x

    Our Team

    Are you interested in joining our team?

    View our open positions

    Bill Babb 3 - 2024 - HD

    Walter (Bill) Babb

    Owner/General Manager

    About Bill

    “I believe in giving our clients a remodeling experience that goes beyond expectations and builds trust.”

    WHY HE STARTED BETTER BUILDERS

    I wanted to give clients a better experience when it comes to remodeling. So many people have negative experiences with people in the construction industry. I understand that a remodeling project is a big leap of faith for most of our clients. I work hard to make sure their experience with us is an easy one that is based on honesty and integrity. At Better Builders, we pride ourselves on delivering projects on-time and on budget. More importantly, we treat our clients the way we want to be treated.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I began in the construction industry at age 15 working summers for a remodeling Contractor in a small town in Iowa where I grew up. After receiving my degree in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University, I moved out west and worked in commercial construction for a few years. However, I love residential home building and remodeling and soon found myself working with DreamCraft Homes, a production home builder that builds mostly in south King County. After nearly 16 years as Production Manager, and several thousand houses and many remodeling projects later, I started Better Builders.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Anything outdoors! I love boating, camping, fishing, hiking and skiing
    • Time spent with friends and family
    • Cooking
    Pete Baughman 2023

    Peter Baughman

    Owner/Project Developer

    About Peter

    “I love to be involved in the process of creating something beautiful and unique. I love helping our clients realize their vision.”

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING AT BETTER BUILDERS

    Better Builders offers an environment in which you are set up to be successful. It is a friendly place to work and collaborate with talented professionals in every role!

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    Home renovation and new home construction have been a part of my life since birth. My great grandfather, grandfather and father were all Carpenters. It was only natural for me to be drawn to it as well. I worked with my father the majority of my life, helping him create and produce many extraordinary projects. My experiences have varied from Carpenter, Lead Carpenter, Project Manager, Production Manager and now sales. I moved to Seattle and started with Better Builders in 2011.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Spending time with my wife and kids- hanging out or going on adventures
    • Competitive cycling
    • Traveling with our dogs
    • Anything outside- hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing
    • Designing and building furniture for friends and family
    Tighe Urelius

    Tighe Urelius

    Project Developer

    About Tighe

    “I love being a part of a team; combining the passion of our clients, designers, and our staff and field crews to create timeless spaces that integrate seamlessly into people’s lives.”

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    The Better Builders team brings such vast and varied experiences together under one roof. Our drive to always be improving has resulted in a workplace where everyone’s voice is important and listening to one another is a core part of company culture.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have spent most of my life working in different realms of construction, with a couple odd jobs sprinkled in. My passion for homebuilding and remodeling developed early on from working for my best friend’s dad, a design-build contractor. Over the years I have worked on projects ranging from research stations and airfields in Antarctica, to high-rise condominiums and projects at SEATAC, but the personal connection you share with clients in residential homebuilding is hard to match. I’m excited to see where my time with Better Builders leads!

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Goofing around with my family and dogs
    • Backpacking and mountaineering
    • Traveling
    • Making things with my hands, especially wood, metal, glass, concrete, ceramics
    Kristyn Hattingh

    Kristyn Hattingh

    Project Developer

    About Kristyn

    "As a professional, nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the realization of clients' projects and the satisfaction of knowing their new space will perfectly suit their lifestyle needs. It's an honor to be able to listen to their vision from the beginning and play a significant role in the overall process."

    WHY SHE ENJOYS WORKING AT BETTER BUILDERS

    At Better Builders, the priority is to deliver an exceptional customer experience, and they have achieved this by building a team of highly skilled professionals who are committed to excellence. It's a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals who excel in their respective roles and inspire me daily.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    From a young age, Kristyn's love for architecture and design was sparked by her passion for travel and DIY projects. Her natural talent for home improvement quickly earned her a reputation among family and friends, which led her to consider pursuing a career in the field. Her drive to help others and bring their visions to life, coupled with encouragement from loved ones, ultimately inspired her to take the leap. Kristyn obtained her credential in Interior Design and began her career as a design assistant in Seattle, Washington. During her time there, she honed her skills in kitchen and bathroom remodels, with a strong focus on meeting clients' specific needs and creating beautiful and functional spaces for optimal living. Kristyn is particularly interested in optimizing homes for health and happiness and is continuously seeking to expand her knowledge around sustainable residential building. 

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Listening to podcasts/audiobooks about health and wellness
    • Cooking meals with fresh and local produce
    • Exploring new places and finding the best coffee shops
    Kevin Flood

    Kevin Flood

    Estimator

    About Kevin

    “The best part of my job is taking a clients ideas or dreams and delivering a finished product that exceeds those dreams.”

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    My favorite thing about working for Better Builders is the people I work with every day. The collaboration between everyone, working to take a clients dream and turn it into a functional reality never gets old. The support throughout this company is unmatched.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have worked in construction for the better part of my career. Starting as a laborer and carpenter's apprentice framing custom homes. Down the road I owned my own business, performing framing and siding for custom homes around Washington. Eventually my business became a full-scale remodeling company where I eventually got to work with my sons and watch them become skilled craftsmen. Transitioning away from being a business owner, I have been a Project Manager for custom home remodelers in the greater Seattle area and I am excited to continue my career with Better Builders.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Spending time with my kids and grandchildren
    • Flyfishing
    • Boating
    • Working on my cabin
    Emily Soderberg-1

    Emily Soderberg

    Pre-Production Coordinator

    About Emily

    “Creating and maintaining organization is my happy place. I appreciate being able to provide thorough lines of communication between our internal staff and our amazing clients.” 

    WHY SHE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    Better Builders excels at supporting a vision and helping custom build one. Our clients appreciate our dedication to excellence in executing a project to be proud of and love for years to come. They provide these same attributes for me. As a valued team member, I feel supported to attain my full potential in this role and achieve anything I set my heart on.  

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have been building relationships and cultivating partnerships in the Foodservice Industry for the last 20+ years. I began by working as Kitchen Support, Pastry Chef and Store Manager. After years in the kitchen, I evolved into Sales and had a lengthy career within Foodservice Distribution. Beginning in Customer Service, I loved the work supporting clients. I proceeded to focus my career on Foodservice Sales and eventually held positions such as Personal Sales Associate, District Sales Representative and Territory Sales Consultant. I have a personal passion for Home Improvement. My career in customer support translates to any industry and assists in adding an authentic experience for our clients.  

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Watching my two girls grow up too fast 
    • Travel to amazing food and music experiences 
    • Strangely, staying home, cooking and enjoying stillness. 
    Brock Maybee

    Brock Maybee

    Project Manager

    About Brock

    “I love transforming peoples dreams homes into realities.” 

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    The best part about working at Better Builders is that everything is such a collaborative process. We really rely on and play to everyone's strengths to solve day to day challenges. 

    CAREER BACKGROUND 

    I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years, all in the Seattle area.  Starting in the family business, I got an in-depth look into the industry and fell in love with building at a young age. I quickly became the lead of our remodel projects, while going to school at UW to get my construction management degree. I was a Lead Carpenter for about 10 years before becoming a Project Manager 

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Golfing
    • Fishing and Boating
    • Spending time with Friends and Family 
    Chris Cody

    Chris Cody

    Lead Carpenter

    About Chris

    “Working with my hands to build something beautiful gives me the greatest satisfaction.”

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    The whole Better Builders team is incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to remodeling. Working with such skilled craftspeople encourages me to continue growing and honing my skills as well. Not to mention the joy of working with a team of people with such great attitudes. It’s a pleasure to work with such professionals.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    My career in construction began in 2002, working for a commercial broker in Colorado. Once I moved back to Washington, I took a job with Kingston Lumber and began working with another small General Contractor and master carpenter to develop my skills. Down the road I started my own business doing carpentry and handyman work. I’m excited to join Better Builders for this next chapter in life!

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Board games
    • Gardening
    • Spending time with my son
    David Chong

    David Chong

    Lead Carpenter

    About Name

    “I have always loved working with my hands, and seeing the customers smile at the end of the project .”

    WHY HE ENJOYS WORKING AT BETTER BUILDERS

    There are many reasons I enjoy working with the team at Better Builders. Their professionalism is unmatched and I have great co-workers. I also value working with people who hold themselves and their work to high standards and challenge each other to do the same.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have many years of experience in the construction and home industry. Prior positions include Lead carpenter at Uniplex, Lead carpenter at Norwest Kitchen and remodeling, and Field superintendent at Timberlake cabinetry.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Fishing
    • Spending time with my family
    • Traveling
    Federico (Fred) Munoz Duran

    Federico (Fred) Munoz Duran

    Carpenter

    About Fred

    “I like to see our client’s faces when we present the beautiful final project.”

    WHY HE ENJOYS WORKING AT BETTER BUILDERS

    I consider Bill a great leader. He treats everyone with respect, from clients to the crew.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have been working with Bill since 2004. From the moment I got the job, I knew I found my vocation. I love what I do!

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Continuing education on the job- building a strong skill set
    • Meeting new people
    • Doing a great job for our clients

     

     

    Victor Espinoza Duran

    Victor Espinoza Duran

    Carpenter

    About Victor

    “I love the work we put in as a team to make our clients’ homes beautiful.” 

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS 

    The Better Builders team is the highlight of this job for me. I truly enjoy working with everyone out in the field and appreciate working with and for good people. I admire the company culture of putting the people first, clients and coworkers alike. 

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have over 20 years of experience in the construction field. My background includes concrete flatwork, framing layout, siding and roofing lead, intricate trim carpentry and foundations lead. My passion for home building keeps me excited to work on all of the different styles of projects with Better Builders.  

    PERSONAL INTERESTS 

    • Spending time with family and friends 
    • Watching soccer 
    • Playing soccer 
    Joel Borroel

    Joel Borroel

    Carpenter

    About Joel

    “Working on new challenging projects and developing new carpentry skills makes every day exciting. Working with talented craftspeople pushes me to learn and grow in my trade.”

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    I enjoy working for Better Builders because it gives me different projects to work on and the ability to learn more, and it's a great company that takes care of its employees now and in future with the benefits they offer.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    I have worked in carpentry overall construction jobs for about 20 years now. I’ve always been interested in carpentry because it's very rewarding to see something I've created using my own hands and my mind. Another reason is that carpenters solve problems by being patient and creatively using what they know. Having a job that challenges me every day is rewarding.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Caring for my horses
    • Spending time with family
    • Honing my carpentry skills
    Anthony DiLazzaro

    Anthony DiLazzaro

    Carpenters Apprentice

    About Anthony

    “I love my job because I’m learning the exact skills I want, and I have great coworkers creating a positive work environment!”

    WHY HE LOVES WORKING WITH BETTER BUILDERS

    My favorite thing about working for Better Builders is the opportunity to learn carpentry, something I have wanted to do for a while now! I also love the culture. Better Builders is unlike any other construction company I’ve worked for. They genuinely care about their employees and clients, and that reflects through the ranks, creating a very positive work environment.

    CAREER BACKGROUND

    My construction experience has been centered around flooring, excavation, machine operating and some carpentry work. I’m really excited to develop my carpentry skills with the experienced members of the Better Builders team.

    PERSONAL INTERESTS

    • Spending time with family and friends
    • Anything that gets me outdoors
    • Trying new foods
    • Animal lover