A shell may leave you arranging most of the work inside. A turnkey quote may still contain allowances and exclusions. Get a written list of what each contractor will deliver before comparing prices.
Follow the project to move-in
List site preparation, foundations, structure, enclosure, interior partitions and finishes. Add plumbing, electrical, mechanical systems and utility connections. Then mark who is responsible for each item, who coordinates it and what information they need from the other trades.
For an enclosed shell, ask exactly which windows and doors are included and installed. For a finished home, describe the rooms and selections that define completion. A drawing with a kitchen label does not tell you which cabinets, appliances or installation work a proposal includes.
Examine the handoffs
The shell supplier, concrete contractor and interior team must work from compatible information. Ask who controls the current drawings and who resolves changes. If you intend to manage part of the project, discuss the time and decisions that role requires before choosing it to reduce the initial contract scope.
Put the unknowns in writing
- Which selections are fixed and which remain allowances?
- Who manages approvals and inspections?
- Which utility and site conditions remain unverified?
- Who completes the work between shell erection and occupancy?
- How will requested changes be documented?
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