Better Builders

9 Reviews

Verified License

Design-Build Firms

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About Us

Offers Custom Work

Locally owned

Award winning

Industry Leading Design-Build Firm in Seattle-Redmond & Bellevue, WA

Since 2009, West Seattle-based design-build firm Better Builders has helped homeowners across greater Seattle and the Eastside create homes custom-designed to fit the way they live. Better Builders was founded on a simple belief: remodeling should feel easy and honest, not stressful. Our close-knit team of designers, project managers, and craftspeople brings decades of residential remodeling and building experience, guided by honesty, clear communication, and doing right by every client. We remodel kitchens and bathrooms, build home additions and second stories, finish basements, and take on whole-house remodels and custom homes. We also build ADUs and DADUs (backyard cottages and in-home apartments) and help families stay in their homes as they age, with safer bathrooms, wider doorways and easier entries. Many of our clients live in older Seattle homes, and we love updating them for modern life while keeping their character. Advantages to Partnering with Better Builders: 1. A boutique, full-service experience: we look at your home, goals, and budget as a whole and guide you through every decision. 2. One team from first idea to final walkthrough, so you never juggle separate designers and contractors. 3. No guesswork. You’ll see your space in 3D before you commit and get clear pricing before construction starts. 4. A calm, clean job site. We hold weekly check-ins with our clients, seal off work areas, and clean up every day. 5. A 5-Year Craftsmanship Warranty, well beyond the 1 to 2 years most contractors offer. 6. Best of Houzz 2026 and REX Award winners, a BIAW Certified Builder, BBB A+ accredited, Built Green and ENERGY STAR partners, and members of Remodelers Advantage, the Master Builders Association, and the National Association of Home Builders. Thinking about a project? Send us a message here on Houzz or visit our website at www.betterbuilders.com to schedule a free discovery call with a member of our team.

Awards

BBB Accredited, A+ BBB Rating, 2025 Remodelers Excellence Award Winner (REX Awards), Built Green member, Master Builders Association Member, ENERGY STAR Partner, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) member, Remodelers Advantage member, Best of Houzz 2026 – Service, GuildQuality Member: Rate

Projects

Meet the Team

Example of a large transitional l-shaped brown floor and medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Business Details

Business Name

Better Builders

Phone Number

(206) 565-0466

Website

www.betterbuilders.com/

Address

5606 California Ave Sw
Seattle, WA 98136

License Number

BETTEB*895RL

Followers

3 Followers

Socials

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Services Provided

Home Remodeling

Custom Homes

New Home Construction

Kitchen Remodeling

Home Additions

Bathroom Remodeling

Kitchen Design

Home Extensions

Bathroom Design

Guesthouse Design & Construction

Basement Remodeling

Deck Building

Multigenerational Homes

Green Building

Porch Design & Construction

Rooftop Deck Installation

Shed Design & Construction

General Contracting

Home Office Design & Construction

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Areas Served

Seattle

Renton

Kirkland

Burien

Des Moines

SeaTac

East Hill-Meridian

Mercer Island

Bainbridge Island

Tukwila

Bryn Mawr-Skyway

White Center

Vashon

Klahanie

Normandy Park

Riverton

Manchester

Maplewood

Boulevard Park

Clyde Hill

Medina

Southworth

Enetai

Beacon Hill

Yarrow Point

Beaux Arts Village

Hunts Point

Fairmount Park

Gatewood

North Beacon Hill

Olalla

Rainier Valley

Rollingbay

South Colby

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Credentials

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Write a Review

9 Reviews for Better Builders

Newest first

5.0|9 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

4.8

Value

5.0

Sarah Eberly

We hired Better Builders to remodel our lower level living space and the results are better than we could have imagined. From start to finish, Better Builders was professional and easy to work with. The communication was clear, updates were consistent, and they showed up when they said they would. The quality of the work is excellent and the attention to detail really stood out. The demo was down to the studs and concrete. They handled everything from the ground up, including floor leveling, new ductwork, plumbing, and electrical with a new panel. Even when we ran into a couple unexpected issues behind the walls, they explained the options and handled the fixes quickly. They managed the timeline well and coordinated trades superbly. The workmanship is exceptional and the finishing details are what we notice most—edges, trim, paint lines, and overall consistency. They didn’t just ‘get it done’; they made sure we were satisfied with the final walkthrough. One of my favorite parts is the large new window—the amount of natural light it brings in completely changes the space. The layout also came out exactly how I hoped: the small kitchen is the perfect size and works beautifully for day-to-day living, without feeling cramped. Overall, we’re thrilled with the transformation. They delivered a complete, functional, and thoughtfully designed lower level that now feels truly like its own home. We’d recommend them to anyone planning a remodel.

July 28, 2026

Lawrence Talbott

After a very satisfactory completion of a previous home addition project, I did not hesitate to approach Better Builders for a full kitchen/bathroom/laundry room remodel. Once again, I am very pleased at the outcome. I particularly liked the design/build process which guided me through the many decisions involved in a remodel, made it easy to envision the final result, and ensured that the project remained within budget without surprise add-on expenses. The build process itself went very smoothly with clear scheduling and timelines laid out, and a fantastic project manager who effectively dealt with the inevitable hiccups that occur with any large construction project. I appreciated the quality of the construction and attention to detail. I particularly liked Better Builder's willingness to go the extra mile and make the final product turn out right and according to expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone contemplating a remodeling project.

April 8, 2026

Comment from Better Builders:

Larry, thank you for taking the time to share this and for trusting us again with your home. That means a great deal to all of us.

It’s especially rewarding to hear that the design/build process helped bring clarity to the decisions along the way and kept things aligned with your expectations. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for, particularly on projects with as many moving parts as yours.

I’m glad the construction phase felt smooth and well-managed. Our team takes a lot of pride in staying organized, communicating clearly, and working through the inevitable challenges in a way that keeps the project moving forward.

We truly appreciate your recognition of the craftsmanship and attention to detail, and your note about going the extra mile. That mindset is something we care deeply about as a company.

It was a pleasure working with you again, Larry. We’re grateful for the opportunity and your continued trust.

Thank you!
Pete B

Patty and Chris Gabel

We are very pleased with the overall outcome of our bathroom remodeling project. The BetterBuilders team delivered on all aspects of the project, including both the design phase and execution of the work plan. Pete provided clear guidance up front with respect to the cost, process, and work phases, ensuring that we understood all aspects of the project. Importantly, the work plan included an upfront damage/dust mitigation effort which provided protection to the infrastructure of the house and minimized dust dispersal. While this aspect of the project does not show up in the final product, it was greatly appreciated. The work flow was conducted in a timely manner facilitated by frequent updates provided by Chris Cody and an open line of communication. The subcontractors employed effectively completed their assigned tasks within designated time frames. Importantly, the BetterBuilders team (particularly David and Cooper) provided valuable support throughout the entire project, often bridging efforts of the individual subcontractors. On multiple occasions, we pointed out minor issues to David and he graciously (and with a smile) corrected these to our satisfaction in real time. The design phase of the project, spearheaded by Mayra, provided an opportunity for us to view and select options which we would not have considered on our own and incorporated desired safety enhancements. As a result, the cabinetry, tile, and fixtures selected are contemporary yet blend seamlessly into the legacy style of the house. The quality of the items employed helped to create an outstanding visual appearance, highlighted by the craftsmanship of Norberto Garcia’s guest bathroom tile and curbless shower installation. From beginning to end of the project, the BB team was polite, courteous and a pleasure to work with.

April 7, 2026

Comment from Better Builders:

Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review. It means a lot to our entire team.

I’m glad the upfront conversations around cost, process, and expectations were helpful, and I especially appreciate you calling out the dust and protection work. It’s one of those things that doesn’t show in the final photos, but makes a big difference during the experience.

Chris, David, Cooper, Mayra, and the entire team take a lot of pride in their work, and it’s great to hear that came through in both the communication and the craftsmanship. I’ll be sure to pass along your kind words, especially to Norberto.

We’re grateful you trusted us with your home. It was a pleasure working with you, and we hope you enjoy

Pete B

Paul A

We had a very good experience with Better Builders on a full basement remodel including the addition of a new bathroom with shower. They were very open, honest, and personable from the start. They were very helpful in challenging our choices and decisions on our project - ultimately making the outcome even better and more to our liking. We had a very basic basement with 70s style paneled walls, concrete floor, and open ceiling. We used Better Builders to add a wine closet, nice family room, a workout room, a pantry, utility room, and a new bathroom. They worked well with our designer to get to our plans finalized including a spec sheet. They were outstanding at managing their subcontractors, permits, inspections, and general contracting work. Their communication throughout the whole process was excellent - their use of recurring weekly updates was very beneficial. The final product is outstanding and quality is exceptional. We would not hesitate to hire them for any future projects.

December 8, 2025

Comment from Better Builders:

Paul,

Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review. We truly appreciate it.

Your basement project was a meaningful transformation, and it was a pleasure to work with you through the process. Taking an unfinished 70s-era space and turning it into functional rooms that support how you live today was a collaborative effort, and we are grateful for the trust you placed in us.

I especially appreciate your comments about communication and our weekly updates. We work hard to keep projects organized, transparent, and predictable, so it is encouraging to hear that approach made a difference for you.

Thank you again for your kind words and for allowing us to be part of your home’s evolution. It means a lot to our entire team.

All the best,
Pete

Brian Morrison

The team at Better Builders provided exceptional white glove service in my home renovation. From start to finish they were clear about options, limitations, pricing and timing, giving me a full picture of what my final cost would be as well as when I could expect project completion (and delivered on both counts!). They kept my place extremely tidy during the project, so much so that I was able to live there for the entire duration with my big dogs and still have full access to all parts of my property without concern. They were clear in their communications throughout the project, keeping me appraised of timing and any issues that came up while resolving said issues rapidly and cost effectively. I could not be more satisfied with their services and will definitely be using them again for my future renovation projects!

November 14, 2025

Comment from Better Builders:

Brian,

Thank you for the incredibly thoughtful review. It truly means a lot.

We are grateful for the trust you placed in our team and for the opportunity to work in your home. Your project required careful coordination, clear communication, and attention to cleanliness, especially with you and your dogs living in the home throughout construction. I am proud of how our team handled that responsibility.

I especially appreciate your comments about transparency around pricing, timing, and options. Our goal is always to provide a clear picture from the beginning and then follow through on what we commit to. Hearing that we delivered on both cost and schedule is meaningful to us.

Thank you again for your confidence in Better Builders. We look forward to working with you on your next project.

Pete

Patricia Weier

A complicated project involving 6 levels of scaffolding over 50 feet , replacement of cedar shingling with Hardie board, painting of 3/4 of the entire west side of our townhouse. ( lower level had brick siding) was completed in two weeks.! Results are beautiful.

October 13, 2025

Comment from Better Builders:

Thank you for sharing your experience! That project was certainly a challenging one with the six levels of scaffolding and all the detail involved in replacing and painting the west side. We’re so glad to hear you’re pleased with how it turned out. Our team takes a lot of pride in making sure even complex repair work is completed safely, efficiently, and with lasting quality. We truly appreciate your trust in Better Builders and your kind words about the finished result.
Sincerely,
Pete B

Sarah C.

It was a pleasure to work with Better Builders on our bathroom remodel. We did a complete tear-out of one bathroom (even two of the walls and part of the floor) and a few small items in another bathroom. Everyone we worked with was personable and respectful. The design team took extra pains to make sure our plumbing would be up to code, which required a second opinion due to the challenges of our site. Our construction manager, Chris, did an excellent job of rolling with the punches as items were back-ordered and scheduling was tight. We now have a beautiful bathroom with a respectable ceiling height that has plenty of storage for the three teenagers who share it. After my husband tried out the new shower, he said the bathroom made him feel like he was on vacation. We are well pleased!

October 4, 2025

Comment from Better Builders:

Thank you for sharing your experience! It was a pleasure working with you on your bathroom remodel. Our design team enjoyed the challenge of overcoming the site complexities and ensuring everything met code while maintaining your vision for the space. We’re so glad to hear your family is enjoying the finished bathroom, and that it even feels like a vacation retreat. We truly appreciate your trust in Better Builders and your kind words about the team.
Sincerely,
Pete B

Will

We worked with Better Builders to remodel our garage into a furnished living space with insulation, heating and cooling, and a modern gym. One year later, we worked with them again to reinvent our backyard where we had limited space that was all hardscape. They completely transformed it with turf, pavers, beautiful greenery, an outdoor deck, and stairs. Top-notch quality and customer experience. They take care of everything and are actively thinking on your behalf about how to go above and beyond. It's clear they are in it for the long term and have an incredible team that works with excellent subcontractors. I could not recommend them more highly.

September 30, 2025

Comment from Better Builders:

Thank you so much for sharing your experience, and for trusting our team not once, but twice, with your home. It was a joy to help you reimagine both your garage and backyard spaces. We’re thrilled to know you’ve been enjoying the quality, comfort, and function they bring to your home. Our team takes great pride in thinking ahead and managing every detail so you can simply enjoy the results. We truly appreciate your continued trust in Better Builders and your generous recommendation.
Sincerely,
Pete B

Matt D

We worked with Better Builders to add an addition to our 100+ year old home. It was a unique project and Better Builders worked with us to determine a creative solution that seamlessly fits with the existing home. The COVID-19 pandemic hit mid-way through our project. BB was great at keeping us up-to-date with timing and making sure we were comfortable in the home while work was paused and could comfortably work from home when work continued. Highly recommended.

September 13, 2020Last modified:September 13, 2020

Comment from Better Builders:

Matt,

Even though it has been a few years since you shared your review, I want you to know how much we still appreciate it.

Your addition to a 100 plus year old home was a special project for our team. Blending new construction into an older structure in a way that feels seamless takes creativity and care, and we are grateful you trusted us with that responsibility.

Navigating the uncertainty of COVID in the middle of construction was something none of us expected. Your flexibility and partnership during that time meant a great deal. We are proud that our team was able to keep you informed, adjust when necessary, and make sure your home remained livable while you were working remotely.

Thank you again for your recommendation and for allowing us to be part of your home’s story. We remain grateful for clients like you, even years later.

All the best,
Pete

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Frequently Asked Questions

Better Builders is a Seattle design-build firm that designs and builds whole-house remodels, kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, home additions, basement remodels, ADUs and DADUs (attached and detached accessory dwelling units), aging-in-place remodels, sustainable remodels, custom new homes, outdoor living spaces, and exteriors and sunrooms. One design-build team guides homeowners through every phase: design, permitting, selections, and construction. We serve Greater Seattle and neighborhoods.

Better Builders follows a seven-step design-build process called the Better Builders Blueprint: (1) designer interview, (2) estimate and design agreement, (3) schematic design, (4) design development and selections, (5) permitting, (6) construction led by a dedicated project manager, and (7) installation, final walk-through, and five-year warranty. One accountable team handles design and construction for clear communication, budget-aligned pricing, and coordinated timelines.

Yes. Better Builders manages the permitting process and required approvals for your remodel, addition, or custom home as part of its integrated design-build process. The team reviews applicable zoning requirements, submits construction drawings to the local permitting office, and coordinates with reviewers to secure required permits. The same team guides your project from design through permitting and construction, keeping the work compliant with local requirements.

Yes. Better Builders is a licensed Washington State general contractor, license number BETTEB*895RL. As a professional design-build firm, we also carry all necessary insurance to protect both our team and your property throughout the duration of your project, ensuring peace of mind.

Pete Baughman owns and leads Better Builders, a Seattle design-build firm, as Owner and General Manager. Pete joined Better Builders in 2011 and has worked as a carpenter, lead carpenter, project manager, production manager, project developer, and sales manager. Founder Bill Babb retired in July 2026 after a planned leadership transition to Pete. The same team and values continue to guide every project.

FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.

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Better Builders