Common
Questions.

A pre-construction planner is a professional who handles the critical planning phase before construction begins. I create detailed floor plan layouts, research permitting requirements, select and source materials, and compile a comprehensive project package that your contractor can use to bid accurately and build efficiently. Think of me as the bridge between your vision and your contractor's execution.

Interior designers focus primarily on the aesthetic and decorative aspects of a finished space — furniture, fabrics, colors, and styling. I focus on the technical planning that happens before construction: optimized layouts, material specifications, permitting, and contractor-ready documentation. I don't decorate or stage homes. My work ensures the structure and systems are planned correctly so the decorating can happen on a solid foundation.

The Diagnostic is a 60-minute session (available in-person or virtually) where I review your project ideas, assess feasibility, identify potential structural or permitting red flags, and provide an honest assessment of your budget expectations versus reality. You'll receive a written summary with recommended next steps. It's designed to give you clarity before you commit to a full planning engagement or sign a contractor's bid.

Ideally, yes. The most expensive mistakes in remodeling happen when construction starts before the plan is complete. When I prepare your project first, your contractor receives a detailed, build-ready package that allows them to provide an accurate bid with minimal allowances. This protects you from cost overruns, delays, and the compromises that come from making decisions under pressure during construction.

I'm based in West Jordan and serve homeowners throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including Salt Lake City, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, Herriman, Riverton, and surrounding communities. I also work with clients in Utah County, Davis County, and other areas along the Wasatch Front. Virtual consultations are available for clients outside my immediate service area.

It depends on the scope of your project. A Selection Guidance engagement for a single bathroom might take 2-3 weeks. A full Project Readiness plan for a whole-home remodel could take 4-8 weeks. I don't rush the process because the entire point is to get it right before construction begins. That said, I work efficiently and keep you informed at every stage.

While I don't formally recommend specific contractors, I can help you evaluate bids and ensure the contractors you're considering are pricing your project based on complete information. When your plan is thorough and detailed, it's much easier to compare bids apples-to-apples and identify which contractor truly understands your project.

It's not too late. If construction hasn't begun, I can step in to review and strengthen the existing plan, verify material selections, and ensure nothing critical has been overlooked. If construction is already underway, I can help with remaining material decisions and documentation to minimize further issues. The earlier I'm involved, the more value I can provide.

No. I focus exclusively on pre-construction planning — layouts, materials, permitting, and documentation. I don't select furniture, choose paint colors for aesthetic purposes, or stage finished rooms. If you need decorating services, I'm happy to refer you to talented interior decorators in the Utah area.

Many contractors offer basic design services, and some do it well. However, there's an inherent conflict of interest when the person selling you construction services is also advising you on what to build. An independent pre-construction planner works solely in your interest — I have no financial incentive to upsell scope, recommend specific suppliers, or rush through the planning phase to start billing for construction.