Define what the space needs to do.
Start with the problem, not the finishes. Is the goal independent space for a relative, another bedroom, more comfortable daily living, or a potential rental unit? Write down your three most important outcomes and any features you can compromise on.
A separate dwelling and an extension of your existing home have different practical needs. Think about privacy, access, storage, and how the space will be used several years from now.
Gather the property information you already have.
Bring the property location, photos, approximate dimensions, and any existing floor plans or surveys. If drawings or permits are underway, share their current status. Do not enter unsafe spaces or open electrical equipment to collect information.
Note site access, slopes, existing structures, trees, and areas you want to preserve. The appropriate professionals and reviewing agency will need to confirm the conditions that affect design and approvals.
Think in complete scopes, not headline prices.
Ask whether a proposal includes design coordination, engineering, permits and fees, site work, utilities, construction, finish allowances, and closeout. Two prices are only useful to compare when the included work is comparable.
List costs that are still allowances or exclusions. Discuss how unforeseen conditions and changes would be documented. A preliminary conversation is not a fixed-price construction quote.
Be clear about timing and daily life.
Separate your preferred completion date from an agreed construction schedule. Planning, agency reviews, engineering, selections, procurement, and construction each take time. Ask which decisions could affect the sequence.
If you plan to remain at home, discuss access, dust, noise, temporary protection, utility interruptions, parking, pets, and which rooms could become unavailable. Some scopes may require other living arrangements.
Verify the people and the plan.
Check a contractor’s current California license information using the CSLB’s official lookup. Ask who coordinates the project, which professionals are responsible for drawings and engineering, and how progress and changes are communicated.
Before work begins, review the written agreement, the scope, responsibilities, exclusions, allowances, and required approvals. This planning checklist is general information, not legal advice or an assessment of your property.
Your first conversation with Derian
Bring what you know, and tell us what is still undecided. We can discuss the project type, whether it fits our services, and what information would help define the next step. The free initial consultation does not include drawings, engineering, permit fees, or a guaranteed price.