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%.)