FAQ

I love new construction! I have helped several clients build their dream homes and have had the privilege of building and designing my own custom home. I understand first-hand the reality of decision fatigue.  While the best time to hire a designer for your build is before you break ground (ideally in the design phase), having a designer for the selection phase is just as important. This will give you a more accurate picture of the costs, determine if the allowances are realistic for your design goals, and trouble shoot tricky spots on paper before they become costly to remedy in the field. 

Absolutely! After we meet for the initial consultation, I can give you a bid for space planning and layout only.  Additionally I can help you formulate a scope of work for you to take to your contractor to bid exactly what you have in mind.  Then you can take it from there.  

My services are strictly design related. I am happy to work with whomever you hire to handle the construction of your project.  I prefer to meet with the contractor and client together so that each party can be aware of the plan and expectations.  I provide a detailed design binder to be kept on-site as a tool of communication between the homeowner, contractor and designer.

Unfortunately no.  The best way to achieve a professional, polished product is to begin the design process prior to the start of construction.  Depending on the scope of work, some homes require months of meetings, plan revisions and material selection to get every detail sorted out. This ensures that all of the costs have been determined upfront and that materials have been ordered in advance to keep construction moving along.  

At a consultation appointment, I can give you rough numbers based on previous remodels I have completed.  However, it’s important to know that only the contractor you hire can give you a true estimate.  I like to develop the scope of work with my client BEFORE meeting with a contractor.  Then you can give this document to your preferred building expert to bid the job.  This ensures that you receive an accurate estimate based on the true nature of the desired end product. In this scope of work we will include specific and realistic allowances for tile, lighting, plumbing, appliances and several other choices that make or break the design you wish to achieve.