To-Do

✅ RESOLVED: SLS Electric $240 Overpayment — Refund Check Received

Paid the SLS final invoice by check for the full $5, 050, b u tt h e in v o i ce in c l u d e d a * * 5$ 240)** that doesn’t apply to check payments. Owner owed $4, 810; t e n d ere d$ 5,050 — a $240 o v er p a y m e n t * * . * * S L S mai l e d a$ 240 refund check (received 2026-06-25).

Contact Steve (SLS Electric) to flag the accidental overpayment and arrange a refund or credit toward future work — emailed 2026-05-11 requesting $240 refund

Confirm resolution — $240 refund check received 2026-06-25; invoice record updated

See 2026-04-17 - SLS Electric - Final Invoice for full invoice details.

📋 Next-Visit Measurement & Documentation Checklist

Things to capture with a tape measure + camera on the next garage visit. Detail/why lives in the linked docs.

Measurements:

Mechanical-room sewer invert elevation — depth of the 3” PVC sewer stub vs. the garage ceiling; sets the DWV soffit slope budget over the ~30’ collector run. See Loft DWV Plumbing Plan — stage:: 3
House sewer-stack tie-in depth (basement) — measure the basement block courses (~2′ exposed + below-grade) to find the lowest workable tie-in on the house sewer stack below grade, then back-calculate the max sewer drop that still hits the stack at ¼″/ft from the garage stub. Determines whether water-at-60″-above-sewer fits in a shared trench or forces separate trenches ≥10′ apart (per Clare DPW 2026-06-25). Measuring 2026-06-26. Use a water level (hose level) now to carry one datum between house and garage (the laser is a later dig-day borrow from Dan’s brother, not on hand); measure down to both the house-stack and garage-stub inverts for the slope budget. Full step-by-step in the survey field guide (Phase D); background in The basement-depth squeeze — and the way out — stage:: 2
Loft eave / heel depth at the kneewalls — clear depth available at the eave (truss top-chord depth minus vent-channel space) where the slope meets the wall plate; gates whether the triangles can be conditioned for storage (baffle+batt vs. eave-foam vs. not feasible). Pre-insulation critical path. See Alternative Under Consideration (2026-06-23): Condition the Triangles for Storage — stage:: 6
ENT / network run distances — walk the trunk + drop runs to finalize ENT footage (and whether a 3rd Cat6 box is needed). Update Network & Low-Voltage Materials Order — stage:: 5
South-wall outlet box positions — height AFF + offset from each door opening for the 4 dual-gang boxes — stage:: 6
Garage panel space count — read off the panel label; update the pole-count tally (also tracked under Electrical Service Installation → Panel below) — stage:: 6

Photo documentation:

Close-up photos of the 3 new vehicle-bay ceiling light boxes — stage:: 6
South-wall outlet box photos for the vault (pair with the measurement above) — stage:: 6
Turn in permits
- building to city hall
- zoning to Harrison zoning commission
Get rid of shed
Have Hershberger’s stake out the garage build location

Site Prep

_[Content redacted for privacy]_

Contract Follow-ups (2025-10-13)

Confirm Hershberger/Marcus will leave 4’x4’ PEX-free pads in lift bay before tubing install; capture confirmation — stage:: 2
Verify gas and low-voltage sleeves are included with the contracted sewer/water/electric/fiber sleeves before pour — stage:: 2
Refresh Dataview index in Obsidian so 00-Index.md shows new timeline/decision entries — stage:: 1

Electrical Service Installation — IN PROGRESS

SLS Electric LLC — $4,610 — Nearly Complete

Contractor: Steve (SLS Electric LLC) Scope: 200A panel, GFI outlets, 3 soffit wafer lights, 50A generator plug, 2x low-voltage conduits Status: Electricians on-site 2026-03-31. Currently energized: interior GFCI outlet near panel (one live circuit — garage door openers now powered from this outlet instead of 100’ extension cord from house). Installed but not yet connected to breakers: exterior GFCI outlet, 50A generator inlet (Reliance CS6375), 3 soffit wafer lights (romex routed to switch location). Unfinished: switch box near entry door unterminated (no light switch on hand) — SLS will wire during inspection visit (possibly Thursday April 3; inspector does Tues/Thurs only). 200A feed not yet connected to house panel (Eaton BRPSF225 lug block kit staged).

Completed Tasks:

Remaining Tasks:

_[Content redacted for privacy]_

Install breakers in panel — SLS Electric, completed 2026-03-31 — stage:: 6
Install light switch — SLS to wire during inspection visit (possibly Thu April 3; inspector does Tues/Thurs) — stage:: 6

Install interior GFI outlet near panel — SLS Electric, completed and energized 2026-03-31; garage openers now powered from this outlet — stage:: 6
Install exterior GFCI outlet — SLS Electric, physically installed 2026-03-31 but not yet wired to breaker — stage:: 6
Connect 200A feed to house electrical panel — waiting on part — stage:: 6

Terminate soffit light romex at switch location — stage:: 6

Secure soffit light junction boxes to framing — currently sitting loose in soffit cavity; need to be fastened per NEC 314.23 — remind SLS — stage:: 6

Seal 2x 1” conduits at both ends (house basement + garage panel) to prevent water/rodent entry — remind SLS — stage:: 6

Seal basement wall penetration permanently (replace owner’s temporary Liquid Nails fix) — remind SLS — stage:: 6

Install 50A generator inlet plug (Reliance CS6375) — SLS Electric, installed and wired 2026-03-31 — stage:: 6
Energize garage and verify all circuits — stage:: 6

Purchase GenTent Inverter Kit (wet weather running cover) for Predator 11,500W — confirm fit via Fit Finder, select Extreme warranty tier for Michigan winters — see Wet Weather Operation — Generator Running Cover — stage:: 5

HD Online Order WH32970403 Pickup (placed 2026-05-26):

Pick up 7 same-day items at HD Mt Pleasant (store 2732): 12× 2-gang boxes, 30× 20A TR duplexes, 2× 20A TR/WR industrial duplexes, 30× stud guards, 8× LV brackets, 16× wall plates. Order WH32970403 — $436.95 total — paid on AMEX 3006. May defer to 2026-05-27 — stage:: 5
Pick up 50’ 12/3 UF-B wire (Southwire, $161) — separate pickup line; available May 27-28 — stage:: 5

DIY Branch Circuit Follow-Ups (post-2026-05-25 install):

Retrofit the second outlet in the raised GFCI 2-gang at the east end of the north wall — wired in series with the 16” AFF chain, downstream of the GFCI’s load terminals so the new duplex stays GFCI-protected. Skipped at end of 2026-05-25 install (no spare devices); enabled by the 2026-05-26 HD order. See raised GFCI photo — stage:: 6
Sharpie-mark all Romex at the panel within 1–2 days of energization while context is fresh — circuit name + area per cable. Interim measure until the label maker is found. See Circuit Labeling Plan — stage:: 6
Replace sharpie marks with printed labels before any insulation, vapor barrier, or drywall covers the panel area or cable runs — stage:: 6
Decide conduit routing (kneewall vs. up-to-rafters bundle) before consuming the panel-side wire slack — plan must accommodate the future loft 100A subpanel feeder as a second conduit. See Conduit Routing Decision and panel-slack photo — stage:: 6
Finish the north-wall workbench-height circuit — purchase remaining receptacles, complete the chain, pull romex back to the panel, land a 20A BR breaker, energize and test. See DIY Install Progress — stage:: 6

Finish the west-wall 16” circuit — install receptacles, pull romex back to the panel, land a 20A BR breaker, energize and test — stage:: 6

Staple all yesterday’s romex runs to studs (tidying / dress-down pass) before insulation — stage:: 6
Nip/cut protruding siding-nail points flush in the stud bays — exterior nails that missed the stud overshoot through the OSB (laceration hazard now; will tear faced batts / vapor retarder later). Sweep all walls before insulation. Cut flush, don’t bend — bending can’t back up the head (pinned behind the vinyl), so an axial blow seats the head tight and defeats the vinyl’s expansion gap. Use end-cutting nippers (Pittsburgh 10” Heavy Duty End Nipper, ~$10, Harbor Freight — cuts flush, zero axial force); oscillating multi-tool or angle grinder for hard-to-reach points; knock down any burr. Not bolt cutters (bulky head can’t cut flush, leaves a sharp stub). Bending (sideways taps only) is a last resort if no tools on hand. PPE: glasses + gloves. Noticed 2026-06-20 during electrical rough-in. See Wall-Board Fastener Prep (Protruding Nail Points) — stage:: 6
Full receptacle test pass with the Klein RT250 — test every receptacle (not just first/last) for correct wiring and photo-document each showing the correct-wiring reading, before drywall. First/last outlet of each energized circuit already verified 2026-06-19 (wiring correct; GFCI TEST-button trip 0.08–0.09 s). — stage:: 6

Vehicle-Bay Lighting Circuit (dedicated 20A — rough-in started 2026-06-07, Uncle Ed + Chris helping):

Install 3 vehicle-bay ceiling-light boxes (one per bay) — done 2026-06-07 — stage:: 6
Run cable to the stairwell-bottom switch box (3-way location near loft stairs) — done 2026-06-07 — stage:: 6
Hang & test first 5-fixture LED run (over Bay 3 / lift bay) off an extension cord — works; clip-mounted so it pulls down for ceiling drywall — done 2026-06-07 — stage:: 6
Run 12/3 from the stairwell 3-way to the entry-door 2-gang box (box already holds the SLS exterior-soffit switch + the 2026-04-22 Shelly) — stage:: 6

Install the bay-light 3-way switch at the entry-door 2-gang — stage:: 6

Run the lighting home run back to the panel, land a breaker, energize & test — as-built differs from the original wording: the home run lands at the stairwell garage-floor box (not the entry-door box), and the bay + stairwell lighting share this one branch circuit. Energized & tested on a 20A breaker — all 15 lights lit 2026-06-19. — stage:: 6

Swap the bay/stairwell lighting circuit to the ordered 15A breaker (Eaton BR115 — HD Order WK29485567, ordered 2026-06-19). Optional while the circuit is all 12 AWG, but becomes required once the 14/3 stairwell lights are wired onto this shared circuit (14 AWG must be protected at ≤15A — NEC 240.4(D)). Swap before/when connecting the stairwell run. — stage:: 6
Hang the remaining 2 bay runs (10 more Barrina fixtures) as construction lighting — stage:: 6

Wire the stairwell light onto the bay-lighting circuit (3-way top + bottom; shares the bay branch off the stairwell-bottom 2-gang feed — decided 2026-06-07, Decisions Log) — stage:: 6
Run ¾” smurf tube (ENT) from the stairwell-bottom 2-gang up to the landing, and pull a 12/3 through it before drywall — future-proofs relocating the stair-light switch into a future apartment’s exterior-entry space. Conduit (not bare cable) keeps it re-pullable if the apartment layout differs; 12/3 (not the 12/2 spool) covers a 3-way and/or a smart switch needing a neutral per NEC 404.2(C). Leave a pull string + generous service loops, and terminate both ends in accessible blank-covered boxes (NEC 314.29). See Electrical Planning — stage:: 6
Secure NM-B within 12” of the Bay 1 and Bay 3 ceiling boxes (staples missed during the short 2026-06-08 session) and finish the staple pass on the bay runs — NEC 334.30 (within 12” of each box, ≤4’-6” intervals); do before rough-in inspection. See Bay 1 photo + Bay 3 photo — stage:: 6
Fit a 5/8” mud ring to the Bay 2 ceiling box — box was installed before the OHLECTRIC mud rings arrived (2026-06-07); rings now on hand. See Bay 2 photo — stage:: 6

Re-make-up the hot-white Wago at the stairwell garage-light switch box — a lever was caught open during device stuffing (noticed 2026-06-19). Re-strip to the 221 gauge if needed (no insulation in the jaw), fully latch, and tug-test; replace the connector if it won’t stay latched or the wire pulls out. Then dress the levers facing back/inward — or tape the closed-and-tested levers — so they can’t snag again. Do before drywall (loose connection = heat/fire risk once buried). See switch-box photo — stage:: 6

Door-Wall Power — Openers, Cord Reels, South-Wall Outlets (boxes mounted 2026-06-22; circuit split decided 2026-06-22):

Two 20A circuits (see decision): Circuit A = 3 openers + 4 south-wall dual-gang outlets + camera/sensor (light loads; GFCI breaker on hand); Circuit B = 2 cord reels on their own 20A (isolated so a heavy reel tool gets the full circuit). Garage is GFCI-required (NEC 210.8(A)) but AFCI-exempt (NEC 210.12).

Install ceiling boxes for the 3 garage-door openers (one per door, at each Genie head) — done 2026-06-22 — stage:: 6
Install ceiling boxes for the 2 drop-down cord reels (between the doors, near center of garage) — done 2026-06-22 — stage:: 6
Install the 4 south-wall dual-gang outlet boxes — (1) between entry door & Bay 3, (2) between Bay 3 & Bay 2, (3) between Bay 2 & Bay 1, (4) south wall near west corner — stage:: 6
Wire Circuit A (3 openers + 4 south-wall outlets + camera/sensor) on one 20A — pull 12/2 NM-B, install receptacles, land on the existing GFCI breaker, energize & test. Gives each opener permanent ceiling power (replaces the temporary feed). See opener box photo — stage:: 6
Wire Circuit B (2 cord reels) on their own 20A — pull 12/2 NM-B, install receptacles, land a 20A GFCI breaker, energize & test (reels mount later). Route via the kneewall chase — do NOT drill the loft floor (attic-truss bottom chords; IRC R502.11.3). Travel length-wise in the chase, then into a single truss bay parallel to the chords to each box. See routing decision and cord-reel box photo — stage:: 6
Confirm/buy a 20A GFCI breaker for Circuit B (cord reels) — Circuit A’s GFCI breaker is already on hand — stage:: 5
Staple/secure NM-B within 12” of all new boxes (5 ceiling + 4 south-wall) once cable is pulled — NEC 334.30; before rough-in inspection / drywall — stage:: 6

Garage Door Opener Follow-Up:

Re-pair Door 1’s Bluetooth safety light fixture — Aladdin Connect reports an interlock error on Door 1 (door disabled because the opener head can’t see its Bluetooth light fixture); fixture LED shows green vs. blue on the two healthy doors. Firmware verified identical (v6.3.1) across all three openers, so this is a lost-pairing issue, not a software-drift issue. See interlock fault photo — stage:: 6

Tracking: See Electrical Contractors for contractor records and SLS Electric Quote for final quote.

Electrical — Pre-Drywall Gate & New Circuits (added 2026-06-07)

From the 2026-06-07 completeness pass. Gate detail in Critical Pre-Insulation Requirements; full plan in Panel Schedule. These are the previously-designed Future-Proofing items pulled into the active build, plus the new circuits.

Procurement (do now — SPD + detector wire not yet in the buy pipeline):

Buy 2× BR230 2-pole breaker (one per SPD) — for the 2× Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA SPDs (HD order WK30115008, cascade = house panel + garage panel) — stage:: 5

Buy whole-panel SPD — Eaton CHSPT2ULTRA (2× for cascaded house + garage protection) — stage:: 5

Buy 14/3 NM-B (~100’) for the smoke/CO/heat interconnect — pick the detector brand first (interconnect is proprietary) — stage:: 5
Buy 2nd ground rod (5/8”×8’) + #6 bare copper + acorn clamps — stage:: 5
Buy ENT (¾” + 1”) + pull string + connectors for conduit chases (confirm against Phase 1.5 Menards order) — stage:: 5
Confirm CAT6 1000’ spool + keystones on hand or order — stage:: 5

Pre-drywall install (before insulation — non-negotiable window):

Install SPD at the panel (house panel first if cascading) — stage:: 6
Pull + chain smoke/CO/heat detector interconnect (14/3 on a 15A circuit) — stage:: 6
Drive 2nd ground rod + bond with #6 — stage:: 6
Run ENT chases (panel→ceiling, panel→loft, panel→far corner, mech-room→wall heads) + pull strings — stage:: 6
Low-voltage / network rough-in (CAT6 backbone, camera / AP / drops) — see Low-Voltage / Network (added 2026-06-22) for the full task list — stage:: 6
Rough 2nd 240V stub (capped box + 1” ENT) — stage:: 6
Rough loft subpanel feeder stub (1” ENT panel→loft) — stage:: 6
(optional) Speaker-wire pre-runs (CL3R) to workshop/bay/loft zones — stage:: 6

New circuits / outlets (completeness pass):

Mechanical-room rack/network outlet (UPS-backed) — define + rough the “server rack circuit” — stage:: 6
Mechanical-room boiler/pump control circuit + reserved external-circulator contingency outlet at the boiler — stage:: 6
Dedicated shop fridge/freezer 20A circuit (self-test GFCI) — stage:: 6
~2 additional exterior WP GFCI outlets (opposite side wall + driveway/apron) — stage:: 6
Switched ceiling air-filter outlet (hanging shop air filter) — stage:: 6
(optional) USB-C/USB-A receptacles at the workbench — stage:: 6
- Procurement: plug-in USB hubs to buy (USB-only desktop GaN, ≥100W laptop port — see Electrical Planning product picks):
  - Bench anchor: Anker Prime 200W 6-Port (A2683) — ~$80 — stage:: 5
  - Satellite spots (×2–3): Anker Prime 100W 3-Port (A2688) — ~$40–50 ea — stage:: 5
Battery-backup egress light at the stair landing / service-door exit — stage:: 6

Panel:

Confirm garage panel space count off its label; update the panel schedule tally — confirms room for SPD + loft 100A feeder + 2nd-240V + 2nd EV — stage:: 6
Keep the panel schedule + in-panel directory + cable labels in sync as each circuit lands — stage:: 6

Loft Subpanel + Construction-Phase Cooling (added 2026-06-25)

Decision: pull the loft subpanel forward. Plan: early circuits · temporary cooling. Goal: power summer loft work + window A/C off the loft subpanel instead of long extension cords.

Install the 100A loft subpanel + feeder early (pull forward from its original sequence) — neutral/ground bars separate, 4-wire feeder — stage:: 6
Dormer A/C circuit #1 — 20A/120V, 12/2, GFCI; receptacle at south dormer #1 — stage:: 6
Dormer A/C circuit #2 — 20A/120V, 12/2, GFCI; receptacle at south dormer #2 — stage:: 6
Construction / tool circuit — 20A/120V, 12/2, GFCI; central or near the top of the stairs — stage:: 6
Acquire window A/C units — ✅ borrowing four from coworker Dan Riehl (5k / 8k / 12k / 18k BTU) for the summer, $0 — buy-used plan no longer needed
Pick up + condition-check the borrowed units — each should blow cold within minutes, no musty/mold smell, intact cord + LCDI plug; verify the 18k’s voltage/plug (≥18k units are commonly 240V and won’t run on the 120V dormer circuits). Likely dormer pairing 12k + 8k, with the 5k as a tent spot-cooler — stage:: 5
Tent off a work zone with on-hand plastic sheeting (walls + ~7–8 ft ceiling) before running the window units — shrinks the volume the units have to cool. See tenting note (do not seal poly to the vented roof) — stage:: 6
Add reflective shades to the south dormer windows during AC use (foil/white poly — clear plastic won’t help with solar gain) — stage:: 6

Low-Voltage / Network (added 2026-06-22)

Plan + decision: Network Planning · decision. Strategy: keystone everything; pull all cable + ENT now, terminate only active drops; mech-room 24-port now, loft 24-port later (pre-run its cable + trunk).

Procurement:

Confirm/finish buying: Cat6 (likely >1× 1000’ spool for all drops + loft trunk), Cat6 keystone jacks, patch cords, LV brackets (Arlington LV1/LV2), recessed media box(es), keystone wall plates + blank inserts, ENT + pull string, J-hooks — stage:: 5
Mount the wall rack + 24-port PoE Brocade switch + 24-port keystone patch panel in the mechanical room — stage:: 6

Pre-drywall rough-in (pull everything now):

Install LV brackets at every planned drop (incl. ones left for later) — must go in before drywall — stage:: 6
Pull Cat6 + ENT to all main-floor drops, all 5 cameras, main AP, and the added drops (media wall, service door, EV, mech controls) — stage:: 6
Pull all loft drop cable + the inter-rack trunk (spare Cat6 + 1”–1¼” ENT w/ pull string) to the staged loft panel location — stage:: 6
Leave 3–4 ft service loops both ends; label both ends of every run (even unterminated); keep LV ≥12” from power, cross AC at 90°, maintain bend radius; leave pull strings in all ENT — stage:: 6

Terminate / activate (now vs. later):

Terminate + test now: cameras, main AP, rack drops, and the patch-panel end of every pulled run (enables pre-drywall testing); certify terminated runs before drywall — stage:: 6
Leave speculative drops coiled behind blank plates; terminate later as needed (add the loft 24-port switch when loft drops are activated) — stage:: 6

Equipment Rental

Resource Rental Center: Ride-on trencher 52” deep, 4 hours $200, 24 h o u rs$ 285 + $50 trailer

Insulation Decisions

Decide conditioned vs unconditioned zones (garage vs loft) — see Insulation Strategy — stage:: 3
Choose sloped-roof insulation approach (fur-down + batts vs flash-and-batt vs full foam) — see Insulation Strategy — stage:: 3
Document air-sealing details (rim joists, knee walls, penetrations) — see Insulation Execution — stage:: 3
Confirm with inspector: vented vs unvented cathedral assembly — see Insulation Execution — stage:: 3
Get quotes for each approach from local contractors — track in Insulation Contractors — stage:: 3

Car Lift + Slab Coordination (see stage notes)

Moved to Lift and Utilities & Conduits.

Venting & Rough-In (see stage notes)

Moved to Utilities & Conduits.

HVAC (Mini-Split)

Perform Manual J load calc for garage and upstairs zones — stage:: 3
Select head types (garage cassette/ducted; upstairs wall/ducted) and outdoor unit (e.g., Mitsubishi MXZ Hyper-Heat) — stage:: 3
Coordinate lineset and drain routes before drywall — stage:: 3

HVAC Pre-Roughs — Loft Door-Closed Comfort + ERV (Stage 3, Pre-Drywall)

See Loft Door-Closed Comfort, 2026-05-15 — Loft Door-Closed Comfort Approach, and 2026-05-15 — Loft ERV Pre-Rough Now, Install Later.

Lock egress window final location — bedroom head + door positions depend on it — stage:: 3

Wall-Mounted Pressure Washer Pre-Roughs (Bay 3 / Mechanical-Room Wall)

See Wall-Mounted Pressure Washer and 2026-06-07 — Wall-Mounted Pressure Washer: Bay 3 Wall, Cold Feed + Capped Hot Stub. Unit selection deferred; these hooks just keep the option open before drywall.

Install solid mount blocking at the Bay 3 / mechanical-room wall location, sized for a ~30–50 lb unit + reel reaction force — stage:: 3
Rough a dedicated GFCI circuit + box to the pressure-washer mount location (voltage per chosen unit; 120V/20A typical) — stage:: 3
Stub-out capped cold (hard-line) + capped hot water lines to the mount wall; insulate the hot run; label both ends — stage:: 6
Install backflow preventer / vacuum breaker at the pressure-washer supply connection — stage:: 6
Verify drain-discharge legality before indoor chemical washing — floor drain goes to French drain/daylight; confirm code + septic/well proximity allows detergent/oil runoff, or plan biodegradable-only / interceptor / outdoor-only detergents. See risks — stage:: 7
Buy pressure-washer unit near install — recommended: Giraffe Tools Grandfalls Plus (~$380, 120V, 104°F max inlet → cold feed); see Product Candidates & Selection for upgrade options if hot degreasing or induction-motor durability is wanted — stage:: 7

Soffit Lighting

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

Contractor Outreach - Winter 2025/26

Action Plan

See Contractor Outreach Action Plan for detailed timeline and sequencing strategy.

Floor Finish — DIY Densifier (no contractor)

Changed 2026-06-06: densify, don't coat. See decision. The old "schedule a coating contractor" tasks are dropped.

Buy lithium-silicate densifier (~6-10 gal) + pump sprayer — stage:: 5
DIY-apply densifier after interior trades complete (procedure) — stage:: 6
Second coat + dust check — stage:: 6
Reference: Floor Densifier Application · contingency contractor list: Floor Coating Contractors (superseded)

Insulation Contractors

Identify 3-5 local insulation contractors (Clare/Mt. Pleasant area) — verified candidates w/ phones in Insulation Contractors (Midstate Spray Foam + RetroFoam = spray-foam specialists) — 1st site visit + quote done: Midstate $7,864 (2026-07-01) — stage:: 5
~~Ask Hershberger’s Amish Builders for an insulation contractor referral (Amish contractors — best rates/quality)~~ — done 2026-06-24; referred Midstate Spray Foam Insulation LLC (Eli Coblentz) — stage:: 5
Share drawings/photos and Insulation Strategy — stage:: 5
Schedule site visits — stage:: 5
Request itemized quotes for 2-3 assembly options — 1 of ≥2 in: Midstate full-roof closed-cell $7,864 (2026-07-01); get a competing full-roof quote — stage:: 5
Confirm code path (vented cathedral) and vapor control details — stage:: 5
Tracking: Insulation Contractors

HVAC Contractor Outreach (Mini-Split)

Identify 3–5 local HVAC contractors (Mitsubishi Diamond preferred) — stage:: 6
Share HVAC Strategy and drawings; schedule site visits — stage:: 6
Request Manual J calculation and itemized quotes — stage:: 6
Coordinate lineset routing before insulation/drywall — stage:: 6
Tracking: HVAC Contractors

Drywall Contractors

Identify 3-5 local drywall contractors — stage:: 6
Share scope (5/8” Type X ceiling, finish level 4) — stage:: 6
Schedule site visits — stage:: 6
Request itemized quotes (materials, labor, finish) — stage:: 6
Tracking: Drywall Contractors

Utility Plumbing Contractors (sewer / gas / water house→barn)

BM Plumbing (Brian McJames) quote received 2026-06-18: $7, 350 t o t a l ($ 3,675 to begin) for 4" sewer, 1½" gas w/ tracer wire, 1" water. Pricey — getting competing quotes. Proposal good 30 days (expires ~2026-07-18). See 2026-06-18 - BM Plumbing - Utilities Quote (Sewer Gas Water).

Scope for apples-to-apples quotes: 4” sewer, 1½” gas with tracer wire, and 2 water lines (hard + soft) — revised request sent to Brian 2026-06-23. Also pin down trench timing vs. driveway (trench ~4’ from driveway edge — may allow post-driveway dig).

Get quote from Brian McJames (BM Plumbing) — $7,350, received 2026-06-18 (covers 1 water line) — stage:: 2
Get Brian’s revised quote covering 2 water lines (hard + soft) + answer on trench-after-driveway sequencing — follow-up sent 2026-06-23 — stage:: 2
Call 3+ alternate plumbers for competing utility-trench quotes — done 2026-06-24: Robbin Harsh Excavating (trenches, refers Pure Plumbing), Advanced Plumbing (voicemail), Pure Plumbing (will quote water/sewer; little gas) — stage:: 2
Ask Hershberger’s Amish Builders for a plumber referral — done 2026-06-24: no plumber to recommend (referred an insulator instead) — stage:: 2
Schedule Pure Plumbing water/sewer site quote; await Advanced Plumbing callback — stage:: 2
Email Luke Potter (Clare DPW) the measured trench-layout package for written approval — early next week, after the 2026-06-26 measurements: send detailed measurements, photos, and drawings of the in-trench layout (depths + sewer/water separation). Verbal callback 2026-06-25 gave the numbers (sewer ≥3′/deeper better; water 60″; water above sewer in a shared trench, else separate trenches ≥10′ apart) and confirmed water/sewer need no municipal permit — still want the layout in writing for the record. Gas: separate permit + inspection/pressure test likely (not addressed by DPW). See City of Clare DPW — stage:: 2
Compare quotes and select plumber before BM proposal expires ~2026-07-18 — stage:: 2
Evaluate DIY/hybrid option (excavator rental + experienced operator) — see Utility Trench - DIY vs Contract Analysis — stage:: 2
Tracking: Plumbing Contractors · DIY analysis: Utility Trench - DIY vs Contract Analysis

Insurance Coverage

Add garage to home insurance policy — other structures increased to $70,000 (2026-02-10) — see Rummel Insurance
Notify Stephanie Austin (Rummel Insurance) after electrical service is installed to increase coverage — stage:: 6
Notify Stephanie Austin after driveway is completed to increase coverage — stage:: 7
Notify Stephanie Austin after interior buildout milestones (insulation, HVAC, plumbing) to increase coverage — stage:: 7

Financing & Payments

Financial details redacted for privacy

Mechanical Room

URGENT: Contact Marcus tomorrow morning (Oct 27) to verify Terry will use LONG-RADIUS 90° BENDS for utility conduits (NOT standard elbows) — This cannot be fixed after concrete pour; critical for pulling gas/electric/water lines later — Optional: verify Schedule 40 PVC and 2-3 ft extension past foundation — see Critical Installation Requirements — stage:: 2
Finalize mechanical room location and wall layout — see Mechanical Room — stage:: 2
Place sleeves (gas, condensate, line-set, LV) before pour/framing as needed — stage:: 2
Inspect radiant slab material delivery and compare against invoice — stage:: 2 — order:: Radiant Slab Materials Order
PEX in-floor heating mechanical inspection — stage:: 2
Install ½” PEX conduit for future slab temperature sensor (10-14 ft, labeled “Sensor Conduit – Do Not Connect”) — Blue PEX tube routed through EZ loop with in-floor heating lines — see Decisions - Slab Sensor Conduit — stage:: 2
Verify pressure test passes 24-hour hold before concrete pour — stage:: 2
Confirm boiler vent route and electrical panel location — stage:: 4
Coordinate dual-line water pull when Trench 2 is dug: 2× 3/4” PEX (hard + soft) through the existing 2” water sleeve. Tap hard upstream of house softener, soft downstream; each gets labeled shutoffs at both ends. See 2026-05-16 — Dual Hard + Soft Water Lines to Garage and Water Line (PEX). — stage:: 6

Documentation System (Completed 2025-10-22)

Fix Creatherm spelling across all documents — stage:: 1
Create comprehensive Products Used page with manufacturer links — see Products Used — stage:: 1
Add inline product links in key documents — stage:: 1
Create Documentation System Guide for replicating this project documentation approach — see 00 - Overview — stage:: 1

Winter Work Preparation (Self-Finish Phase)

Hershberger Scrap Pile

Sort through Hershberger scrap pile for usable materials (metal roofing, lumber, etc.) — snow melting, now actionable — stage:: 7

Notify Hershberger’s when done sorting so crew can return with dumpster to collect remaining scraps — stage:: 7

Evaluate leftover metal roofing for outdoor heat pump shelter project — see Outdoor Unit Weather Protection — stage:: 7

Fire Safety Equipment

Order first batch of ABC fire extinguishers (2× Amerex B456) — Order — stage:: 5
Receive and inspect fire extinguishers; verify pressure gauges in green zone — stage:: 5

Mount FE-1 (mechanical room door) and FE-2 (east workbench/welding area) with wall brackets — stage:: 6
Order remaining 5× ABC extinguishers (FE-3 through FE-6, FE-L2) — see Fire Extinguisher Plan — stage:: 5
Order 1× Kidde Pro 340 compact extinguisher for stair landing (FE-L1) — stage:: 5
Order 2× AVD Lith-Ex lithium battery extinguishers for charging stations (LB-1, LB-2) — stage:: 5
Order 3× fire blankets for welding area, battery station, heater area (FB-1, FB-2) — stage:: 5
Order 3× interconnected smoke/CO combo alarms (main floor, loft, mechanical room) — stage:: 5
Install all fire extinguishers, blankets, and alarms per Fire Extinguisher Plan — stage:: 6
Install photoluminescent signs, PASS method cards, and location ID labels — stage:: 6

Garage Door Opener Follow-up (from Jan 22 Site Visit)

Diagnose Bay 1 & 2 shuddering — test with 12/3 extension cord to rule out voltage drop — stage:: 6
Test WiFi signal strength at each opener location — stage:: 6
Set up Aladdin Connect app for all three openers — stage:: 6
Monitor battery backup status after extended temporary power use — stage:: 6
Contact installer for adjustment visit only if shuddering persists with proper power — stage:: 6
Plan permanent power connection (electrical service now available) — stage:: 6

Driveway (from Driveway)

Sequencing dependency — pour timing tied to utility trench

Whether the driveway pours before or after the house-to-barn utility trench depends on Brian’s answer to the 2026-06-23 sequencing question (trench runs ~4′ from the driveway edge). If the trench can go in after the driveway, the two jobs decouple and the pour can proceed independently; if it must go before, the trench is on the driveway’s critical path. Resolve before scheduling the pour. See Scope.

Decide driveway-vs-trench sequence once Brian confirms whether the trench can be dug post-driveway — stage:: 6
Confirm driveway layout, width, and apron — stage:: 6
Finalize drainage plan (tie into existing or add French drain) — stage:: 6
Select contractor and get quote/schedule — stage:: 6
Coordinate utility crossings and sleeves — stage:: 6
Install driveway (base, compaction, paving) — stage:: 6

Loft Bathroom Rough-In (from Loft Photo Analysis)

DWV strategy: Loft DWV Plumbing Plan (drop through truss bays + collect below trusses in a soffit — do NOT drill the attic-truss chords).

Plan plumbing rough-in: toilet drain (3” ABS), sink drain/supply, vent stack routing — per Loft DWV Plumbing Plan — stage:: 3
Finalize fixture layout so each toilet/shower drop lands in a truss bay (wet-wall grouping to minimize ceiling penetrations) — stage:: 3
Route the below-truss collector soffit to the mech-room sewer — clear of the 2-post lift envelope + garage-door tracks, inside the conditioned envelope; confirm mech-room sewer invert vs. slope budget — stage:: 3
Plan firestop detail for each DWV penetration of the 5/8” Type X garage ceiling (IRC R302.6) — stage:: 6
Plan electrical rough-in: GFCI outlet, light switch, exhaust fan switch, heated floor thermostat — stage:: 3
Install blocking for future fixtures: towel bar (36-48”), toilet paper holder (26”), grab bars — stage:: 3
Frame stairwell wall with studs 16” OC and sheath stairwell side to 42” — stage:: 3
Plan exhaust fan duct path to exterior (through roof or wall) — stage:: 5

Loft Finishings — Pre-Drywall Lock-Ins (added 2026-06-23)

Finish-driven items that must be roughed before drywall. Plan + rationale: Loft Finishings Plan · decision.

Install fan-rated ceiling brace boxes + blocking at BOTH the common-area center and the future bedroom corner — sloped/finished ceiling can’t take one later; fans themselves are deferrable — stage:: 6
Rough kneewall sconce boxes (+ wafer/fixture boxes) — slim canless LED wafers since sloped insulation depth can’t fit standard cans — stage:: 6
Decide + rough an electric heated-bath-floor circuit to the bath (only if that comfort option is wanted; no radiant upstairs) — stage:: 6
Decide range-hood vented vs. recirculating; if vented, rough the exterior penetration before siding/insulation is finalized (Phase 2/3 kitchen) — stage:: 6
Confirm loft subpanel circuits are AFCI (dwelling — NEC 210.12; unlike the AFCI-exempt garage) — stage:: 6

Move-In Prep (bare densified floor)

Simplified 2026-06-06: with no coating, the equipment-protection choreography (UHMW-PE pads, caster swaps) is gone. See Densified Concrete Floor Care.

Air compressor: install vibration isolation (neoprene pad + grommet bolts) + flex whip line — stage:: 7
(Optional) swap rolling-equipment casters to PU only if you want quieter rolling — stage:: 7
Prep vehicles for first entry: clean tires, check for leaks, stage drip pans (wipe oil promptly on bare concrete) — stage:: 7

After Build

Install and commission boiler/manifolds — see Mechanical Room — stage:: 6
Install garage door openers and test safety features — see Garage Doors — stage:: 6
Install exterior lighting and verify HA automations — see Lighting — stage:: 6
Install and commission mini-split system — see HVAC Strategy — stage:: 6
Insulate interior per chosen assemblies — see Insulation Execution — stage:: 6
Install drywall on all levels (5/8” Type X on garage ceiling for fire separation) — stage:: 6
Purchase and install 20-minute fire-rated self-closing door at top of stairwell — required for garage-to-loft fire separation — stage:: 6

Garage Construction Project

Explorer

To-Do

📋 Next-Visit Measurement & Documentation Checklist

Site Prep

Contract Follow-ups (2025-10-13)

Electrical Service Installation — IN PROGRESS

Electrical — Pre-Drywall Gate & New Circuits (added 2026-06-07)

Loft Subpanel + Construction-Phase Cooling (added 2026-06-25)

Low-Voltage / Network (added 2026-06-22)

Equipment Rental

Insulation Decisions

Car Lift + Slab Coordination (see stage notes)

Venting & Rough-In (see stage notes)

HVAC (Mini-Split)

HVAC Pre-Roughs — Loft Door-Closed Comfort + ERV (Stage 3, Pre-Drywall)

Wall-Mounted Pressure Washer Pre-Roughs (Bay 3 / Mechanical-Room Wall)

Soffit Lighting

Contractor Outreach - Winter 2025/26

Floor Finish — DIY Densifier (no contractor)

Insulation Contractors

HVAC Contractor Outreach (Mini-Split)

Drywall Contractors

Utility Plumbing Contractors (sewer / gas / water house→barn)

Insurance Coverage

Financing & Payments

Mechanical Room

Documentation System (Completed 2025-10-22)

Winter Work Preparation (Self-Finish Phase)

Hershberger Scrap Pile

Fire Safety Equipment

Garage Door Opener Follow-up (from Jan 22 Site Visit)

Driveway (from Driveway)

Loft Bathroom Rough-In (from Loft Photo Analysis)

Loft Finishings — Pre-Drywall Lock-Ins (added 2026-06-23)

Move-In Prep (bare densified floor)

After Build

Graph View

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