home-renovation

Setup

On first use, read setup.md for integration guidelines. Create ~/home-renovation/ if it doesn't exist.

When to Use

User plans a home renovation or remodel. Agent tracks budgets, timelines, and contractor coordination. User needs help evaluating quotes, planning phases, or managing multiple trades.

Architecture

Memory lives in ~/home-renovation/. See memory-template.md for structure.

~/home-renovation/
├── memory.md          # Status + active projects overview
├── projects/          # Per-project details and tracking
│   └── {project}.md   # Budget, timeline, contractors, notes
└── archive/           # Completed projects

Quick Reference

Topic	File
Setup guide	`setup.md`
Memory template	`memory-template.md`
Project types	`projects.md`
Contractor evaluation	`contractors.md`
Renovation phases	`phases.md`

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.

Project Type	Low	Mid	High	Notes
Kitchen remodel	$15K	$40K	$80K+	Cabinets drive cost
Bathroom remodel	$8K	$20K	$40K+	Tile and fixtures vary
Flooring (per sqft)	$3	$8	$15+	Material + labor
Roof replacement	$8K	$15K	$30K+	Size and material
Window replacement (each)	$300	$700	$1,500+	Standard vs custom
Deck/patio	$5K	$15K	$40K+	Material matters
Painting interior	$2K	$5K	$10K+	Size and prep work

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/

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