By a carpenter turned business owner who still believes in doing things right.
Hiring a Design+Build contractor isn’t much different than picking a dentist, daycare, mechanic, financial advisor or even a church. You're looking for someone you can trust—someone who’ll give you solid advice, communicate clearly, and take care of something that really matters.
But somewhere along the way, homeowners started thinking this process is all about price. Get a bunch of free estimates, compare them side-by-side, and pick the lowest number. The problem? It’s rarely apples to apples—and the cheapest option usually skips the stuff that doesn’t show up until it’s too late. And another thought, wouldn't you prefer to have qualified, trained professionals advising you on design options, what the systems of your home are, how they work together and why this is so important to the comfort/health/security of your family and your financial well-being?
Not enough people take the time to understand the full scope of their project, and this goes for some builders too. Even fewer consider who they’re actually hiring—the skillset, communication style, track record, or whether they’re someone you’d feel good having in and around your home for weeks or months.
In the end, a lot of folks don’t go with the builder they know is right, just because the budget felt uncomfortable. That’s when the regret starts, you just don't know it yet.
I’ve heard plenty of stories that start with, "Well, we thought we were saving money...".
There’s no such thing as a free lunch. If someone's price seems too good to be true, it probably is and there’s a reason. When things get skipped in the rough phase—framing, flashing, air sealing, insulation—you’re going to see the signs sooner than you think. And fixing that stuff later? You thought the original work was expensive. Not to mention the increased energy and maintenance costs you're carrying for the life of the project.
I work with and know a bunch of great builders in this area. Some of us take on more detailed projects, some more straightforward—but most of us run on similar margins. The good ones all have a few things in common:
Integrity
A deep understanding of building science
The business sense to charge what it really costs to do things right
That means carrying insurance, paying employees fairly, developing systems and building a crew you’d actually want working on your home.
If you want your remodel to go smoothly, be low-stress, and actually feel professional—hire a professional. A solid Design+Build contractor comes with:
References
A portfolio
A process
A team that shows up and gets it done right
Just like a good daycare or dentist—if you wouldn’t leave your kids or your teeth with just anyone, why do that with your home?
One last thing: please stop thinking about your remodel as just a way to "increase your investment."
Owning a home means taking care of it. Your roof, siding, kitchen, and bathrooms don’t just add resale value—they keep your house functional, safe, and enjoyable. Doing it cheap doesn’t get you ahead. It gets you headaches.
If you love your neighborhood and want to stay put, a quality remodel almost always makes more sense than moving. You'll avoid the cost and stress of selling and relocating—and end up with a home that actually fits your needs. Additionally, the other house probably needs a new roof, bath or kitchen anyway.
A clear, step-by-step process
Honest conversations about budget and scope
A reliable crew with good communication
Pride in their work and in your home
If you're thinking about a remodel and want to talk it through, I’m always happy to chat. No pressure—just real answers from someone who’s been on both sides of the job site.