Project Readiness & Living Plan — a quick readiness check

• To make the best use of a site visit, which living/occupancy approach are you prepared to use during construction? Options: Plan to live off-site for the heaviest phases, Stay in the home with phased work and protected zones, Temporarily relocate only for specific phases (e.g., kitchen/bath), Unsure — would welcome guidance
• If there are specific dates, rooms that must remain available, or access constraints we should know before a site assessment, please summarize them briefly.

Budget

• Do you have an allocated budget range for the full renovation (construction, design, permits, and contingency)? Options: Under $150,000, $150,000–$350,000, $350,000–$700,000, $700,000–$1.2M, Over $1.2M, Not yet allocated / exploring options
• Are any funds already committed or approved (construction loan, HELOC, cash)? If yes, note type and readiness to draw.

Decision-makers

• Who will make the final decision to proceed on this project? Options: Homeowner (single decision-maker), Homeowner(s) jointly (both sign off), Trust/estate executor or legal representative, Investor or third-party owner, Other
• Who else influences the decision (family members, lender, architect), and should we invite them to the initial discovery conversation?

Timeline & Priority

• What is your target start window for construction? Options: Within 1 month, 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, 12+ months, No set timeline / exploratory
• What is the primary driver for that timing (safety/habitability, sale or refinance, planned event, financing, seasonal preference, or exploratory)? Options: Safety or habitability concerns, Preparing to sell or refinance, Planned life event (move-in, wedding, etc.), Financing or loan timing, Prefer a specific season, Exploring options with no firm driver

A quick snapshot of your project

• Tell me briefly why you're considering a whole-home renovation now.
• When would you like construction to begin? Options: Immediately (within 4 weeks), Within 1-3 months, 3-6 months, 6+ months, Unsure
• Name the people who will be involved in researching or approving this project. Options: You / partner, Co-owner or family member, Financial advisor or lender, Interior designer or architect, Attorney, Other
• Select the budget range that best matches your expectation for the whole-home work. Options: Under $200,000, $200,000 to $400,000, $400,000 to $800,000, $800,000 to $1.5M, Over $1.5M, Unsure
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how committed are you to moving forward this year? Options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Please list the three outcomes you care most about from this renovation (e.g., livability, resale, energy savings).

Everyday frictions that make you want change

• If you stopped tolerating the house's daily frustrations, which single problem would you eliminate first? Options: Lack of usable kitchen space, Poor bathroom layouts, Cold or inconsistent heating, Outdated electrical, Cramped common spaces, Other
• Walk me through a typical morning or evening in your household and where the house most gets in the way.
• Which room creates the most daily conflict or stress for your household, and how? Options: Kitchen, Primary bathroom, Children's bedrooms, Living/dining room, Basement, Exterior/entry, Other
• How long have the frustrations you've described been present, and what have you tried so far to address them?
• Who in your household will be most affected by living through construction? Options: Adults working from home, Children, Elderly family member, Pets, No one will remain in the home, Other
• What single household concern would make you delay or cancel the project if it cannot be addressed?

What might be hiding behind the walls

• Which unknown condition behind the walls would make you pause this renovation until it is resolved? Options: Rot or termite damage, Structural deficiencies, Major electrical rewiring needed, Extensive plumbing replacement, Hazardous materials (lead/asbestos/mold), Other
• Describe any prior structural changes, additions, or foundation work on the property that we should know about.
• When were major systems such as heating, plumbing, or electrical last replaced? Options: Within 10 years, 10-20 years ago, 20+ years ago, Unknown
• Are there any known code issues, unpermitted renovations, or outstanding liens on the property? Options: Yes, unpermitted work, Yes, code violations, Yes, liens or encumbrances, No known issues, Unsure
• On average, how would you describe the condition of the roof, windows, and exterior envelope? Options: Good, few issues, Fair, expected repairs, Poor, likely replacement needed, Unknown
• Would you pause the schedule to allow for a structural engineer or specialist assessment if we suspect hidden damage? Options: Yes, pause and assess, Proceed with temporary protections, Proceed and price contingencies, Unsure
• If structural work requires a redesign and adds time, would you stop the project or continue with a revised plan? Options: Stop until resolved, Continue with redesign and proceed, Depends on cost impact, Unsure

Budget posture and finish priorities

• What single increase in cost would make you walk away from the project?
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how much flexibility do you have to reallocate budget between scope items? Options: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• Please list the finishes or features you consider non-negotiable (e.g., specific appliances, tile, fixtures).
• Would you accept a phased approach that completes essential living areas first to spread cost and disruption? Options: Yes, definitely, Maybe, depending on plan, Prefer full gut at once, Unsure
• How do you prefer selections to be handled: pick everything up front, choose allowances during construction, or decide room by room? Options: Pick everything up front, Allowances during construction, Decide room by room, Other
• Select the budget range you expect for the whole-home work, for analytics and alignment. Options: Under $200,000, $200,000 to $400,000, $400,000 to $800,000, $800,000 to $1.5M, Over $1.5M, Unsure
• Is there a hard maximum budget that, if exceeded, would stop the project? Options: Yes, give max amount in next question, No absolute max, willing to reassess, Unsure

The other routes you're weighing

• List the other options you are seriously weighing, such as another full-service contractor, hiring specialty trades separately, doing much of the work yourselves, or selling the home. Options: Another full-service contractor, Design-build firm, Multiple specialty contractors, DIY with subcontractors, Sell the property, Other
• Rank those alternatives from most to least likely to be chosen.
• Explain the conditions that would keep you with your current approach rather than hiring an outside contractor.
• Has anyone in your household proposed managing the project yourselves or hiring subcontractors directly? Options: Yes, we plan to manage it, Yes, one family member would manage, No, we prefer a single contractor, Unsure
• Could a competitor's fixed completion date and single contract make you switch your preferred vendor immediately? Options: Yes, definitely, Maybe, depends on details, Unlikely, No

Who signs, who pays, and how it gets financed

• Name the decision-makers who must approve the scope, contract, and final budget. Options: You / partner, Co-owner, Adult child, Trustee or executor, Financial advisor or lender, Other
• Walk me through the steps your household takes from reviewing a proposal to signing, including any required meetings or approvals.
• Choose the planned financing route for this project. Options: Cash, Refinance with cash-out, Construction loan, Home equity line, Credit or savings, Unsure
• Are there lender timing constraints, appraisal requirements, or sale contingencies that could affect your start date? Options: Yes, lender deadline, Yes, pending sale contingency, Yes, appraisal conditions, No known constraints, Unsure
• Is there anyone who could veto the project at the last moment? Options: Yes, spouse/partner, Yes, co-owner, Yes, trust or estate process, No
• Choose your preferred fallback if financing fails: pause until funding is secured, reduce scope, or cancel. Options: Pause until funding is secured, Reduce scope and proceed, Cancel the project, Other

Site readiness and practical constraints

• Identify any absolute blockers to a start on your preferred date, such as tenant occupancy, pending permits, or access limitations.
• Describe access limitations, parking rules, or homeowner association constraints that will affect onsite staging and deliveries.
• Please indicate which of these site conditions are true today. Options: Driveway available for staging, Street parking restricted, HOA requires permits for staging, Multiple access points to yard, No exterior access for large deliveries, Other
• Tell me who will manage daily site access, keys, and visitor coordination while work is underway. Options: You / partner, Onsite property manager, Neighbor or family member, Seller-managed, Other
• List any pets, health needs, or family routines that require special planning during construction.
• Indicate which outcome you would accept if permits take longer than expected: wait, phase the work, reduce scope, or postpone entirely. Options: Wait until permits are issued, Phase the work around permits, Reduce scope to items not requiring permit, Postpone project, Other

Trust signals and proof you need

• Think about a contractor's past whole-home projects, what would make you trust them immediately? Options: Complete project photos, Client references for full-home work, Clear scope and budget breakdown, Schedule and progress photos, Strong warranty terms, Other
• Recall a renovation you admired and explain which specific details convinced you of strong workmanship.
• Rank these proof points in order of importance for your confidence: detailed scopes, before-and-after photos, client references, schedule guarantees, warranty terms. Options: Detailed scope, Before-and-after photos, Client references, Schedule guarantees, Warranty terms
• Have you reviewed references or visited completed whole-home projects from any contractor on your shortlist? Options: Yes, visited multiple projects, Yes, reviewed references only, No, not yet, Plan to visit
• Please indicate whether a documented construction schedule with weekly updates would increase your comfort in proceeding. Options: Yes, greatly increases comfort, Somewhat increases comfort, No change, Unsure
• Do those three proofs—references, photographic progress tracking, and a single point of contact—remove your top objections and allow you to sign? Options: Yes, ready to move forward, Maybe, need a few more items, No, still have major concerns

Next steps and expectations

• Are you ready to schedule a full site assessment within the next 2 weeks? Options: Yes, within 1 week, Yes, within 2 weeks, Within a month, Not ready
• Explain the single decision that would let you sign within 14 days after receiving a final proposal.
• Please indicate the items you need from us to make a final decision, for example a detailed scope, fixed price line items, a timeline guarantee, financing support, permits support, or references. Options: Detailed scope, Fixed price line items, Timeline guarantee, Financing support, Permits assistance, References, Other
• Do you have any timing constraints, such as a pending sale, lender deadline, or personal milestone, that would require a decision by a specific date? Options: Yes, pending sale closing, Yes, lender deadline, Yes, personal milestone, No specific constraints, Unsure
• Do you want the next proposal to include a phased start plan and cost impacts? Options: Yes, include phased start plan, No, propose full scope only, Include both phased and full options, Unsure
• Are you prepared to sign a contract within 7 days if the site assessment confirms the hidden conditions and the revised timeline meets your needs? Options: Yes, Maybe with edits, No, need more time

• Design & Experience Workshop

• Provide a room-by-room phased scope and preliminary budget estimate for the rooms reviewed in the workshop.
• You confirm the restated current state and accept the quantified cost impacts if nothing changes.
• Orientation, the end-to-end renovation flow
• Confirm the current state and its cost
• Schedule the Project Scope review meeting including permitting and project manager availability.
• You confirm the room-by-room staged plan shown resolves sequencing conflicts and reduces expected on-site duration for the demonstrated rooms.
• You confirm the design direction and owner allowances shown are within your budget comfort and reflect your household priorities.
• Provide inspiration images and a list of must-have finishes and priorities for each demonstrated room.
• Proof step: room-by-room phased construction plan
• Proof step: design vision tied to real systems and allowances
• You agree to the specific next commitments and dates needed to convert this workshop output into the Project Scope package.
• Confirm homeowner decisions on the three highest-impact finish allowances and preferred occupancy plan during construction.
• Validate the future state
• Agree next commitments and decision milestones

• Design & Experience Workshop
• Design & Experience Workshop Deck
• Design Workshop Brief

• meeting
• slides
• document

• Full Interior Demolition
• Structural Framing and Modifications
• Whole‑Home HVAC Replacement and Ductwork
• Whole‑Home Electrical Replacement and Rewiring
• Whole‑Home Plumbing Replacement and Fixture Rough‑In
• Complete Kitchen Buildout
• Complete Bathroom Buildouts
• Custom Millwork and Cabinet Installation
• Flooring Installation (hardwood, tile, engineered)
• Interior Painting and Wall Finishes
• Exterior Envelope Repair and Window Replacement
• Roofing Repair and Replacement
• Exterior Landscaping and Hardscaping
• Punch‑List Completion and Warranty Handover

Full Interior Demolition

• Provide the demolition boundaries and a room-by-room list of elements to be removed (cabinets, interior walls, flooring, mechanical fixtures).
• Confirm any existing hazardous materials or asbestos reports for areas inside the demolition footprint. Options: Known report attached, No known hazards, Unknown - testing required
• Attach as-built drawings, attic/crawlspace photos, or previous remodel drawings that show current wall and floor constructions.
• Specify whether ceilings, floors, or walls are to be stripped to structure or partially removed and reference the finish schedule code where applicable.
• Estimate the number of potential load-bearing walls or openings that will require engineered detail or temporary shoring. Options: None, 1-2, 3-5, More than 5
• What acceptance evidence will validate demolition completeness (e.g., demolition sign-off form, asbestos clearance report, photo log)? Options: Signed demolition sign-off, Hazardous materials clearance, Photo log with date stamps, Other

Structural Framing and Modifications

• Identify areas where structural modifications are planned and reference the stamped structural plan sheet numbers or engineer report pages.
• Which framing systems are present at those locations (platform framing, balloon framing, concrete shear walls, mixed)? Options: Platform framing, Balloon framing, Concrete/CMU, Mixed/Unknown
• Will temporary bracing or a shoring permit be required during header/beam installation? Options: Yes - shoring permit required, No, Undetermined - needs engineer review
• Attach any structural engineer calculations, beam schedules, or detail sheets for proposed header and beam sizes.
• Provide desired finished ceiling heights and any room-level elevation changes that affect framing scope.
• Measure the longest unsupported span that will drive engineered beam sizing and indicate span length. Options: Under 8 ft, 8-12 ft, 12-16 ft, Over 16 ft

Whole‑Home HVAC Replacement and Ductwork

• Which heating and cooling equipment types do you prefer for replacement (split heat pump, packaged heat pump, gas furnace with AC, dual-fuel)? Options: Split heat pump, Packaged heat pump, Gas furnace + AC, Dual-fuel, Undecided
• Do you have a recent Manual J heat load report or will one be required to size new HVAC equipment? Options: Manual J provided, Manual J required, Prefer contractor to perform
• Specify ductwork reuse versus full replacement preferences and indicate preferred duct material for trunk runs (flex, sheet metal, insulated).
• Estimate the number and preferred condenser/terminal locations acceptable for condensers and condensate routing. Options: One location, Two locations, Multiple - roof and ground, Undecided
• Upload thermostat locations, zoning requests, or smart control preferences (number of zones desired).
• Confirm whether HVAC permits, static pressure testing, and equipment commissioning are included in the contractor scope. Options: Included by contractor, Homeowner to secure permits, Undecided

Whole‑Home Electrical Replacement and Rewiring

• List major electrical loads to be replaced or added (electric range, EV charger, tankless water heater, spa) and include make/models if known.
• Are main service upgrades or new subpanels anticipated — provide current service amp rating if known. Options: 100 Amp, 150 Amp, 200 Amp, Over 200 Amp, Unknown
• Indicate whether a permit-ready single-line electrical diagram (SLD) and panel schedule are available for permit submission. Options: SLD available, Panel schedule available, Neither available
• Select the desired approach for outlet and data counts per key rooms (provide counts now, estimate during design, or leave flexible). Options: Provide counts now, Estimate during design, No preference
• How many dedicated circuits or high-voltage circuits will new appliances require (list major appliances)?
• When should temporary power and site metering be installed relative to demolition and framing milestones? Options: Before demo, After framing, Before rough-in, TBD

Whole‑Home Plumbing Replacement and Fixture Rough‑In

• Identify existing main water service size and location and note any observed leaks or pressure issues.
• Will sewer lateral camera inspection or sewer condition reports be required before rough-in work proceeds? Options: Yes - camera inspection required, No, Unknown
• State preferred water heating solution (tankless, heat pump, gas storage, electric storage) and proposed equipment location. Options: Tankless, Heat pump water heater, Gas storage, Electric storage, Undecided
• Indicate whether plumbing riser diagrams, fixture rough-in heights, and finish schedule codes are defined for each bathroom and kitchen. Options: Riser diagrams attached, Heights defined, Not defined
• How many bathrooms will receive full rough-in replacement versus cosmetic fixture swaps? Options: All full replacements, Some full replacements, None
• Upload fixture cut sheets, shower system specifications, or existing plumbing plans that affect rough-in and drainage scope.

Complete Kitchen Buildout

• Describe the desired kitchen workflow and reference any kitchen work-triangle or island function diagrams you prefer.
• Select scope elements for the kitchen (structural changes, full mechanical rework, appliance selection, custom cabinetry, tile backsplash). Options: Structural changes, Mechanical rework, Appliance selection, Custom cabinetry, Tile backsplash
• Measure the available footprint and note the largest continuous run of millwork that will dictate cabinet lengths.
• Include intended appliance makes/models or performance requirements (induction cooktop, commercial hood, 48-inch range) to confirm rough-in and hood exhaust needs.
• What evidence will define the kitchen buildout as complete for final acceptance (certificate of occupancy, appliance commissioning records, final finish sign-off)? Options: CO issued, Appliance commissioning, Homeowner finish sign-off, All of the above
• How should owner allowances for cabinetry, countertops, and hardware be structured (fixed allowance, cost-plus, selection at milestone)? Options: Fixed allowance, Cost-plus, Selection milestone, Hybrid

Complete Bathroom Buildouts

• Outline each bathroom's intended scope (full gut, partial gut, cosmetic refresh) and link to the finish schedule by bathroom code.
• Are steam/shower systems, curbless entries, or custom waterproofing assemblies required in any bathroom? Options: Yes - specify locations, No
• Choose tile types and substrate preferences for showers and wet areas (waterproof backer, Schluter system, mud pan) to define waterproofing scope.
• State preferred heated-floor or towel-warmer options that require plumbing or electrical coordination and desired control strategy.
• When should fixture rough-in inspections be scheduled relative to framing and drywall to avoid rework? Options: Before drywall, After rough plumbing, During framing, TBD
• Describe the homeowner finish selection timeline and staging for bathrooms (tile selected before rough-in, faucets at finish stage, etc.).

Custom Millwork and Cabinet Installation

• Detail locations for custom millwork and provide reference elevations or shop drawing sheet numbers for built-ins and trim profiles.
• Where will prefabricated cabinet deliveries be staged on site and what protection measures are required prior to installation?
• Include hardware style and finish tolerances and indicate if concealed hinges and soft-close mechanisms are mandatory. Options: Concealed hinges required, Soft-close required, Standard hardware acceptable, Custom hardware to be confirmed
• Choose cabinet construction preference (framed, frameless, semi-custom, custom) and primary surface material for high-use areas. Options: Framed, Frameless, Semi-custom, Custom
• How will cabinet shop drawings be approved: digital sign-off, physical mock-up, or in-person review? Options: Digital approval, Mock-up required, In-person review
• Approve the threshold for acceptable finish variation on millwork (sample sign-off, photographic reference, or standard industry tolerance). Options: Sample sign-off required, Photographic tolerance acceptable, Standard industry tolerances

Flooring Installation (hardwood, tile, engineered)

• Report subfloor type and condition in each installation area (OSB, plywood, concrete slab) to define leveling and underlayment scope.
• Where will flooring transitions and thresholds occur and which threshold details are required between room types?
• Prepare a finish sequence preference for flooring installations (install after cabinets, before trim, or job-specific) to coordinate trades. Options: Floor after cabinets, Floor before cabinets, Case-by-case per room
• Recommend preferred flooring products and performance metrics (Janka hardness, PEI for tile, moisture rating) if selections exist.
• Install considerations: indicate whether radiant floor heating is planned and which areas are included. Options: Radiant heating required, Not required, Possibly in some areas
• Document required manufacturer warranties for each flooring product (finish warranty, wear warranty) and state who will register warranties.

Interior Painting and Wall Finishes

• Color and finish: attach or reference finish schedule codes for walls, ceilings, and trims to set painting allowances. Options: Finish schedule attached, No schedule - selections pending
• Prepare mock-up locations and approval process for specialty finishes (veneer plaster, limewash, decorative paint).
• Apply protective coating levels and specify sheen tolerances for high-traffic areas to align with maintenance expectations.
• Document required paint product specifications and VOC limits if indoor air quality or local ordinances apply.
• Name any bespoke finish providers or artisan contractors you expect to engage for wall treatments and indicate if samples are required.
• Include touch-up paint and patching scope for existing millwork and define post-installation cleanup standards.

• Master Services Agreement (MSA)
• Statement of Work (SOW)
• Project Payment Schedule
• Permitting Authorization & Fee Responsibility
• Change Order Agreement
• Warranty & Post‑Completion Support
• Insurance Certification & Indemnity Exhibit
• Lien Waiver & Conditional Release Forms
• Completion Acceptance Certificate

• Handover Health Check (Week 1-4)
• First Measurement Review (6-8 weeks)
• 90-Day Warranty Closeout Review (Day ~90)
• Quarterly Warranty & Care Operational Review
• Annual Warranty & Care Review (12 months)

• At least one preventive action is agreed to reduce recurring defects identified this quarter.
• Quarterly support cadence and response SLAs are agreed for the warranty period.
• Publish the 90-day closeout report listing closed items and those with extended remediation plans.
• Record any agreed budget adjustments for remediation in the project financial log.
• Set calendar invites for the quarterly warranty reviews and share the recurring agenda.
• Publish the quarterly warranty performance summary and trend analysis.
• All new claims have a documented next step and target resolution date.
• Review new warranty claims and status
• Quarterly claim volume and resolution time are reviewed and documented with trend insights.
• Confirm what was accepted at handover
• Create a preventive maintenance checklist for the homeowner based on recurring issue types.
• Log any enhancement requests for future consideration outside the warranty process.
• Yearly claims summary
• All warranty claims from the 12-month period are summarized and outstanding items have target completion dates.
• Homeowner provides an annual satisfaction score and any final feedback is recorded.
• End-of-warranty handover steps and record archival plan are agreed.
• Publish the annual warranty report including claims, resolution metrics, and homeowner satisfaction results.
• Schedule final inspections for any open warranty items before the warranty expiration date.
• Archive warranty records and handover the maintenance and care documentation to the homeowner.
• All critical handover issues are logged in the warranty channel with remediation dates.
• Homeowner confirms they can operate primary systems and knows how to report warranty issues.
• Date scheduled for the First Measurement Review within 4-10 weeks.
• Distribute the handover packet and system operation checklist to the homeowner.
• Log all immediate open items into the warranty channel with target resolution dates.
• Schedule the First Measurement Review meeting and circulate the agenda.
• Present early outcome data
• All outstanding punch list items are prioritized with remediation dates and verification steps.
• Root causes for any delays in warranty resolution are identified and time-bound corrective actions agreed.
• Owner acknowledges the current average warranty response time and agrees to the improvement plan.
• Publish a remediation schedule for all open punch list items with milestone dates.
• Update the warranty channel with expected response times and escalation steps.
• Collect and record homeowner satisfaction feedback for the first measurement period.
• Present 90-day outcomes
• Documented closure or a firm remediation plan exists for every punch list item remaining after handover.
• Any budget or schedule variances tied to warranty remediation are recorded and accepted by the homeowner in writing.
• Homeowner orientation and access
• Review budget and schedule variance for remediation work
• Compare outcomes to Final Walkthrough & Acceptance expectations
• Homeowner satisfaction and feedback
• Trend analysis of claim types
• Measure response and resolution performance
• Confirm remaining warranty obligations
• Root cause analysis for open items
• Walk the immediate open items list
• Close or extend items with documented reasons
• Plan end-of-warranty actions
• Establish ongoing support process
• Preventive maintenance and homeowner guidance
• Agree remediation actions and timelines
• Record remediation owners and timelines
• Triage enhancement or follow-up requests
• Confirm the ongoing communications cadence
• Confirm homeowner experience and immediate feedback