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There's nothing more daunting, yet more satisfying, than a home remodel done right. Renovating a dingy bathroom or outdated kitchen can turn a frown into a big smile, and a house into a home.

Whether you're moving into a newly-purchased house that needs remodeling, or contemplating fixes in your own home to make it more compatible with your changing lifestyle, working with the right contractor has never been more important.

Unfortunately, there are too many seat-of-their-pants handymen who may seem cheaper at the outset, but turn out to be more expensive – and aggravating – when the project goes wrong. And in any but the easiest fix-it projects, YouTube won't save you, either.

Northlight Custom Builders offers a different kind of experience – professional, skilled, organized and honest. It's no surprise that the locally-owned company has grown 10% to 25% every year, earning a reputation for unmatched quality.

Owner and Master Craftsman Tony Collins said Northlight handles everything from small projects like shower pan or cabinet replacements, to mid-sized projects like kitchen and bath remodels, reconfigured floor plans, outdoor living spaces, to large projects such as whole home remodels, new builds, additions, and more.

Much of their business growth is due to referrals from satisfied clients, Collins said. "We're not 'Chuck with a Truck,'" he said. "We're here to stay."

Collins and his team are constantly honing their skills, too, to stay abreast of revised building codes, updated building industry standards, and architects' and customers' changing demands.

To ensure his company remains on the leading edge of the building industry, it maintains active membership in the state's principal associations: The Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties; The Building Industry Association of Washington; The National Association of the Remodeling Industry; and The National Association of Home Builders.

All four associations offer ongoing training. For example, Northlight's crew is certified to work on homes built before 1978 that might have lead in the paint or other materials.

Among the team is Allison Caballero, who is on the front line to guide clients through the entire process, from the original phone call, to scheduling the site visit, to preconstruction planning, to permitting, to ordering of materials and construction.

She can give clients the assurance that all their needs will be met in a one-stop shop.

"People don't realize the process can take a long time," she said. And because remodeling projects can be a lengthy process, it's important to have an experienced partner who can guide that process and eliminate delays and other pitfalls. "We want to get people in the cue," Caballero said.

"Planning is key," Collins said. That's why, even when Northlight needs partners, such as architects, electricians or plumbers, the company has built long-time relationships with trusted companies. That way, every step of the process, including ordering materials and scheduling craftsmen, is as seamless as possible.

Surprisingly, the pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity for builders like Northlight. Why? People have stayed home more, and have had time to dream about turning it into a beautiful living space.

A dark, tired kitchen brought back to life and turned into a vibrant living space the whole family can enjoy.

Among the clients who are calling Northlight are boomers who want to stay put while they age, but need their home updated.

Collins, a certified Universal Design Professional, said those fixes aren't just about ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, but upgrades that make life easier for all occupants. Those might include different countertop heights in the kitchen, door handle placements, light switch locations, and barrier-free entrances.

Whatever the project, Northlight Custom Builders has the expertise to turn your home into the masterpiece of your dreams.

Find out for yourself. You can learn more by calling them at 425-977-9661, email at [email protected], or visit their website at www.northlightcustom.com. Northlight's headquarters are at 9800 Harbour Place, Suite 201, Mukilteo, WA 98275.