# Write the project brief

Lesson 1 of [Compare wine cellar quotes and builders](https://winecellarbuilders.fyi/academy/compare-wine-cellar-quotes.md), 14 minutes.

Write one brief and send it to every bidder. Then the quotes answer the same question.

## What the brief holds

- A measured room plan.
- Photos of the rooms next to the cellar.
- Your target collection size.
- Where the condenser, ducts and drain could go.
- The purpose: long-term storage, serving or display. These uses can lead to different designs.

Keep each answer with the proposal. Do not keep answers only in email or a sales call.

## Check capacity with your own numbers

The capacity planner on this site checks arithmetic only. Rack positions are the number of modules times the positions per module that your supplier confirms. Positions remaining are rack positions minus the bottles you want to store. A negative number means a shortfall. Do not count a display position again as bulk storage.

Ask for a capacity schedule that separates ordinary slots, bulk storage and display positions. A rendering can hide spaces you cannot reach. Mark door swings, handles, ladders and service panels on the plan. Test a physical sample of the rack with your own bottles before fabrication.

## Share what is needed, and no more

When you send an enquiry, share the project location and scope. Keep the value of your collection, security details and access codes private.

## Sources

- WineCellarBuilders guide, How to choose a wine cellar builder. Updated 2026-10-29.
- WineCellarBuilders guide, Questions to ask before a wine cellar quote. Updated 2026-10-29.
- WineCellarBuilders guide, Wine room design ideas that respect the building. Updated 2026-10-29.
- WineCellarBuilders free tool, Wine cellar capacity planner. Updated 2026-10-29.
- WhisperKOOL, Wine Cellar Cooling Calculator. Accessed 2026-10-29; no publication date shown.
- WineCellarBuilders, lead form notice on private details.

Also on the [web page](https://winecellarbuilders.fyi/academy/compare-wine-cellar-quotes/write-the-project-brief).