Welcome to Craftsman Design and Renovation

We’re an award-winning design-build firm with a reputation for historically sensitive remodels, which simply means the spaces we create look like they fit into your home, whatever its age. The “Craftsman” in our name reflects not only a love for older homes, but more fundamentally, a standard of quality and sustainability we set for ourselves on every home renovation, whether Victorian or mid-century.

How does our design-build process work? It starts with your phone call or email. We’ll briefly interview you for a comprehensive picture of your needs and then visit your home for a free initial consultation. When you sign a design agreement, we’ll produce a design that fits your budget. From there we develop a series of drawings and estimates, reviewing and revising them with you. Upon a signed construction agreement, our team of specially trained carpenters follows a written construction schedule to complete your project on time. With superior craftsmanship and a design tailored to your home, we create rooms and exteriors that stand the test of time.

Remodeling for Summer

By Wade Freitag on

Summer is rapidly approaching!  This is often the time of year for impromptu gatherings at home with friends and family, and for enjoying the warm outdoors.  How do you make your home feel inviting yet pulled together for those last minute guests?  Here are some ideas:

Brighten up your dining room

Summertime dining can get very hot when done in the confining walls of your home.  Instead of a stuffy space with a ceiling fan going or the AC blasting, consider redoing your dining room to include French windows, a bright skylight, or additional window space.  

Another idea is to open up your kitchen for those informal meals.  Removing a half wall from your kitchen and adding a table insert and some stools can give you a breakfast bar for a buffet, pot luck, or a family bake off.

Expand your Kitchen

Speaking of kitchens, older homes often have cramped, small kitchens.  These space can cut the cook off of all the fun happening within the rest of the house or even outdoors.  Ensuring your kitchen has a bright, open feeling is important for the cook to feel included in the family or group activities.  

Enjoying the Pacific NW Weather

By Wade Freitag on

Summertime is coming, and the weather is warming up.  Living in the Pacific NW, this means that the showers are shorter, the sun is out longer, and everyone wants to be able to enjoy their yards.  Here are some ideas on how to enjoy your yard, while avoiding the spring and summer showers:

Convert your tool shed

Many houses have a little tool shed in the back.  Instead of hiding it from guests, make it a welcoming place from which to entertain and enjoy your yard.

Install a pavillion

Creating a yard which fits you and your personality is a part of having the home of your dreams.  Enjoying this space from an enclosed - yet outdoor space can be exactly what you need.  A backyard pavillion is an open, roofed space where you can gather with friends and family to enjoy the kids playing on the lawn - or sit back and watch the rain fall.  

Cover or enclose your patio/porch

The Difference Between Professional and DIY Remodeling

By Wade Freitag on

The “Do it Yourself” movement has become extremely popular.  This is likely due to the amount of information available all over the internet.  So, when is it right to “Do it yourself” - or call a professional?  Here are some questions you should ask yourself to discover this:

First of all, how extensive is your remodel?  

If you plan on adding on to your home or tearing out/replacing walls, you should take a look at your skill set and see if it would be better to hire a professional.  Trying to change the structure of your home yourself could be hazardous and could end up giving your home a look you didn’t want.

However, if you are doing something small, like painting a room, changing the furniture, or even installing storage spaces, a DIY project might just do the trick.

Do you understand the layout that would work best?

Your home’s current layout may not work for your needs.  But do you know what layout you want?  Does the new layout you are considering cover all of your needs?  When it comes to something like this, it could be best to consult with a professional.