Meet our Team!

Caleb Quick
Title: Carpenter
Joined Houseworks Construction Company: 2005

I've been working at Houseworks since 2005. I'm married to my high school sweetheart and teach piano part time. I began carpentry in high school and received a degree in Sociology from Western Washington University.

Continuing Ed at Shoreline Community College

Houseworks owner Tim House and one of his project managers, Terry Bocian are going back to school this month for some continuing ed. They're taking a class at Shoreline Community College in Energy Auditing.

According to the course description, "This certificate includes training in the principles of energy auditing and weatherization inspection. Students will learn the principles of energy, energy and the building shell, energy auditing, air leakage, insulation, windows and doors, heating ad cooling systems, indoor air quality, lighting and appliances, and water heating."

This class is just one example of the ways Houseworks is dedicated to green building principles. And we're always interested in learning new methods and skills that we can pass on to our clients.

We'll check in with Tim and Terry as the course proceeds to see what they've learned.

Meet our Team!

Ryan Egan
Title: Carpenter
Joined Houseworks Construction Company: 1996

I started with Houseworks in June of 1995. I had known Tim in high school and had such a kinship, I have found it hard to leave. Though I have tried a time or two :) It has been my absolute pleasure getting to work with all of these fine people, I would be hard pressed to find a better group.

Green up your home to boost its sale price

The Daily Green has an interesting article on how to boost your home's value by greening it up before putting in on the market.

Author Kerry Mitchell is the founder and course developer of Green Real Estate Education, a certification course that teaches real estate professionals what makes a home green.

Mitchell has some great advice in this article, including the suggestion to, "put $15,000 in energy-efficient upgrades in your existing home, taking advantage of the tax incentives and rebates. Now, depending on the upgrades you have chosen, the property stands out in this development. With offering up to 65% lower energy bills alone. A buyer desiring your neighborhood may lean towards your home even if there is a short sale for less. The timing couldn't be better as most are curious on how to renovate to lower utility bills. Green renovations can make a difference in real estate values. Using healthy materials and installing more high efficiency systems will make a difference in quality of life."

Houseworks can help you make energy-efficient updates to your home, and we're happy to come over and give you a free assessment. Just give us a call at 425-483-3422.

Meet our Team!

Erik Hall
Title: Project Coordinator
Joined Houseworks Construction Company: 1998

I started with Houseworks in September 1998 when I moved back to Seattle after living in Boston for two years. It's been a pleasure working for Tim, and with his eclectic crew!

Modeco Flats - Built Green in West Seattle

Modeco Flats in West Seattle are the first four-star Built Green condominiums in West Seattle.

According to the Built Green Web site, in order for a building to be considered Built Green it must conform to the following features.

Energy Efficiency
Advanced Framing/Extra Insulation

High Efficiency Water Heater

Efficient Household Appliances

Air Sealing

Indoor Air Quality
Low-pile low allergen-attracting carpet

Low-VOC or low-toxic interior paints and finishes

Ventilation

Conserving Natural Resources
Plastic Lumber

Engineered Wood

Brick

Building Materials and Food Recycling

Water Quality Protection
Porous Paving Schemes

Rainwater Collection

Low Impact Development


Along those lines, Modeco Flats feature bamboo floors, low VOC paints used throughout, high efficiency Mitsubisi split ductless heating and cooling, Samsung high efficiency front loading washer and dryer and halogen pendant and under cabinet lighting.

Meet our Team!

Terry Bocian
Title: Project Coordinator
Joined Houseworks Construction Company: 1992

"Upon graduating from Western Washington University in 1980, I began a career in Education that spanned 11 years. In 1992, I decided on a change in vocation. Through a friend of a friend I was introduced to Tim House and signed on in October (of that year). It's been a great and rewarding move."