Module 15 · Lesson 1
How to Read These Case Studies
Every case study follows the same 12-part anatomy — property, goal, constraints, options, design, city issues, permits, construction, result, cost, timeline, lessons.
Everything this course taught was a tool. Case studies show the tools in use — on real lots, with real constraints, real budgets, and the occasional real mess.
Every project below follows the same 12-part anatomy: the property → the homeowner's goal → the constraints → the options considered → the final design → city issues → permitting → construction → the final result → cost range → timeline → lessons learned. That's not just a format — it's the actual order in which projects unfold, and by now you'll recognize it as the arc of this entire course.
As you read, play the game that makes case studies valuable: pause at each "options considered" section and decide what you would have done before reading what happened. You now know enough to have an opinion — and to check it against how it played out.
Costs are shown as ranges and reflect each project's moment in time; your numbers will differ. This module keeps growing as projects complete — check back.
Key takeaways
- Every case study follows the same 12-part arc — the same arc your project will follow.
- Pause at "options considered" and make your own call before reading on.
- Costs are ranges from each project's moment; treat them as calibration, not quotes.