Blog | Better Builders

Supporting Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome | Better Builders

Better Builders — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 19:18:53 GMT

If you've spent any time at Marymoor Park in Redmond, you've probably walked past an oval concrete track with steeply banked turns and wondered what exactly happens there.

That's the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome, and from spring through summer, it turns into one of the most active track cycling communities in the country.

Racers compete several nights a week. Kids take their first laps around the track. Longtime cyclists volunteer their time and hand equipment down to younger riders. Families show up on Friday nights just to watch. And every so often, one of the young athletes who learned to ride here goes on to compete at the highest level of the sport.

Bathroom Renovation Checklist: 10 Steps to Plan Your Remodel

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:45:00 GMT

A bathroom may be one of the smaller rooms in your home, but remodeling it involves a surprising number of decisions. The layout, plumbing, electrical system, ventilation, waterproofing, storage, lighting, and finish materials all need to work together in a space that gets used every day.

That is why a successful bathroom renovation starts with more than choosing tile or saving photos of vanities you like. It starts with understanding what is not working, deciding what the room needs to do better, and developing a realistic plan before construction begins.

Cracks in Plaster Walls: Causes, Warning Signs | Better Builders

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Owning an old house means living with charm, character, and the occasional quirk. From intricate woodwork to textured plaster walls, there’s craftsmanship to admire in every corner. But when a spider-like crack appears in one of those walls, it’s hard not to wonder: Is this just part of the home’s aging personality, or a sign of something more serious?

Cracks are a normal part of life with plaster walls and are practically unavoidable. When it comes to dealing with cracks in plaster, what truly matters is understanding the conditions that cause cracks to worsen. By identifying the underlying factors, you can determine whether the cracks in your plaster wall are harmless or a sign of a bigger issue.

This blog will examine the various causes of plaster cracks and provide guidance on how to address them.

Seattle Deck and Patio Design Ideas | Better Builders

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:15:00 GMT

While it is great to have parks and waterfront trails nearby, nothing beats having a well‑designed outdoor space at your own home that you can use every day.

Whether you are building the ultimate entertainment hub, a simple spot to grill, or a cozy space to soak in city or sound views, thoughtful deck and patio design is how you create low‑maintenance outdoor living that actually works in the Pacific Northwest.

Better Builders Leadership Transition: Same Values, Team & Experience

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 13:15:00 GMT

From Pete Baughman, owner of Better Builders: My view on Bill’s retirement and our next chapter.

When Bill shared his retirement plans, my biggest concern was how it would feel to our clients and team, not what it meant on paper. For many of you, the news might sound like a big shift: “New owner, new direction.” In reality, this transition has been happening quietly and intentionally for years.

I want to give you a clear, honest look at my journey with Better Builders and what this change really means for you.

Coastal Building Materials for Salt Water | Better Builders

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

As a homeowner in coastal climates such as the Pacific Northwest, it is crucial to consider the unique environmental factors and weather conditions your property may face, including strong winds, rain, and saltwater exposure. Therefore, it is essential to research the cost and maintenance requirements of any building material you add to your home before committing to it.

To help you make an informed decision, we have analyzed and compared the performance of 4 popular building materials in coastal environments. Our professional assessment takes into account the impact of saltwater and high wind conditions on each material.

Remodeling Older Homes in Seattle: Expert Guide for Homeowners

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:13:12 GMT

When I was growing up, my family took on a home renovation project that would shape the way I think about homes today. We bought a 100-year-old farmhouse on 20 acres in northeast Ohio and stripped it down to the studs. It was a huge undertaking, especially at a time when few people were restoring old homes that extensively. But that experience gave me an early appreciation for what it takes to preserve the character of an older home while making it work for modern life.

What started as a family project more than three decades ago has become a significant part of the work we do today. Thirty-four years later, century homes make up roughly a third of the houses Better Builders works on in Seattle. They are no longer a specialty, but they still reward careful planning and someone in the room who understands how they were originally built. The nuances show up the moment you start opening walls.

Home Addition Building Permits Explained | Cost, Scope & Timing Guide

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:12:29 GMT

This is Part 2 of a two-part series on permits and zoning for home additions. Part 1, Home Addition Zoning and Permits: What Seattle Homeowners Need to Know, covers zoning fundamentals: setbacks, lot coverage, height limits, floor area ratios, and environmentally critical areas.

Featuring Architectural Designer, Steven Long of Longhouse Design Studio. Steven brings architectural precision and deep, practical knowledge of how zoning rules are applied across jurisdictions, tracking regulatory shifts and energy code updates before they take effect so homeowners aren't caught off guard by requirements that changed while their project was still in design.

Where Part 1 Left Off

Part 1 covered the zoning side of the equation: the rules that determine whether and where you can build, from setbacks and lot coverage to neighborhood overlays and the insight that two homes on the same street can face entirely different constraints.

This article picks up where that left off. Once homeowners know building is feasible, they need to understand the permits required to do it, the building codes, the work triggers, and the costs that come as a surprise when they haven't thought through these questions in advance. Whether the project is a room addition, a full remodel, or something in between, the permitting process shapes the outcome.

Living On-Site During A Home Renovation | Better Builders

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Mon, 11 May 2026 23:45:00 GMT

For many homeowners, the idea of living in a construction zone feels unimaginable—dust everywhere, strangers in your space, and your normal routines turned upside down. Staying in your home during a major remodel is never easy, but it is possible with the right preparation and the right design-build firm by your side.

In this article, we’re sharing 8 practical tips for living through a remodel so you can protect your sanity, keep your household running, and make the experience more manageable for everyone.

Home Addition Zoning and Permits in Seattle | Better Builders

peteb@betterbuilders.com (Pete Baughman) — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Featuring Architectural Designer Steven Long of Longhouse Design Studio. A trusted Better Builders partner, Steven specializes in residential design that balances timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. He also brings extensive expertise in zoning and permitting, helping homeowners navigate the gap between their vision and what local regulations allow.