Residential Needs Analysis
This sample of typical questions when beginning a residential project acts as a springboard to the more interesting specifics. Refer to approach for more details regarding how the general process works, although most projects are the exception rather than the rule.
Contact Information
- Full name:
- Current address:
- Phone number:
- Email address:
Base Project Information
- Project property address:
- Existing info: (for additions and renovations only) Are there any architectural and engineering drawings of the existing building?
- Contractor: Has the contractor been selected or do you need to find one?
- Budget: Order of magnitude or very rough approximation
- Schedule To begin design and to complete construction
- Size: General scale, area in square feet
- Stories: Preference for single or multiple?
Space Program
- Entry: Vestibule, foyer, mud room, closet, shoe bench
- Entertaining spaces: Salon/gathering room bar, theater room, game room
- Formal spaces: Study/office, parlor/sitting room, library, dining room
- Living spaces: Great room, salon/gathering/living room, informal/family room
- Food/Kitchen spaces: Chef's kitchen, butler's pantry, warming kitchen, wine cellar, outdoor kitchen, baking station, walk-in pantry, in-kitchen seating, larder
- Bed rooms: Owner suite spaces, full suites, shared suites, individual rooms, closets
- Bath rooms: Full, half, shared, saunas, hot tubs
- Closets: Clothing, hobbies, gun storage, safe rooms
- Laundry: Adjacencies, multiple, en suite
- Purposed spaces: Children's room, media room, exercise/yoga, studio, shop, elevator, greenhouse
- Garage: Number of spaces, special heights, charging, lift/pit
- Outdoor: Pool, terrace, deck, enclosed porch, formal garden
Site Features
- Features: Views or privacy concerns
- Yards: Lawns, gardens, play areas, pet areas
- Entry: Covered entry car drop off
- Out buildings or structures: Pool, garage, barn, shed, workshop, guest house
Qualities
- Character: Please provide impressions for the general feel of the house, as well as any impressions for style, materials, and quality of light and space. (Picture examples are welcome.)
- Performance: Architectural homes are constructed with a better envelope (rain barrier, insulation, moisture and humidity management) than average, but is there interest for ultra-high quality to maximize energy savings or environmental impact? (The upfront cost can add 20% to reduce monthly heating/cooling 80%.)