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BytesAgain β€Ί Skills β€Ί Home Renovation
πŸ¦€ ClawHub

Home Renovation

by @ivangdavila

Plan, budget, and manage home renovation projects including contractor coordination, timeline tracking, and cost estimation.

Versionv1.0.1
Downloads800
Installs2
#finance#legal#productivity
TERMINAL
clawhub install home-renovation

πŸ“– About This Skill

name: Home Renovation slug: home-renovation version: 1.0.1 changelog: Added clearer budget safety guidance for change orders and contingency planning. homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/home-renovation description: Plan, budget, and manage home renovation projects including contractor coordination, timeline tracking, and cost estimation. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🏠","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"],"configPaths":["~/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/
β”œβ”€β”€ memory.md          # Status + active projects overview
β”œβ”€β”€ projects/          # Per-project details and tracking
β”‚   └── {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 β€” 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 β†’ Never more than 30% deposit. Balance tied to milestones.
  • Verbal agreements β†’ Get everything in writing. "They said" has no legal weight.
  • Skipping permits β†’ Insurance won't cover unpermitted work. Resale problems.
  • Cheapest bid β†’ Often means corners cut or change orders coming. Middle bid often safest.
  • No contingency β†’ Budget 15-20% extra. Something always comes up.
  • Scope creep silence β†’ Every "while we're at it..." adds cost. Track it.
  • Wrong sequence β†’ 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/

    • Related Skills

    Install with clawhub install if user confirms:
  • money β€” Personal finance and budgeting
  • projects β€” General project tracking
  • plan β€” Planning and goal setting

    • Feedback

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

    • ⚑ 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.

    βš™οΈ Configuration

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