Guides
Expert guidance for homeowners planning, budgeting, and managing home projects.
Many homeowners only tackle a handful of home projects in their lifetime, but each one comes with lots of decisions, unfamiliar terminology and competing contractor bids. It’s easy to feel uncertain about what’s normal, what’s fair, and what should happen next.
Strata created this Guides section to give homeowners trusted, unbiased education on the most important parts of planning and managing a home project. Whether you're upgrading HVAC, adding solar, starting a remodel, or building something new, these guides help you understand your options and make confident decisions.
If you’re in the Portland area and want personal support, reach out and Strata can step in to help with planning, bid management, contractor selection, and project oversight tailored to your home. If you’re elsewhere in the U.S., schedule a consultation to talk with a real person about your home project.
Start with these helpful guides
What a Home Project Manager Does (and Why It Matters)
Most homeowners manage home projects on their own, but they don’t have to. This guide explains the role of a Home Project Manager, how it differs from a contractor or designer, and how having an advocate protects your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.
How to Plan Your Home Project Before Calling Contractors
A little clarity upfront goes a long way. This guide explains how to define goals, scope, materials, constraints, and priorities before you contact contractors — helping you get more accurate bids, avoid surprises, and save time throughout your project.
Why Getting Multiple Contractor Bids Is Harder Than It Should Be
Most homeowners struggle to get even two solid bids. This guide explains why, the risks of relying on a single referral, and how Strata makes the bidding process faster and easier.
How to Compare Contractor Bids (A Homeowner’s Guide)
Why bids rarely match, what to compare, red flags to look for, and how to choose the right contractor with confidence — whether it’s a single-trade job or a multi-trade project.]
Contracts: What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Signing
Planning a remodel or addition? This guide walks you through the contract essentials for larger, multi-trade home projects — from scope and schedule to change orders, lien waivers and final close-out — so you can sign with confidence and protect your budget, timeline and quality.