Action Plan - November 2025
Generated: 2025-11-07 Project Status: Foundation complete, framing crew scheduled between Nov 24 and Dec 1 Critical Decision: ✅ MADE - Electrical now, other utilities spring 2026
🚨 URGENT - Must Start Immediately
1. Contact Electrical Contractor (Electrical Service Installation)
✅ DECISION MADE (2025-11-07): Install electrical service NOW (winter 2025); defer other utilities to spring 2026.
Why This Works:
- Electrical service runs separate trench from other utilities (different route)
- Other utilities (gas/water/sewer/low-voltage) share common trench - best installed together in spring
- Electrical service provides power for construction tools, lights, and supplemental heat
- No dependency on gas service for construction work (VEVOR heaters sufficient)
See: Decision - Electrical Now Utilities Spring for full decision rationale
Critical Action Items:
- Contact 2-3 licensed electricians for quotes THIS WEEK — stage:: 3
- Request quote for: 200A wire capacity, 100A initial connection, install through existing 2” conduit — stage:: 3
- Request timeline: “Can you complete by late November / early December?” — stage:: 3
- Apply for electrical service permit — stage:: 3
What to Ask Electricians:
- “Can you pull 200A rated wire through existing 2” PVC conduit from house SW corner to garage?”
- “Install 200A panel in garage, connect with 100A breaker at house main panel?”
- “Timeline for permit, installation, inspection, and energization?”
- “Itemized quote including: wire, panel, connection, permit, inspection, labor?”
- “Availability in late November / early December?”
Target completion: Electrical service energized by mid-December 2025
2. Plan Spring 2026 Utility Installation (Gas/Water/Sewer/Low-Voltage)
NO URGENCY - These utilities share a common trench (different route from electrical). Best installed together in spring.
Actions for Spring Planning:
- Identify 2-3 licensed gas fitters for spring 2026 quotes — stage:: 6
- Identify 2-3 plumbers for water/sewer spring 2026 quotes — stage:: 6
- Contact contractors in February 2026 for March-April installation — stage:: 6
- Single trench excavation for all utilities (cost-effective) — stage:: 6
Target completion: Spring 2026 (March-May)
Why Wait for Spring:
- ✅ Cost savings: One trench dig instead of two separate excavations
- ✅ Better contractor availability (spring vs. Dec-Jan peak season)
- ✅ Reduced property disruption (one dig vs. multiple)
- ✅ Radiant heat ready for finish work (drywall, painting benefit most from heat)
⏰ High Priority - Next 2 Weeks
3. HVAC Contractor Outreach
From your To-Do list (To-Do):
- Identify 3-5 local HVAC contractors (Mitsubishi Diamond preferred for mini-split) — stage:: 1
- Share HVAC Strategy document and drawings — stage:: 1
- Request itemized quotes and Manual J load calculation — stage:: 1
Why now? HVAC contractors also have long lead times. Getting quotes now helps budget planning.
Reference: HVAC Strategy
Target completion: November 15, 2025
4. Insulation Decision-Making
From your To-Do list (To-Do):
- Decide conditioned vs unconditioned zones (garage vs loft) — stage:: 3
- Choose sloped-roof insulation approach (fur-down + batts vs flash-and-batt vs full foam) — stage:: 3
- Document air-sealing details — stage:: 3
- Confirm with inspector: vented vs unvented cathedral assembly — stage:: 3
- Get quotes from insulation contractors — stage:: 3
Why important? Your Winter Construction Strategy notes that running the boiler without insulation wastes energy. Insulation decisions affect mechanical room completion timeline.
Reference: Insulation Strategy, Insulation Execution
Target completion: November 22, 2025 (before framing window opens Nov 24 - Dec 1)
📋 Medium Priority - Before Framing Starts (Window opens Nov 24 - Dec 1)
5. Mechanical Room Planning
From your To-Do list (To-Do):
- Confirm boiler vent route and electrical panel location — stage:: 4
Why important? Vent route must be confirmed during framing to plan wall/roof penetrations. Cannot operate boiler without proper venting.
Reference: Mechanical Room
Target completion: November 21, 2025
6. Soffit Lighting Design
From your To-Do list (To-Do):
- Confirm recessed lighting layout and fixture spec (IC/wet rating, CCT) — stage:: 5
- Decide sensor approach (hardwired PIR vs wireless via HA) — stage:: 5
- Ensure neutral in switch box; add conduit/cable for hardwired sensors if chosen — stage:: 5
- Specify Shelly model and write Home Assistant automation — stage:: 5
Why important? Electrical rough-in happens during/after framing. Need to know now if you need conduit runs for sensors.
Reference: Lighting
Target completion: November 22, 2025
📊 Open Decisions Requiring Resolution
From your Decisions Log (Decisions Log), these are still “open” status:
-
Lift slab and PEX coordination - status: open
- Note: This may already be resolved based on timeline showing PEX installation complete on Oct 22
- Action: Update decision status to “confirmed” if complete
-
Plumbing vent rough-in - status: open
- Install main 3” roof plumbing vent during build
- Decision needed: Finalize vent locations before framing
-
Mini-split approach - status: open
- Mitsubishi MXZ Hyper-Heat outdoor unit
- Decision needed: Final sizing after Manual J (depends on HVAC contractor quotes)
-
Insulation: Conditioned zones - status: open
- Define which spaces to condition (garage, loft, both)
- Decision deadline: Before insulation contractor quotes (target Nov 22)
-
Soffit lighting controls - status: open
- Shelly relay with Home Assistant
- Decision needed: Motion sensing approach (hardwired vs wireless)
-
Insulation: Sloped roof approach - status: open
- Choose between fur-down + batts, flash-and-batt, or full foam
- Decision deadline: Before insulation contractor quotes (target Nov 22)
🎯 Recommended Action Plan for This Week
Day 1 (Today - Nov 7):
- ✅ DECIDED: Electrical service now, other utilities spring 2026
- ⚡ Call 2-3 licensed electricians for electrical service quotes/timelines
- 📧 Email electricians with specific requirements (see Contractor Contact Checklist below)
Day 2-3 (Nov 8-9):
- ⚡ Follow up with electricians; schedule site visits if needed
- 📝 Apply for electrical service permit once electrician selected
- 🔍 Research HVAC contractors - make list of 5 to contact
- 🔍 Research insulation contractors - make list of 3-5 to contact
Day 4-5 (Nov 10-11):
- 📞 Contact HVAC contractors with quote requests
- 📞 Contact insulation contractors with quote requests
- 📝 Finalize mechanical room location/layout decisions (ready for framing)
- ✅ Confirm VEVOR diesel heater setup and fuel supply plan
Week 2 (Nov 12-18):
- 📋 Review electrician quotes and select contractor
- ✅ Schedule electrical service installation (target: late Nov / early Dec)
- ✅ Make insulation decisions (conditioned zones, roof approach)
- ✅ Finalize boiler vent route before framing starts (for future spring installation)
- 🏗️ Monitor framing crew mobilization window (Marcus: no earlier than Nov 24, no later than Dec 1)
- 📋 Review HVAC and insulation contractor quotes
Communication plan: Marcus will call one week before his crew mobilizes. Wait for his update; if there is no call by Dec 1, reach out for a status check.
💡 Recommended Strategy: Electrical Now, Other Utilities Spring
✅ DECISION MADE (2025-11-07): Based on utility routing analysis and cost-benefit evaluation, the optimal strategy is:
Winter 2025-26: Electrical Service Only
- ✅ Install electrical service immediately (separate trench from house SW corner)
- ✅ Complete mechanical room framing, insulation, and drywall
- ✅ Use VEVOR diesel heaters for construction heat (40-50°F working temps)
- ✅ Focus on shell completion (roof, siding, windows, doors)
- ✅ Power available for tools, lights, and supplemental heat if needed
Spring 2026: All Other Utilities Together
- ✅ Dig single trench for gas + water + sewer + low-voltage (cost-effective)
- ✅ Install and commission boiler after gas service operational
- ✅ Complete interior finish work with radiant heat (55-70°F comfort)
Why This Strategy Wins:
Routing Reality:
- Electrical service runs separate route (house SW corner → garage) per electrician requirements
- Other utilities share common trench (different route, bundled for efficiency)
- Installing electrical now doesn’t require digging other trench
Cost Benefits:
- ✅ One excavation for 4 utilities vs. multiple separate trenches
- ✅ Single permit/inspection for shared trench
- ✅ Reduced property disruption (one dig in spring vs. two)
- ✅ Estimated savings: $2,000-4,000 in excavation costs
Timeline Benefits:
- ✅ Electrical independent timeline (no dependency on gas/water/sewer)
- ✅ Spring contractor availability better than Dec-Jan peak season
- ✅ No rush to coordinate multiple utilities in winter
- ✅ Shell work continues unimpeded
Practical Benefits:
- ✅ VEVOR heaters adequate for construction work (tested Nov 1)
- ✅ Radiant heat most beneficial for finish work (happens in spring anyway)
- ✅ Protected mechanical room ready before boiler arrives
- ✅ Lower stress, better quality contractor work
Full Details: Decision - Electrical Now Utilities Spring
📞 Contractor Contact Checklist
Electrical Contractors (URGENT - Contact This Week)
Already Contacted:
-
Seiter Electrical— ✅ Already contacted (walkthrough scheduled) - Follow up for 200A service quote -
SLS Electric— ✅ Already contacted (stop by Wednesday) - Follow up for 200A service quote
New Contacts (if needed):
- Research 1-2 additional licensed electricians as backup options
- Verify licensing and insurance for all candidates
Quote Requirements (Send to All Electricians):
Project: 200A electrical service installation for detached garage
Location: [Your address], Clare, Michigan
Scope of Work:
1. Pull 200A capacity wire (2/0 AWG copper or 4/0 AWG aluminum) through existing 2" PVC conduit
2. Route: House SW corner basement → Garage foundation (separate trench, conduit already installed)
3. Install 200A breaker panel in garage mechanical room
4. Connect 100A breaker at house main panel (SW corner basement, west wall)
5. Proper grounding and bonding per NEC
6. Meter installation (coordinate with utility company)
7. Obtain electrical permit
8. Schedule and pass inspection
9. Energize service
Existing Infrastructure:
- ✅ 2" PVC conduit already installed through garage foundation (Oct 30, 2025)
- ✅ House main panel: 200A, located SW corner basement
- ✅ Garage foundation poured with conduit stub in mechanical room area
Timeline Request:
- Can you complete installation by late November / early December 2025?
- What is your lead time for scheduling?
- When can you start after permit approval?
Quote Should Include:
- Wire and materials (specify type/size)
- 200A breaker panel (specify brand/model)
- Labor for wire pull, panel install, connections
- Permit fees
- Inspection coordination
- Energization/utility company coordination
- Total project cost
- Payment terms
Questions:
1. Do you have availability in late November / early December?
2. What is typical permit processing time in Clare County?
3. Do you coordinate with Consumers Energy for meter/energization?
4. Warranty on labor and materials?
Gas Fitter Contractors (Spring 2026 - No Urgency)
Deferred to Spring 2026 - Will be installed with water/sewer in single shared trench
- Research 2-3 licensed gas fitters in February 2026
- Request quotes for spring installation (March-April 2026)
- Coordinate with plumber for shared trench excavation
Future Quote Requirements:
- PE pipe pull through existing 2” PVC conduit in garage foundation
- Underground burial from house to garage (shared trench with water/sewer)
- Pressure testing and inspection
- Gas line termination in mechanical room
HVAC Contractors (Medium Priority)
- Identify 3-5 local contractors (Mitsubishi Diamond preferred)
- Share HVAC Strategy document
- Request Manual J load calculation
- Request itemized quote for equipment and installation
- Timeline: Installation can wait until spring/summer 2026 (not winter-critical)
Track in: HVAC Contractors
Insulation Contractors (High Priority - Needed Before Drywall)
- Identify 3-5 local insulation contractors
- Share Insulation Strategy and Insulation Execution
- Request quotes for:
- Priority 1: Mechanical room: flash-and-batt (complete before spring)
- Priority 2: Perimeter walls: batts or spray foam
- Priority 3: Cathedral ceiling: approach TBD based on decision
- Timeline: Mechanical room insulation needed by late December for protected workspace
Track in: Insulation Contractors
📋 Decision Tracking
| Decision | Deadline | Status | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter construction strategy | Nov 7 | ✅ Confirmed | ✅ Complete |
| Electrical contractor selection | Nov 12 | ⏳ Pending | 🚨 URGENT |
| Conditioned zones (insulation) | Nov 22 | ⏳ Pending | ⏰ High |
| Sloped roof insulation approach | Nov 22 | ⏳ Pending | ⏰ High |
| Boiler vent route | Nov 21 | ⏳ Pending | 📋 Medium |
| Soffit lighting sensor approach | Nov 22 | ⏳ Pending | 📋 Medium |
| HVAC contractor selection | Nov 30 | ⏳ Pending | 📋 Medium |
| Spring utility contractors | Feb 2026 | ⏳ Future | 📋 Low (deferred) |
🔗 Related Documents
- Utility Strategy Decision: Decision - Electrical Now Utilities Spring
- Winter Strategy Analysis: Winter Construction Strategy
- Project Timeline: Timeline
- Task List: To-Do
- Decision Log: Decisions Log
- Utility Routing: Utilities & Conduits
- Mechanical Room: Mechanical Room
- Electrical Planning: Electrical Planning
- HVAC Strategy: HVAC Strategy
- Insulation Strategy: Insulation Strategy
- Temporary Heating: Temporary Heating (Winter 2025-26)
✅ Next Actions Summary
This week (Nov 7-13):
- ✅ DECIDED: Electrical now, other utilities spring 2026
- ⚡ URGENT: Contact 2-3 electricians for 200A service quotes
- 📝 Apply for electrical permit once electrician selected
- 🔍 Research HVAC contractors (medium priority)
- 🔍 Research insulation contractors (high priority - needed for mechanical room)
- 📝 Make insulation decisions (conditioned zones, roof approach)
Next week (Nov 14-20):
-
✅ Schedule electrical service installation (target late Nov/early Dec)
-
📞 Contact HVAC contractors for quotes (can wait until spring)
-
📞 Contact insulation contractors for quotes (mechanical room priority)
-
✅ Finalize boiler vent route (for future spring installation)
-
✅ Finalize soffit lighting design
-
🏗️ Monitor framing crew window (Marcus: Nov 24 earliest, Dec 1 latest)
- Marcus plans to call one week before his crew arrives; if no call by Dec 1, reach out for status.
December 2025 - February 2026:
- ✅ Electrical service installation and energization
- 🏗️ Complete mechanical room framing, insulation, drywall
- 🔥 Use VEVOR diesel heaters for construction heat
- 🏗️ Complete shell work (roof, siding, windows, doors)
- 💡 Power available for tools, lights, supplemental electric heat if needed
Spring 2026 (March-May):
- 📞 Contact gas fitters and plumbers (February prep)
- 🚜 Dig single shared trench for gas/water/sewer/low-voltage
- 🔥 Install gas service and commission boiler
- 🏗️ Complete interior finish work with radiant heat operational
Last Updated: 2025-11-13 Status: Active - Critical decisions pending Owner: Project Lead