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Home Renovation

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

$ git log --oneline --stat
stars:1,933
forks:367
updated:March 4, 2026
SKILL.mdreadonly
SKILL.md Frontmatter
nameHome Renovation
slughome-renovation
version1.0.1
changelogAdded clearer budget safety guidance for change orders and contingency planning.
homepagehttps://clawic.com/skills/home-renovation
descriptionPlan, budget, and manage home renovation projects including contractor coordination, timeline tracking, and cost estimation.
metadata[object Object]

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

TopicFile
Setup guidesetup.md
Memory templatememory-template.md
Project typesprojects.md
Contractor evaluationcontractors.md
Renovation phasesphases.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 TypeLowMidHighNotes
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 <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