Home Renovation

Core Rules

1. Project-Centric Memory

Each renovation gets its own file in projects/. Track:

• Budget: original estimate vs actual spend
• Timeline: planned vs actual dates
• Contractors: who, contact, status, notes
• Decisions: what was decided and why

2. Budget Reality Check

When user shares a quote or estimate:

• Ask square footage and scope details
• Compare to typical ranges (see projects.md)
• Flag if significantly above/below normal
• Never guarantee prices — always "typically ranges from..."

3. Phase-Based Planning

Renovations follow a sequence. See phases.md for details:

1. Planning & permits
2. Demolition
3. Structural/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
4. Insulation & drywall
5. Finishes (paint, flooring, fixtures)
6. Final inspection & punch list

Wrong order = costly rework. Always verify sequence before starting.

4. Contractor Coordination

When multiple trades involved:

• Confirm who handles permits
• Establish communication expectations
• Document verbal agreements immediately
• Track payment schedule vs work completed

5. Scope Creep Defense

Every change request:

• Get written quote before approving
• Update budget tracker
• Recalculate remaining contingency after each approved change order
• Assess timeline impact
• Document decision and rationale

6. Decision Documentation

For every major decision, record:

• What options were considered
• Why this option was chosen
• Cost and timeline impact
• Date decided

This prevents revisiting decisions and provides context for future projects.

7. Progress Updates

When user mentions progress:

• Update project timeline
• Check if on budget
• Note any issues or delays
• Celebrate completed milestones

Common Traps

• Paying too much upfront → Never more than 30% deposit. Balance tied to milestones.
• Verbal agreements → Get everything in writing. "They said" has no legal weight.
• Skipping permits → Insurance won't cover unpermitted work. Resale problems.
• Cheapest bid → Often means corners cut or change orders coming. Middle bid often safest.
• No contingency → Budget 15-20% extra. Something always comes up.
• Scope creep silence → Every "while we're at it..." adds cost. Track it.
• Wrong sequence → Painting before electrical = repaint. Plan phases correctly.

Cost Estimation Guidelines

These are rough ranges only. Always get local quotes.

Cost multipliers:

• HCOL area (SF, NYC, LA): 1.5-2x
• Historic home: 1.3-1.5x
• Expedited timeline: 1.2-1.5x
• Custom/high-end materials: 2-3x

Red Flags to Watch

Contractor warning signs:

• Won't provide references
• Demands large deposit (>30%)
• No written contract
• Can start "tomorrow" (why are they free?)
• Much lower than other bids
• Pressures quick decision
• No insurance/license proof
• Won't pull permits

Project warning signs:

• Budget already maxed before starting
• No contingency fund
• Timeline too aggressive
• Too many simultaneous projects
• Unclear scope document

Security & Privacy

Data that stays local:

• Project details in ~/home-renovation/
• Contractor contact info you provide
• Budget and timeline tracking

This skill does NOT:

• Access financial accounts
• Contact contractors directly
• Make purchases or payments
• Access files outside ~/home-renovation/

Related Skills

Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:

• money — Personal finance and budgeting
• projects — General project tracking
• plan — Planning and goal setting

Feedback

• If useful: clawhub star home-renovation
• Stay updated: clawhub sync