Build Directory - Maintenance Guide for Claude

Purpose

This directory documents the actual construction process, including build progress, construction videos, utility installations, and milestone completion. These files serve as the historical record of how the garage was built.

Critical Workflow: Document Construction Progress

IMPORTANT: When documenting construction activities or milestones in this directory, you must also update the Timeline file with corresponding timeline entries.

When to Update Timeline

Construction milestones completed (foundation pour, framing start, roof completion)
Inspections passed or failed (with results and next steps)
Material deliveries (major materials arriving on site)
Utility installations (electrical, gas, water service)
Weather events affecting construction (delays, damage, challenges overcome)
Contractor coordination (subcontractor work, scheduling changes)

What to Update in Timeline

Add date-stamped entries to [[10-Planning/Timeline]]:

- YYYY-MM-DD: [Milestone description]; [additional details]; [link to build doc]. **Weather:** [conditions if relevant].

Always include weather data for construction activities using the weather-mcp MCP tool.

Build Document Structure

Frontmatter Format

---
title: [Build Activity/Area]
type: build
tags: [garage, build, category, subcategory]
status: [planning|in-progress|completed]
---

Status Values

planning - Preparing for this build phase, not yet started
in-progress - Currently under construction
completed - Build activity finished and documented

Common Document Types

1. Progress Documents

Initial Build.md - Foundation and early construction
Framing.md - Framing progress and details
Mechanical Room.md - Mechanical installations

2. System Documentation

Utilities & Conduits.md - Underground utilities and conduit routing
Driveway.md - Driveway and site work

3. Media Documentation

Construction Videos.md - Time-lapse and video documentation

Weather Data Integration (CRITICAL)

Every construction activity must include weather data. Weather conditions affect:

Concrete curing
Material installation quality
Work schedule decisions
Future reference for troubleshooting

Using the Weather MCP Tool

For past construction dates:

Use: mcp__weather__get_historical_weather
Location: Detroit, Michigan (42.3314°N, -83.0458°W) or saved location
Date: YYYY-MM-DD of construction activity

For current conditions:

Use: mcp__weather__get_current_conditions
Location: Detroit, Michigan (42.3314°N, -83.0458°W) or saved location

Weather Format in Build Docs

**Weather:** [Conditions], [Temperature range]. [Context about how weather affected work].

Examples:

**Weather:** Clear skies, 45-59°F. Ideal conditions for excavation and site prep work.
**Weather:** Light drizzle during pour (9:24 AM-11:45 AM), overcast, 45-50°F. Challenging conditions but pour completed successfully.
**Weather:** Heavy rain, 38-42°F. Outdoor work postponed; focused on material staging inside.
**Weather:** Cloudy, 39°F. Good conditions for material delivery.

Construction Videos Documentation

Video Entry Format

When adding videos to Construction Videos.md:

### YYYY-MM-DD — [Activity Title]
 
[Description of what was accomplished]
 
**Weather:** [Conditions], [Temp range]. [Context about work conditions].
 
**YouTube Link:** [https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID]
 
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIDEO_ID" title="[Title] - [Date]" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
**Progress shown:**
- Bullet point 1
- Bullet point 2
- Key milestone
 
**Related documentation:**
- [[50-Build/Related Build Doc]]
- [[10-Planning/Timeline]]
- [[pictures/related-photo]]

Critical Elements

Weather data - Always include for context
Date - YYYY-MM-DD format
Description - What work was performed
Progress shown - Bullet list of visible milestones
Related documentation - Cross-references to build docs, timeline, pictures

Progress Documentation Pattern

Documenting Major Milestones

When a major construction milestone is reached:

Step 1: Document in Build File

Create or update relevant build document (e.g., Initial Build.md, Framing.md):

## [Milestone Name] - YYYY-MM-DD
 
**Weather:** [Conditions from weather MCP tool]
 
**Work Completed:**
- Detail 1
- Detail 2
- Detail 3
 
**Contractor:** [Company/Person]
 
**Quality Checks:**
- Check 1: [Pass/Fail/Notes]
- Check 2: [Pass/Fail/Notes]
 
**Issues Encountered:**
- Issue 1 and how it was resolved
- Issue 2 and resolution
 
**Photos:**
- [[pictures/photo-reference-1]]
- [[pictures/photo-reference-2]]
 
**Next Steps:**
- What happens next
- Dependencies
- Scheduled date for next phase

Step 2: Update Timeline

Add entry to [[10-Planning/Timeline]]:

- YYYY-MM-DD: [Milestone]: [brief description]; [key details]; [contractor name] (see [[50-Build/Document Name]]). **Weather:** [conditions].

Step 3: Update Related Documents

If inspection required → Create meeting note in [[40-Meetings/]]
If materials used → Update order file in [[30-Vendors & Contacts/Orders/]]
If design implemented → Update design doc status in [[20-Design/]]

Utility & System Installation Documentation

Format for Utility Installations

## [Utility Name] Installation
 
**Installed:** YYYY-MM-DD
**Contractor:** [Company Name]
**Permit:** [Permit number]
**Inspection:** [Pass/Fail, Date, Inspector]
**Weather:** [Conditions during installation]
 
**Specifications:**
- Spec 1: Value
- Spec 2: Value
- Size/Capacity: [details]
 
**Routing/Location:**
- Entry point: [location]
- Path: [description or diagram]
- Termination: [location]
 
**Installation Details:**
- Step 1 performed
- Step 2 performed
- Special techniques used
 
**Cost:**
- Materials: $X,XXX
- Labor: $X,XXX
- Permit: $XXX
- Total: $X,XXX
 
**Documentation:**
- [[pictures/installation-photo-1]]
- [[Email Imports/permit-approval]]
- [[30-Vendors & Contacts/Orders/Related Order]]
 
**Notes:**
- Special considerations
- Deviations from plan
- Future maintenance access

Quality Assurance Documentation

Documenting Inspections

For passed inspections:

## [Inspection Type] - YYYY-MM-DD ✅ PASSED
 
**Inspector:** [Name, Department, Phone]
**Items Inspected:**
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
 
**Results:** All items approved with no deficiencies
 
**Weather:** [Conditions during inspection]
 
**Next Steps:**
- Proceed with [next phase]
- Schedule [next inspection type]
 
**Documentation:**
- [[40-Meetings/YYYY-MM-DD - Inspection - Type]]
- [[pictures/inspection-photo]]

For failed inspections:

## [Inspection Type] - YYYY-MM-DD ❌ FAILED
 
**Inspector:** [Name, Department, Phone]
**Deficiencies Found:**
1. Issue 1 - [description]
   - **Correction Required:** [what needs to be fixed]
   - **Corrected:** YYYY-MM-DD by [contractor]
2. Issue 2 - [description]
   - **Correction Required:** [what needs to be fixed]
   - **Corrected:** YYYY-MM-DD by [contractor]
 
**Re-Inspection Scheduled:** YYYY-MM-DD
 
**Weather:** [Conditions during inspection]
 
**Documentation:**
- [[40-Meetings/YYYY-MM-DD - Inspection - Type]]

Contractor Coordination Documentation

Recording Contractor Work

## [Work Type] by [Contractor Name]
 
**Date:** YYYY-MM-DD to YYYY-MM-DD
**Contractor:** [Company Name]
**Crew Size:** [number of workers]
**Weather:** [Conditions during work period]
 
**Scope of Work:**
- Task 1
- Task 2
- Task 3
 
**Materials Provided By:**
- Owner: [list materials]
- Contractor: [list materials]
 
**Work Quality:**
- Workmanship: [Excellent/Good/Acceptable/Poor]
- Timeliness: [On schedule/Delayed/Ahead of schedule]
- Communication: [Excellent/Good/Acceptable/Poor]
- Cleanup: [Excellent/Good/Acceptable/Poor]
 
**Issues/Deviations:**
- Issue 1 and resolution
- Change 1 and reason
 
**Cost:**
- Quoted: $X,XXX
- Actual: $X,XXX
- Difference: $XXX (reason for change)
 
**Would Use Again:** Yes/No (reason)
 
**Related:**
- [[30-Vendors & Contacts/Contractors/Company Name]]
- [[10-Planning/Timeline]]

Picture Integration

Linking Pictures in Build Docs

Always link to picture documentation:

**Visual Documentation:**
- [[pictures/PXL_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS]] - Foundation forms complete
- [[pictures/PXL_YYYYMMDD_HHMMSS]] - Concrete pour in progress
- [[pictures/DJI_0001]] - Aerial view of completed slab

Picture Reference Best Practices

Link pictures chronologically where possible
Group pictures by topic/milestone
Add brief description after link
Reference pictures from specific angles when describing complex installations

Construction Phase Organization

Build documents often correspond to construction phases:

Phase 1: Foundation & Site Work

Initial Build.md - Excavation, forms, foundation
Driveway.md - Site grading and driveway
Utilities & Conduits.md - Underground utilities

Phase 2: Slab & Radiant

Initial Build.md - Continue with insulation, PEX, pour

Phase 3: Framing

Framing.md - Wall framing, roof trusses, sheathing

Phase 4: Envelope

TBD - Roof, siding, windows, doors

Phase 5: Mechanical/Electrical

Mechanical Room.md - Boiler, radiant manifold, controls
TBD - Electrical service, panel, rough-in

Phase 6: Insulation & Drywall

TBD - Insulation installation, drywall

Phase 7: Finish

TBD - Paint, flooring, trim, cabinets

Create new build documents as phases progress and more detail is needed.

Quick Checklist for Build Documentation

When creating or updating a build document:

Example: Complete Build Documentation Workflow

Scenario: Concrete foundation pour completed on 2025-10-30

Step 1: Update Initial Build.md

## Foundation Pour - 2025-10-30
 
**Weather:** Light drizzle during pour (9:24 AM-11:45 AM), overcast 100% cloud cover, 45-50°F. Challenging conditions but pour completed successfully; cleared by evening.
 
**Contractor:** [Cement contractor name]
**Start Time:** 9:24 AM EDT
**Completion:** End of day (finishing work)
 
**Work Completed:**
- Concrete truck arrived 9:24 AM
- All utility conduits installed through slab (gas, water, electrical, low-voltage, sewer)
- Concrete poured and leveled across entire 24'×40' foundation
- Finishing work completed
- Embedded systems integrated: radiant PEX, fiberglass rebar, utility conduits, thickened lift pads
 
**Visual Documentation:**
- Approximately 1 hour of video captured from upstairs window
- See [[50-Build/Construction Videos]]
 
**Major Milestone:** Foundation complete with all embedded systems successfully integrated
 
**Next Steps:**
- Post-pour finishing and control joints (2025-10-31)
- 28-day cure period before framing

Step 2: Add Video to Construction Videos.md

### 2025-10-30 — Concrete Foundation Pour
 
Major milestone: Foundation pour with all embedded systems.
 
**Weather:** Light drizzle during pour (9:24 AM-11:45 AM), overcast 100% cloud cover, 45-50°F—challenging conditions but pour completed successfully; cleared by evening.
 
[Video embed and details]

Step 3: Update Timeline

Add to [[10-Planning/Timeline]]:

- 2025-10-30: Concrete foundation pour completed; cement truck arrived at 9:24 AM EDT; all utility conduits installed through slab (gas, water, electrical service, low-voltage/data, sewer); concrete poured and leveled across entire 24'×40' foundation; finishing work in progress (expected completion end of day); approximately 1 hour of real-time video documentation captured from upstairs window (see [[50-Build/Construction Videos]]); major construction milestone achieved with all embedded systems successfully integrated (radiant heating PEX, fiberglass rebar, utility conduits, thickened lift pads). **Weather:** Light drizzle during pour (9:24 AM-11:45 AM), overcast 100% cloud cover, 45-50°F—challenging conditions but pour completed successfully; cleared by evening.

Timeline - Project timeline (UPDATE THIS with every construction milestone!)
40-Meetings - Meeting notes and inspections
Contractors - Contractor information and performance tracking
20-Design - Design documents being implemented
pictures - Photo documentation

This file is automatically ignored in Quartz builds but tracked in git for AI assistant reference.

Garage Construction Project

Explorer

CLAUDE