# Spa Conversion — Decision Log

*Significant decisions made during the project, with rationale.*

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| Date | Decision | Rationale |
|------|----------|-----------|
| Jan 2026 | Proceed with leaner scope — sauna, one multipurpose room, changing area. No indoor hot tub, no staffed treatment programme. | Stress test showed the full scope didn't pay for itself at realistic revenue. Stripped back to what the model can support with room rate uplift and guest sessions as the base. |
| Feb 2026 | Scottish Water connection option accepted at £7,200. | Within the £12,000 gate set at decision to proceed. No alternative route to mains water. |
| Feb 2026 | Highland Council pre-app: no material planning obstacles. Proceed to full application. | Planning officer noted the change of use (agricultural outbuilding to leisure) is generally supported in this area. Access and drainage to be addressed in full application. |
| Mar 2026 | Appointed Strathmore Build as preferred contractor. | Recommended by both Craig Paterson and Stuart Connelly as the only local contractor with direct wet facility experience. Two other contractors approached — one declined to quote, one quoted £142,000. |
| 14 Apr 2026 | Proceeded with Strathmore quote of £115,500 despite being marginally over the £110,000 gate. | Strathmore's quote was competitive relative to alternatives. The overall project budget of £138,000 remains within a range where the financial model holds, and no comparable contractor is available locally. Reviewed with Janet — she confirmed the loan repayments are serviceable from current trading. |
| 14 Apr 2026 | Hot tub prep-run to be included — rough in pipe run and power circuit only. | Low cost at build stage (included in Strathmore scope at no additional charge); expensive to retrofit later. Keeps phase two option open without committing to the equipment. |
