- 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/
├── memory.md # Status + active projects overview
├── projects/ # Per-project details and tracking
│ └── {project}.md # Budget, timeline, contractors, notes
└── archive/ # Completed projectsQuick 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:
- Planning & permits
- Demolition
- Structural/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Insulation & drywall
- Finishes (paint, flooring, fixtures)
- 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/
Related Skills
Install with clawhub install <slug> if user confirms:
money— Personal finance and budgetingprojects— General project trackingplan— Planning and goal setting
Feedback
- If useful:
clawhub star home-renovation - Stay updated:
clawhub sync