When Better Builders approached this whole house remodel, the main goals were to update, brighten and refresh the home. When looking at the before and after photos of this Kent home, the space needed some serious help. The home we came into was dark and closed off. The fixtures and finishes were also extremely dated. The homeowners were ready to take on a project to bring their home up to the standards that would reflect their personal taste. One of the biggest changes in this home was taking out the wall in front of the kitchen to open up the space. Replacing the wall with two support pillars helped bring more light and energy to the surrounding kitchen, living and dining spaces. Another major change was the transition from carpet throughout to continuous hardwood floors. While it may seem like a simple or obvious choice, the move away from carpet brings a whole new life to a room. The kitchen was updated with all new appliances, cabinetry and brand new island with built-in storage. Taking advantage of all of the natural light that came with removing the walls surrounding the kitchen was paramount. Finishing the dining area with a new modern light fixture was the finishing touch for a luxurious yet understated space. The bathrooms that started off dark and out of date were transformed with new flooring, tub and shower surround, fresh bright paint and modern fixtures.

In collaboration with architect Gustavo Penengo of PRDG Architecture & Design, Better Builders brought this bold contemporary vision to life. Built using modular construction on a steep lot once considered “unbuildable,” the home required a highly engineered foundation with H-piles driven 40 feet into the hillside. The offsite-built sections allowed for precision assembly and made possible dramatic cantilevers, expansive views of the Sound, and an energy-efficient design. The finished home showcases modern architecture at its finest—creative, sustainable, and perfectly suited to its unique site.

This homeowner’s story resonates with many who are considering aging in place. She loved her Normandy Park home but found that her bathroom no longer met her needs. While soaking in her jacuzzi tub had been a cherished routine, the high ledge made it increasingly difficult—and unsafe—to use. After experiencing a few falls, she knew it was time for a change. Initially, she contacted a national company specializing in ADA-compliant tubs, but they couldn’t retrofit her space. That’s when she called Better Builders. Together, we transformed her bathroom into a safe, functional, and beautifully designed retreat where she could relax without worry. By thoughtfully integrating accessible features without compromising aesthetics, we gave this homeowner a bathroom that meets her current needs and supports her ability to live independently for years to come.

Photography by Natalie Marotta Bungalows are lovable homes, but how can they be better? Along with many of our clients, we find that older (early 20th c.) homes have a lot of character and a comfortable scale, but are leaky, damp (especially in the basement), have fair to poor air quality, and use unconscionable amounts of fossil fuels to heat. The owners of this bungalow were ready to change that, and wanted to do so with minimal upfront carbon emissions as well. The gut renovation included replacing the basement slab and providing capillary breaks and insulation continuously below grade. The brick structure was treated with a fluid-applied air and water barrier from the interior and insulated entirely with cellulose, a carbon-storing insulation. The roof used HFO-blown spray foam to provide sufficient insulation while allowing headroom for bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry. One great benefit of a full renovation is the possibility of reconfiguring spaces to suit the family’s lifestyle, and to make the best of indoor-outdoor connections. We opened up the main rooms on the first floor, creating a family gathering spot with a view to the back yard, and a spacious kitchen that supports the family’s commitment to cooking for healthy eating. The stair uses a north-facing skylight to bring light from above into the middle of the home, where it was previously dark. As a decarbonization retrofit, the inefficient furnace was replaced with two small ducted heat pump systems, water heating and clothes drying are powered by air-source heat pumps, and cooking uses an induction cooktop plus electric ovens. Energy recovery ventilation provides filtered fresh air continuous exhaust from the kitchen, baths, and laundry, and supplies fresh, highly filtered air to bedrooms and living spaces. The Better Bungalow now makes sense for the 21st century–it now fits the owners’ life-patterns, is super comfortable, has great air quality, and uses a fraction of the energy it did before, greatly lowering the demand on the utility grid. In the near future, when solar PV is installed, it can achieve net zero or near net zero emissions, and with battery backup, can provide great resilience in the event of power outages.

These close–up images of the front porch show the step free, covered route of travel from the driveway to the porch up to the the front door. The porch is at the same level as the first floor, requiring no step-up when passing through the front door. A covered entry means that people can stay cool or dry when opening the door or exiting the home and prevents water from pooling near the entrance.

When a Bellevue homeowner running a custom woodworking business needed a space that could serve as both workshop and inspiration, Better Builders delivered a thoughtful solution. We replaced the original garage with a 1,500 sq. ft. addition, designed to maximize functionality and create a modern, efficient workspace. The result blends practical needs with striking design, all while maintaining the charm of the home and meeting local zoning requirements.

For one devoted Seahawks fan, game day isn’t just about the kickoff; it’s about the entire experience. Living nearly 50 miles outside of the city made getting to Lumen Field a full-day commitment, so when the opportunity came to purchase a downtown penthouse in Belltown, the vision was clear: create the ultimate home base for entertaining, relaxing, and pre-gaming before every home game. Better Builders was brought in to transform the entire penthouse, reworking the entryway, kitchen, four bathrooms, and laundry room into a sleek, contemporary space with Seattle sports at its core. From the moment you step inside, the design sets the stage with bold lighting, high-end finishes, and a layout built for gathering. The kitchen was crafted with seamless entertaining in mind, while each bathroom was elevated with clean lines and modern touches. But the centerpiece is the living space. Designed around the ultimate TV and lighting setup, the room delivers an immersive viewing experience where every Seahawks play feels larger than life. It’s more than a remodel; it’s a celebration of Seattle spirit, bringing friends together for good food, big games, and unforgettable nights in the heart of the city.

1960s Mid-Century Modern home for sale in Santa Ana from the BetterLivingSoCal team!
1960s bathroom photo in Orange County

Inspiration for a 1950s kitchen remodel in Orange County

Manufacturer: Grabill Cabinetry Style: Maple Devonshire w/ P4 Panel, E12 Edge, and Five Piece Drawer Fronts Finish: Paint – White Pepper Countertop: Ice White Granite (Customer’s Own) Sink: (Customer’s Own) Faucet: (Customer's Own) Backsplash Tile: Virginia Tile (Customer’s Own) Hardware: Cairo 96mm/128mm Pulls in Brushed Oil Rubbed Bronze (Hardware Resources) Designer: Devon Moore Contractor: Customer's Own

For this young family, home meant more than just a place to live — it needed to bring everyone together, including extended family and even the family dog. Their unfinished basement held the potential to do just that, so Better Builders was brought in to transform it into a warm, functional space that could serve multiple needs. A private bedroom and full bath were created for the mother-in-law, making extended visits comfortable and welcoming. The rest of the basement was designed for fun and connection — a card table for late-night games, and a custom in-home theater where friends and family can gather to watch the big game. No detail was overlooked, not even for the family’s four-legged member. A cozy nook with its own screen for “dog TV” and a convenient doggy door to the backyard were added, ensuring that every member of the household had a place of their own. The finished result is a basement that brings comfort, entertainment, and a touch of whimsy to everyday living.

A beautiful kitchen featuring quartz countertops opens up to the Living Room.
Inspiration for a 1960s galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

For one devoted Seahawks fan, game day isn’t just about the kickoff; it’s about the entire experience. Living nearly 50 miles outside of the city made getting to Lumen Field a full-day commitment, so when the opportunity came to purchase a downtown penthouse in Belltown, the vision was clear: create the ultimate home base for entertaining, relaxing, and pre-gaming before every home game. Better Builders was brought in to transform the entire penthouse, reworking the entryway, kitchen, four bathrooms, and laundry room into a sleek, contemporary space with Seattle sports at its core. From the moment you step inside, the design sets the stage with bold lighting, high-end finishes, and a layout built for gathering. The kitchen was crafted with seamless entertaining in mind, while each bathroom was elevated with clean lines and modern touches. But the centerpiece is the living space. Designed around the ultimate TV and lighting setup, the room delivers an immersive viewing experience where every Seahawks play feels larger than life. It’s more than a remodel; it’s a celebration of Seattle spirit, bringing friends together for good food, big games, and unforgettable nights in the heart of the city.

Bedroom photo in Raleigh

A walk-in shower with custom glass entry and a river rock pebbled base. Soothing neutral colors including a custom tiled shower shelf.
Example of a 1950s bathroom design in Orange County

For one devoted Seahawks fan, game day isn’t just about the kickoff; it’s about the entire experience. Living nearly 50 miles outside of the city made getting to Lumen Field a full-day commitment, so when the opportunity came to purchase a downtown penthouse in Belltown, the vision was clear: create the ultimate home base for entertaining, relaxing, and pre-gaming before every home game. Better Builders was brought in to transform the entire penthouse, reworking the entryway, kitchen, four bathrooms, and laundry room into a sleek, contemporary space with Seattle sports at its core. From the moment you step inside, the design sets the stage with bold lighting, high-end finishes, and a layout built for gathering. The kitchen was crafted with seamless entertaining in mind, while each bathroom was elevated with clean lines and modern touches. But the centerpiece is the living space. Designed around the ultimate TV and lighting setup, the room delivers an immersive viewing experience where every Seahawks play feels larger than life. It’s more than a remodel; it’s a celebration of Seattle spirit, bringing friends together for good food, big games, and unforgettable nights in the heart of the city.

This Kirkland kitchen and dining addition transformed a tight 1970s galley layout into a spacious, entertainer-ready kitchen designed for modern living. To create the room the homeowners needed, the southwest exterior wall was removed, and a carefully planned addition expanded the footprint, while eliminating the partial wall between the kitchen and dining room, opening the floor plan for better flow and connection. The new space features white Bellmont shaker cabinetry, PentalQuartz® Zion countertops, and warm chestnut bamboo flooring, layered with recessed lighting, statement pendants, and under-cabinet LEDs for a bright, functional finish. The expanded layout also allowed for a full laundry room and a generous walk-in pantry with built-in storage and a frosted glass door etched with “Pantry.” High-performance appliances, including a Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf range, pot filler, and apron-front farmhouse sink, complete the chef-ready design.

Manufacturer: Starmark Cabinetry Style: Maple Stratford w/ H Edge and Five Piece Drawer Fronts Finish: Paint – Macadamia w/ Nickel Glaze Countertop: Soapstone (Customer’s Own) Sink: 16-Gauge Stainless Steel Single Bowl Under-mount Faucet: (Customer's Own) Backsplash Tile: Hand-cut and glazed (Customer’s Own) Hardware: Brushed Nickel 160mm/96mm pulls and 38mm knobs (Richelieu) Designer: Devon Moore Contractor: Customer's Own