hauled off (daily, weekly, at milestone handoffs)? Options: Daily, Twice weekly, Weekly, At milestone completion
• Specify any acceptance thresholds for demo completion (cleared to subfloor, exposed utilities labeled, debris removed from site).

Repair hidden plumbing and structural issues

• What inspection artifacts will we receive from demolition that might trigger hidden repairs (photos of rot, plumbing leaks, termite damage)? Options: Photos with notes, Contractor RFI with recommendations, Moisture meter or probe readings, Other
• Which hidden-issue repairs are potentially in scope (subfloor replacement, joist sistering, replacing old cast-iron drains)? Options: Subfloor repair/replacement, Framing/joist repair, Replace damaged drain lines, Sister joists/headers, Unknown until demo
• How should we document approval for unforeseen repairs and the associated cost threshold that requires a change order signature? Options: Notify and approve all over $500, Notify over $2,000, auto-approve under, Require signature for any cost increase, Other
• Who will provide structural engineer sign-off if header or load-bearing changes are discovered? Options: You will provide engineer, We coordinate engineer (costs billed), Not required unless major change
• Describe the acceptance criteria for repaired plumbing lines (pressure test results, visible joints per code, water-tight test).

Structural framing and wall reconfiguration

• Which walls are planned for removal or relocation and what are their current materials (non-load drywall, plaster on lath, masonry)?
• If a load-bearing wall is altered, what header sizes or engineer-specified details must be followed? Options: Engineer to specify header, Use prescriptive header table (provide span), Not applicable
• Where will new columns, posts, or beam pockets be located (show on floor plan or island coordinate)?
• When do you require structural framing inspections relative to rough trades (before rough electrical/plumbing)? Options: Before any rough trades, After rough plumbing but before drywall, At fixed milestone date
• Are there finished-condition constraints adjacent to the framing work (restrict vibration near wine cellar, plaster restoration required)? Options: Yes, No
• Specify measurable acceptance items for framing work (plumb within 1/8 inch per 8 ft, header installed per plans, engineered letter on file).

Rough plumbing installation and relocation

• Which plumbing fixtures are being relocated or added (sink, dishwasher, pot filler, ice-maker)? Options: Main sink, Prep sink, Dishwasher, Pot filler, Refrigerator ice/water line
• What is the planned drain type and sizing (PVC DWV schedule, cast-iron replacement, PEX supply lines)? Options: PVC DWV, ABS, PEX supply, Copper supply, Unknown / consult required
• Where are the plumbing rough-in stub locations measured from (finished cabinet face, centerline of island)? Options: Finished cabinet face (specify mm/inches), Centerline of island, From plan coordinate
• How will you confirm water shutoff and main access for the new layout (shutoff tags, photo of valve location)? Options: Photo upload of shutoff valve, Onsite verification by PM, You will provide valve access info
• Are specialized plumbing items required (instant hot, oil-to-gas conversions, grease trap)? Options: Instant hot, Grease trap, Water softener bypass, No special items
• What testing acceptance is required for rough plumbing (pressure test psi and duration, video/photo evidence of test)?

Rough electrical circuits and lighting wiring

• Which new circuits are required (dishwasher, oven, microwave, dedicated refrigerator, garbage disposal)? Options: Dedicated oven/range circuit, Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Microwave, Garbage disposal, General outlets
• What is the existing service panel capacity and will panel upgrades be needed (main breaker amps)? Options: 100A, 150A, 200A, Panel upgrade required, Unknown / need assessment
• Where should outlet and switch locations be placed relative to cabinetry (outlet above counter, in-cabinet outlets, toe-kick outlets)? Options: Above countertop, In-cabinet, Under-cabinet, Toe-kick, As shown on plan
• Which wiring standard or code details must be followed for kitchen small appliance circuits (number of 20A circuits, AFCI/GFCI requirements)? Options: Follow local code (AHJ), Require GFCI on all counter outlets, Require AFCI as listed on plans
• How will you document circuit labeling and as-built wiring (labelled panel schedule PDF, photos of labelled breakers)? Options: Upload labelled panel schedule, Photos of breakers labelled, Provide electrician sign-off
• Do you require verification tests for new circuits (voltage under load, polarity, GFCI trip test)? Options: Yes, electrician test report, No additional tests

HVAC venting and range hood ductwork

• Which range-hood exhaust strategy is planned (external venting to roof, wall, or recirculating with charcoal filter)? Options: Exterior roof vent, Exterior wall vent, Recirculating/ductless, Undecided
• What duct size and maximum available CFM must the hood accommodate (spec CFM from hood spec sheet)? Options: <300 CFM, 300-600 CFM, 600+ CFM, Refer to hood spec sheet
• Where is HVAC routing constrained by structure (attic access, chase, limited soffit depth)?
• Who will supply hood penetration flashing or roof penetrations, and is a roofing permit or trade coordination required? Options: We coordinate and provide, You will supply/coordinate, Roofing contractor required separately
• Are make-up air requirements needed for high-CFM hoods per local code, and should a make-up air unit be scoped? Options: Yes, include make-up air, No, Unknown - need code check
• Describe the acceptance criteria for ductwork installation (no visible kinks, duct supported per code, airflow test results).

Remove and install flooring

• Which flooring finishes are being removed and what new floor type will be installed (hardwood, tile, LVT, engineered wood)? Options: Hardwood, Tile, Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), Engineered wood, Other
• What is the subfloor condition and will underlayment or leveling compound be required (plywood, concrete slab, particleboard)? Options: Plywood - sound, Plywood - needs repair, Concrete slab - flat, Concrete - needs self-leveler, Unknown
• Where will seams occur and do you require transitions or thresholds at room boundaries (receipts for transition profiles)? Options: Yes, transitions required, No transitions; single floor plane, Undecided
• How will moisture testing be provided for substrate prior to floor installation (RH test, calcium chloride test, meter readings)? Options: Relative humidity (RH) test, Calcium chloride, Moisture meter readings, No test planned
• Do you require a warranty for installed flooring and what length is expected (1 year, 3 years, manufacturer warranty)? Options: Manufacturer warranty only, Install warranty 1 year, Install warranty 3 years, No install warranty
• Specify acceptance criteria for flooring installation (flatness tolerance, grout joint consistency, visible nail/screw-free surface).

Fabricate and install cabinetry

• Which cabinet style and construction are specified (frame-in, frameless, inset, shaker door, slab door)? Options: Face-frame, Frameless/European, Inset, Shaker door, Slab door, Other
• What cabinet finish samples or mock-ups must be approved before full fabrication (door sample, finish sample, hardware mock-up)? Options: Door sample, Finish swatch, Full-size mock-up, Hardware sample
• Where will appliance overhangs, clearances, and toe-kick dimensions be documented (cabinet elevations, shop drawings)? Options: Cabinet elevations, Shop drawings, Appliance spec coordination sheet
• Who will sign off on final cabinet placement and hardware operation before countertops are templated? Options: You sign off, We coordinate sign-off with you, Designer signs off
• What tolerance and acceptance testing must cabinetry meet at install (doors aligned within 1/16 inch, soft-close function test)?
• Do you require concealed storage solutions or specialty cabinet inserts (pull-outs, blind-corner, spice rack, trash pull-out)? Options: Pull-outs, Blind-corner solutions, Spice rack, Trash pull-out, Appliance garages

Countertop templating, fabrication, and installation

• Which countertop material is specified for fabrication (granite, quartz, marble, solid-surface, butcher block)? Options: Granite, Quartz/engineered stone, Marble, Solid-surface, Butcher block, Other
• Where will the template be performed (on-site templating after cabinet set, digital template from CAD)? Options: On-site templating after cabinet install, Digital template (laser) from shop, Standard size tops with no templating
• How many seams are acceptable on islands and run lengths, and where should seams be located (hidden near cooktop, center of island)? Options: No seams preferred, 1 seam acceptable on island, 2+ seams acceptable, As per fabricator recommendation
• Which edge profile and backsplash height are required for the countertops (eased, bevel, bullnose, 4 inch backsplash)? Options: Eased, Bevel, Bullnose, Ogee, 4 inch backsplash, Integrated backsplash
• Where will slab selection occur and how will you approve fabricator slab photos or visit the slab yard? Options: Approve slab photos, Visit slab yard, Fabricator selects matching slabs
• What defines done for countertop installation (flush seams within tolerance, cutouts fit appliances, backsplash joint sealed)?

Install tile backsplash and wall finishes

• Which backsplash material and tile size are specified (subway tile 3x6, mosaic, large-format porcelain, glass tile)? Options: 3x6 subway, 4x16 subway, Mosaic tile, Large-format porcelain, Glass tile, Other

• Master Services Agreement (MSA)
• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Project Contract — Price & Scope Confirmation
• Payment Schedule Agreement
• Change Order Agreement
• Permitting & Municipal Approvals Addendum
• Allowances & Selections Schedule
• Insurance, Liability & Indemnification Confirmation
• Lien Waiver & Final Release Procedure
• Warranty & Post-Completion Service Agreement

• Post-Completion Health Check (weeks 1-4)
• First Outcomes Review (weeks 4-10)
• 90-Day Outcomes & Closure Review (around day 90)
• Quarterly Warranty & Care Review (ongoing, quarterly for first year)

• Document enhancement requests and add them to the enhancements backlog with owner and next-review date.
• Agreement on final financial reconciliation steps and document handoff is recorded.
• Project records location and warranty contact channel are confirmed for future homeowner needs.
• Publish the 90-day closure report showing closed items, residuals, and remediation timelines.
• Deliver final as-built documentation, permit closeouts, and warranty certificates to the homeowner project folder.
• If residual items exist, schedule the remaining remediation visits with target dates and escalation path.
• Warranty ticket trends and resolution performance
• Warranty ticket volume and resolution time are reviewed and trend toward target values recorded in Renovation Scope.
• Any outstanding documentation or permit items are scheduled for completion and archived.
• Enhancement requests are captured and routed to the agreed follow-up process without creating scope confusion with warranty items.
• Update the warranty log with resolutions and average resolution time for the quarter and publish to the shared workspace.
• Schedule seasonal maintenance or care visits recommended for preserving installed finishes and appliances.
• Re-confirm acceptance criteria and owners
• All immediate, safety-impacting issues are documented and a remediation plan with dates is agreed.
• Owners for each outstanding acceptance item are named and documented for follow-up.
• Buyer confirms access to warranty and inspection documentation in the shared workspace.
• Publish the post-completion issue log with remediation dates and circulate to the shared project channel.
• Schedule trades for the top-priority remediation items within the agreed 14-day window.
• Upload final inspection reports, permits, and warranty certificates to the project folder.
• Present current outcome metrics vs Renovation Scope targets
• Determine whether warranty item count and punch-list closure rate are trending toward the Renovation Scope targets, and document reasons for any shortfalls.
• Agree a time-bound remediation plan for any metric gaps with clear deliverables and dates.
• Confirm any invoice or allowance adjustments linked to outstanding scope items are captured for financial reconciliation.
• Publish a remediation plan listing each open warranty or punch-list item, the required work, and target completion dates.
• Update the project budget variance summary and flag any amounts held against unresolved items.
• Record the root-cause analysis for the top three metric variances and propose preventive steps for future projects.
• Restate scope acceptance criteria from Renovation Scope
• All acceptance criteria from Renovation Scope are reviewed and each item is marked closed or documented as residual with a remediation plan.
• Verify occupancy readiness
• Present 90-day outcome data
• Diagnose root causes for deviations
• Homeowner satisfaction and care items
• Agree corrective actions and timelines
• Early defect and warranty signals
• Outstanding documentation and permit follow-ups
• Confirm closure status and residual items
• Enhancement requests and scheduling
• Agree final documentation and archive plan
• Confirm documentation and final billing status
• Immediate remediation plan