Serene Remodeling, LLC

I am so grateful for Ken's hard work, professionalism, responsiveness, efficiency, suggestions and creative problem-solving on my remodel. The reasons for this job were stressful for me (rotting structural beam and leaking roof + $$$), but his expertise and attitude turned it into a great experience. The final product is a joy and vastly superior to what existed before. Can't recommend his work, and coworker Steve's, highly enough.

Serene Remodeling (Ken and Karen) did a terrific job renovating the two bathrooms on our condo. They were very professional, reliable and very easy to work with. They guided us through the entire process, listened to our needs, and made very good recommendations. Thanks!

Ken and the team at Serene Remodeling were a dream to work with on our recent bathroom remodel. They were very detailed in their estimate and came in on budget and finished a little ahead of schedule. We would definitely use them again.

I hired Ken W from from Serene Remodeling, on the recommendation of a neighbor, to paint the inside of my condo unit and to affect dry wall repairs following the installation of two Minisplit units and additional ceiling lighting. Both done by other companies. The electrical portion of the Minisplit installation was wholly unsatisfactory. The electrical subcontractor took inappropriate shortcuts and left exposed conduit throughout the condo. When I took this issue back to the Minisplit company Ken was right by my side as my advocate and engineered a redo of the entire electrical system-which was subsequently carried out. The way it should have been done in the first place. Ken was instrumental in convincing the company to redo the work. The completed paint work and dry wall repair was completed in a timely fashion with an excellent result. I can recommend Ken and Serene Remodeling without hesitation and would certainly use them again.

We recently had the pleasure of working with Ken for a significant home renovation, and we couldn't be happier with the results! He completely transformed our bathroom, expertly laid new tiles in foyer, beautifully revamped our fireplace area, installed carpet throughout the house, and gave the entire home a fresh look with a flawless paint job. Beyond the superb quality of the workmanship, Ken consistently looked out for our best interests throughout the entire process. He offered insightful suggestions, paid meticulous attention to detail, and ensured everything was completed to the highest standard. We now consider him trusted friend and would enthusiastically recommend him to anyone seeking a reliable, skilled, and genuinely caring contractor for any home renovation project!

The Serene team were great to work with. The quality of work was great and they always went above and beyond to make things right. We did a huge remodel impacting all aspects of our home. I highly recommend Serene!

I recently had the pleasure of working with Serene Remodeling to transform my kitchen completely, and I cannot express how thrilled I am with the results! From start to finish, their attention to detail and commitment to excellence were evident in every aspect of the project. The team at Serene Remodeling took the time to understand my vision and even offered valuable insights to enhance the design. They were incredibly professional, punctual, and respectful of my space throughout the entire process. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and the materials are of the highest quality. I particularly loved how they transformed the layout, making my kitchen not only more functional but also a beautiful space to cook and entertain. The finishings, from cabinetry to countertops, are stunning and reflect the style we discussed. I wholeheartedly recommend Serene Remodeling to anyone looking for a reliable and skilled remodeling company. They exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful for the beautiful kitchen they created. Thank you, Serene Remodeling, for your hard work and dedication!

We recently had a remodeling project done at our home in the Carnation area. It all started after a leaking faucet caused water damage. After a demo company removed the damaged materials, we needed a contractor to rebuild. We found Ken and his team through recommendations from our neighborhood forum and were really happy with our choice. As the rebuild started, we initially planned to just fix the damaged areas, but after seeing Ken’s competence with the “put-back” work, we decided to expand the project. We decided to remodel the kitchen since it was already under construction, and we also decided to redo all the plumbing in the house to avoid any future problems. Along the way, our level of trust in Ken grew, and we added new work projects, including refinishing the floors, the front door, reinforcing wall structures to prevent cracking as the house settles, refinishing kitchen cabinet doors, installing new kitchen and laundry countertops, repainting the entire interior, replacing the tiles at the fireplace and front entry, and much more. We shared our ideas, and Ken helped us figure out the best options for what we wanted to do. During the project, some unexpected issues came up, such as electrical work needing to be redone and rotten wood that had to be replaced. Ken explained these issues clearly, gave us estimates, and handled everything quickly and on time. As the project went on, we kept adding smaller things, which added up. Ken was flexible and patient with these changes. Ken is very knowledgeable about all parts of the remodeling process, and it was clear he has a lot of experience. There was never a time when he didn’t know what to do. The best part of working with Ken was his communication. Throughout the entire project, Ken kept us updated. Whether it was a change in the schedule, an update on the work, or explaining unexpected challenges, he always made sure we knew what was going on. Ken also took care of all the communication and payments with subcontractors such as electricians, plumbers, and the flooring company. This was great because we didn’t have to deal with coordinating those things ourselves. Ken used an online program to show the schedule for the project, which helped us plan our time around key tasks. The online payment and invoice system was easy to use and helped keep track of everything. All costs were detailed in the estimates, so there were no surprises. In summary, Ken's workmanship is great, there was good communication, he took the time to understand what we were looking for, he was patient and flexible. What was initially a repair from water damage turned into an opportunity to improve our house, and we really like the outcome.

Ken Wachter and the whole team at Serene Remodeling were excellent in every way, absolutely top notch with which to work! Ken is friendly and he worked very hard to help guide us through every step of our bathroom remodel. The schedule was planned with us, and Ken always let us know ahead of time before anyone came to our home. He has a keen eye for the details and perfection seems to be his goal. We are exceptionally pleased with our Serene Remodeling experience! Marilyn and Alan Marsh

Despite COVID-era setbacks, Ken came through for us. The design process was collaborative and the results are beautiful. Exactly what we were hoping for.

We contracted with Serene Remodeling to do our full kitchen renovation. We did not have a good experience with the installation and finish work.

We worked with Serene Remodeling for two major projects, the first was for the renovation of our kitchen and floors, and the second was for the renovation of our bathrooms. We've done a number of renovation projects in the past, and we can sincerely say that it was a pleasure to work with the Serene Remodeling team. Serene Remodeling was transparent in cost and schedule, reliable, and sincere in their customer service...all of which are rare elements when it comes to many contractors. In the future, when we have more remodeling projects, we will certainly look to work with the Serene Remodeling team again.

Quality work, attentive to details, professional, responsive, responsible, meticulous, and reliable....the list goes on, but these are just a few words in summary that describes Serene Remodeling. After a long and difficult search, we found Serene Remodeling in March 2021, in the middle of the pandemic to help us with restoring our Kirkland condo's master bathroom after some water damage issues. We needed a good contractor to help us with the restoration and some remodeling work. We live in California and we are grateful that Ken is willing to take on this project to help us even though there are challenges since we are not physically there. We communicated via Zoom and the special web portal that they set up for us. This was a very unique situation since we were not able to travel to Washington at all due to the pandemic, and everything was done remotely! Ken and his team are awesome! We were very impressed with the initial presentation of his proposal. He is very knowledgeable and paid great attention to details. He gave practical recommendations as to the layout of the cabinets, which materials to use etc...all these saved us money as well as time. Most important of all, Ken really puts his heart into his work--even after we signed the contract and is ready to proceed, he continued to research and found us another local cabinet company that would make the vanity that fits our needs even better! Now, that's a 5 star service! Kelli was great in making recommendations for the materials and she has a good sense of what style we like. She narrowed down the choices of materials and guided us along the way, making the selection process painless and not confusing. Everything is spelled out clearly on the web portal and Ken sent us photos periodically which made it easy for us to know the progress of the project, even though we couldn't be there physically. The accounting and billing was done accurately and fairly. We were finally able to travel to the condo, when most of the work was completed, we were VERY PLEASED with the work. Everything was done perfectly, and our bathroom is beautiful!! The crew cleaned up the work area very nicely even though they were not completely done so that the bathroom was ready for us to use (we were still waiting for a couple of supplies to come in). THANK YOU Ken and your entire team for making this remodeling completely painless and enjoyable!

Great listener: Ken listened to all of our design wishes whether they were good or bad. Excellent problem solver: Once construction began and issues started to arise Ken and his team were very good at solving complex issues safely and cost effectively. Superior craftsmanship: Everything is plumb and level or as much as it can be in this old house. Attention to detail: All the trim, fixtures, and painting looks amazing. It's the little things that you really do notice and makes everything look done properly. Easy estimate, selection, change order process: Ken's upfront selection process allows you to see every aspect of the project and exactly how much it will cost. Knowing that there were no surprises it really took the stress out of making decisions about each project. I think that really sets Serene apart from other remodel companies out there. Up front and honest communication: Ken updated us frequently about upcoming work and who will show up so there were again, no surprises. No hidden fees: We were never billed anything that we didn't approve. Again, no surprises. Some things that could have gone better for our project was obtaining construction permits before demolition happened. The city of Seattle is not quick to get permits out so we were in a cold construction zone for many weeks as we waited for permits. Measuring the spaces properly: We had a couple of design and last minute changes due to incorrect measuring, and product placement. Overall Ken and his crew were amazing, They were always on time, and worked extremely hard with scope of the project. We ended up touching every room in our house, and we now have a brand new house inside, and have doubled our living space! Great job Serene Remodeling. We're definitely going to use them in the future for any of our remodeling needs, and would recommend them for anyone else who wants and honest, respectful, and talented contractor..

Working with Serene Remodeling was about as painless as one could hope for during a remodel - and this was our first ever. Ken and his team were professional at all times, came up with a fantastic design and then executed according to plan. Their workmanship is of the highest quality and they came up with great alternative solutions that looked really good when reality and our budget collided. It was easy having his workmen in our home and they always kept the work area very clean. Communication with Ken was prompt and is key whenever you want changes to the original plan, both from you as the homeowner and from the remodeler. Another great aspect about Serene Remodeling is the initial estimate - it is very accurate. We highly recommend Serene Remodeling to anyone looking for a simple project or an extensive remodel.

After a long and tedious search for a contractor, we came across Serene Remodeling. While looking for a contractor, we came across some that were flaky and insecure, some were vague, and a few were just off-base. When we met Ken, it was a breath of fresh air. He was a clear choice. Ken is the best contractor I've ever worked with, and when talking friends and family who have experienced a major remodel, they were SHOCKED that we did not have a single negative experience. Ken is incredibly knowledgeable and professional. He could remodel houses in his sleep. He took our thoughts and ideas and turned them into our dream. Ken wants to know your opinion. We feel like the final product is EXACTLY what we wanted, only better. Contractors sometimes get a bad reputation for things like punctuality, dependability, and for charging you double what they estimated. This was NOT the case for Serene Remodeling. When Ken gives you the budget, it is EXACTLY what it will actually cost. Any changes or add-ons to the budget were our fault (for example, wanting nicer floors), or someone's fault other than Ken (permits, fees, etc. that are unpredictable). Everything was organized and logical. No big surprises. The final product is absolutely beautiful. We remodeled our kitchen and downstairs laundry room bathroom combo. In actuality, about 60% of the house had something done to it. It was a big project. Ken is incredibly detail-oriented and is a perfectionist. When they were done, they were actually done. Everything was perfect. I highly recommend Ken and his company. We had nothing but a positive experience.

We chose Serene Remodeling over three other contractors because of Ken's process approach to the project, his promptness and his meticulous attention to detail. Ken proved a very effective communicator, listening to our ideas and incorporating them into an updated kitchen design that turned out both beautiful and highly functional. I really appreciate his input on wall color, placement of the stovetop and on opening up our kitchen to bring in more light. During construction Ken kept us apprised of the schedule via an online calendar and made sure to inform us promptly of any changes. Even with a few unforeseen changes, the project came in well within schedule, which we appreciated because we were living in our RV during much of the remodel. Ken's construction workers were unfailingly courteous and polite during the two-month project. Suffice it so say that we are extremely pleased with our kitchen remodel by Serene Remodeling! The functionality, beauty and attention to detail really show! So happy are we with our new kitchen that we have asked Serene Remodeling to renovate our two bathrooms! I can hardly wait to see the new designs!

My wife and I purchased a home in Lake Stevens with the intention on remodeling the whole home over time. The kitchen was the first room we wanted to tackle. We had 3 contractors provide bids and Ken’s bid was the one that caught our attention the most. He provided us a breakdown of materials, labor, time in his estimate, while the other 2 threw some numbers in the air. The very organized approach made me feel like if he put that much work in an estimate, the work would be just as organized. We ended up restructuring the format of the kitchen to make it more useable, along with taking unused space from the dining room and making it into a pantry and re-flooring our entire main floor. We had numerous meetings with Ken to talk through materials that made sense for our budget and our real life (we have a dog and 1 toddler with another on the way). He updated his as-built plans and before starting, he provided us with a detailed binder with every element of the job, cost breakout, schedule, drawings, measurements, you name it! Ken’s team was very professional and made sure my family was always comfortable, as we were living in the home during the remodel. They covered the floors, put up plastic to keep dust controlled, had large fans to keep the air particulate free. I really appreciated Ken having people that work for him complete most of the work, with sub-contractors only coming in for the specialty work. They performed all of the work (please some extra stuff we saw opportunities to do while they were there) in a timely manner, right on budget. The only delay was caused by the cabinet builders, which was no-fault form Ken. The mantra “you get what you pay for” is true with Serene Remodeling. The bid we received was not the cheapest, but it was the most realistic and we could not have picked a better contractor for our kitchen. I would recommend for any project in your home!

Ken and his crew are the best contractors I’ve worked with. Ken is a customer-centric, detail-orienated, respectful professional with high integrity. He handled my master bathroom and bedroom remodel project from end to end, including detailed design with architectural drawings, material selection & purchase, installation. He handed me a book thick binder with every detail of how the new bedroom and bedroom would look like when it’s done and every purchase’s vendor, sizing and model information. Everything was so transparent to me. Throughout the project, he kept us informed for every stage, what’s coming in the following weeks. He worked very hard. His crew did daily cleanup including his work area and he kept my rest of house clean and no interruption to our living. He had sharp eyes and great taste of everything. He discovered and fixed small things before I even noticed. Any changes or corrections we pointed it out, he never said no and never gave us hard time. He was very responsive to phone calls, text and emails. He turned my master bedroom and bathroom into my dream suite which won so many compliments from everyone who saw his craftsmanship. I’d highly recommend Ken and his team.

We spent 20 years waiting to remodel our kitchen. When we were ready we interviewed 5 contractors. After we interviewed Ken we knew we found the perfect contractor. He listened to us, gave us wonderful advice and promised results. Ken is very detail oriented and insists on working with only the best subcontractors. We are 100% happy with our kitchen; it is actually beyond our expectations. Ken gave us good advice, delivered and took care of every detail. When I tell people how happy we are they always tell me stories of their bad experiences. I tell them they should have hired Ken. Our family knew our kitchen well and when they walked into our new kitchen their jaws almost hit the floor. They could not believe it. Even the city inspectors said it was beautiful. Thank you Ken!

Ken is a true professional. I now sit with a beautiful home in Hollywood Hills with top of the line custom work that will stand the test of time. I worked with Ken in 2008 to design my Kitchen, Dining Area, Four Bathrooms and Mudroom all with a particular theme in mind. The idea was to build the highest quality with unique design characteristics to make a remodel emulate a Craftsman Home with a twist of "Cottage". Ken understood exactly what I wanted and with his expertise presented a plan that was spot on. We agreed on the budget and timing and then I sat back and watched a craftsman and his team work their magic. If you are looking for lasting quality and design, Ken is your guy. In fact, I am now working with Ken on a small job adding some new built-ins to create a "Top Shelf Glass Bar" in my dining room. My home has just been appraised and came out much higher than similar size homes in my area and I owe it all to Ken with SERENE REMODELING.

Ken helped us design a kitchen and master-bedroom renovation. His ideas about window size, placement of appliances, and how to find space for a walk-in closet were creative, simple, and very helpful in moving the project forward. He did not push for an expensive solution when there were cheaper alternatives. He understands, much better than other renovators that we have worked with, what things cost and helps a homeowner make choices that fit the budget.

I worked with Ken for a few years and he is a conscientious and talented contractor. He has created beautiful spaces, timely and on budget. Ken strives for excellence whether it is a small or big job. It was an honor to have been able to work with him.

Ken helped us remodel our new home that had been vacant (bank owned) for quite a couple of years. Once the project was over, I almost can't recognize it was still that shebby house with very original setup and bird holes. He used to work for a big remodeling company as a remodeling designer. It was right when he decided to start his home-owned business when we were hunting for a high quality yet affordable contractor for our remodeling job. As a designer, he provided us tons of creative and invaluable ideas of turning the 1959 built house into a modern cozzy home. Based on our imagination, he stretched to modify the layout to add a whole new master bath, a whole new laundry room, a couple of handy closets on the limited area. With his design, the home turned out to be very usable and it's really hard to believe that a 1950's framework can be like this. Almost all of his subcontractors are very professional as well, which guaranteed the timely and high quality delivery of the job. Especially I'm extremely happy to enjoy the work of his tile/electricity/framing/milling/cabinet guys. For example, honestly to control the budget we purchased entry level tiles right from home depot deck. But with the tile guys' work, it's looking really nice. In addition, Ken is very considerable and flexible to our plan change. As the project went on, sometimes we ran into some new ideas. Ken was always very patient and open to the changes, even if sometimes that would introduce rework or extra work. He even found some potential issues which we would never know if he didn't tell us -- he's never hiding anything. This had setup 120% of trust on his work. With Ken's help, we've got a very warm home with the budget very well controlled within our original plan. I really appreciate his great work.

Ken Wachter has completed two very successful projects for us since 2008. The first was a complete kitchen remodel of our 20 year old residence and the second a structural and interior remodel of a 25 year old "down-size" home. In both cases, Ken provided both design assistance and construction services. His approach to working with clients centers around clearly understanding client needs and expectations and openly and honestly addressing them before the project begins. He will not commit to offering a service about which he has any reservations that he cannot complete with a superior level design appeal, construction quality, and completed project longevity. We would not hesitate to hire him for any other project or to recommend him to friends or family.

Ken Wachter receives our highest recommendation following our Master bath/closet remodel. He is very organized, communicates well, has a solid knowledge base of all phases of construction and provides a longstanding, highly skilled support crew. Ken made the process easy and we are extremely happy with the results!