Field notes from designers, engineers, and builders.

Field notes, planning checklists, and design-build insights from the team at Platypus Design and Construction — written for people who are about to build.

Articles: 02
Last update: Jul 8, 2026

Featured

Start with this one.

ADU Rules in Utah: What Homeowners Should Know Before Building

A practical Utah ADU planning guide covering internal vs detached units, local zoning checks, permits, utilities, parking, site constraints, and when to involve design-build help.

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Insight

June 24, 2026 7 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Custom Home in Utah?

A practical guide to custom home budgeting in Utah, including the biggest cost drivers, which public averages can and cannot tell you, and what to bring to an early planning conversation.

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We let our work — and our clients — speak for us. Here's what homeowners and business owners have to say about working with Platypus Design & Construction.

"I am more than satisfied with the excellent work Platypus Design and Construction recently did for us. After a windstorm blew down a portion of our vinyl fence, he not only repaired the fence but saw what needed to be done to secure it so it would withstand future storms. He performed the work quickly, efficiently, and skillfully. The result was excellent and the cost was reasonable. We also appreciate the clarity and friendliness of all his communications and interactions with us. Overall, he did a superb job, even exceeding our expectations."

Bruce Y. Fence Repair

"McKay and his team have done multiple TI buildout projects for me and my Scenthound locations. They have been great to work with through everything to help me get a mix of great pricing, service, and overall product delivery. They are honest with their work and will ensure they take care of you as their client. Further, being able to use them for both design drawing, engineering, and the project buildout and management has saved me tens of thousands of dollars and weeks of time during my buildouts to have it all done with them in house. Platypus will continue to be my go-to for all my future commercial construction needs."

Spencer S. Commercial Build-Out

"We had an outstanding experience working with McKay Harper and Platypus Construction on a garage addition and a custom pergola over our patio. From the beginning, McKay demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail - he was able to match the existing architecture of our home seamlessly, to the point that the addition looks like it has always been there. It was a unique design challenge, and McKay used thoughtful engineering to create a beautiful freestanding structure that feels both solid and elegant. His pricing was very fair, and we would give McKay and Platypus Construction our highest recommendation and would absolutely work with him again."

Matt W. Garage Addition & Pergola

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