Testimonials
Two Beautiful Bathrooms
Imagine a pair of teenagers getting ready for school each day in one bathroom with a single pedestal sink. Then ask them to share that bathroom with their grandmothers when one of them is in town.
“It just wasn’t going to work,” said Tiffany, the kids’ mom. “The older they got, the more they were in each other’s way.”
Tiffany and her husband Tucker knew who to call when it was time to remodel the bathroom in the west wing of their house. Rich and Tangent Construction had completed their master bathroom remodel, including the installation of the open rain shower the couple is still bragging about. Tangent had been brought in to finalize the job when the original contractor was unable to satisfactorily do the work.
When Tiffany and Tucker bought their century-old Prairie-style Madrona home, it had been lovingly maintained and updated. So the remodels were driven primarily by usability and design. They were looking for a clean and classic look that combined a touch of modern with simple Shaker lines. The master bathroom remodel gave them a relaxing oasis. The kids’ bathroom demanded practicality, privacy, and flexible use.
A very impractical steam shower was replaced with a private shower nook that allows one sibling to clean up without blocking bathroom access to the other. A trough sink in an ample marble countertop allows for tandem tooth brushing in front of the wall-to-wall mirror. And cubbies keep personal supplies organized. The grandmothers can be pampered with a toasty towel warmer.
With the bathroom planned out and construction ready to begin, Tiffany and Tucker saw an opportunity to create a more inviting guest suite as well. With Rich’s help they expanded the project to add a wet bar and finish a closet in the guest room. The wet bar includes a mini-fridge, farm sink, and wall-mount television.
“Rich is so flexible and creative. When the scope of the project changed, he was not flustered for a second,” said Tiffany. “He knew what needed to happen to make it all work, and took care of every detail.”
A favorite feature of the new bathrooms is the tile work. Rich’s connection with the area’s most experienced craftsmen means specialty work is completed beautifully and skillfully. Tiffany recalls the granite installers pausing to admire the aesthetic of the freshly completed tile.
“We got exactly what we dreamed of,” said Tiffany. “Rich made our vision a reality. He was so pleasant to work with. We truly benefitted from his lifetime of structural experience as well as his artistic eye.”
Wedgewood Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of this Wedgewood home. And at the heart of the kitchen is a spacious island that welcomes family to home-cooked meals. This island is where mom and dad provide homework help, oversee craft projects, and touch base after a busy day. For casual dinner parties or holiday gatherings, guests converge in conversation around the island’s maple surface, sipping wine and savoring tempting aromas. This is exactly what Cary and Shaughna dreamed of when they made plans to update their cozy home. A kitchen that’s the center of family, work, and entertainment.
“We even picked out an extra-deep sink for the kitchen,” said Shaughna, “so we could hide the pots and pans when we’re cooking for friends.”
This 1950 bungalow was originally designed around a formidable fireplace. It created a wall that ran through two stories and blocked the narrow kitchen from the living room. When Cary and Shaughna first moved in, they knew a more open plan would better suit their lifestyle. The architect who drew up plans for a phased remodel told them Rich Tyas was the man who could bring their vision to life.
The first project Tangent Construction tackled was an upgrade of the 1970s family room that had been added on to the back of the house. After that was completed, Cary and Shaughna knew who to call when they were ready to do the kitchen. Rich studied their drawings and detailed a meticulous project plan and budget. Everyone agreed it would be best to vacate the house for three months while work was underway, so an accurate schedule was a must. In the end, the project was completed on the exact day promised.
Removing the fireplace left a hole through the ceiling and floor, and the entire room was taken down to the studs. As the new kitchen began to take shape, Rich sent written progress updates and met with Cary and Shaughna frequently to discuss next steps.
“We were fussing over every detail,” said the couple. “And Rich was right there with us. Quality is so important to him. He made sure even the littlest things were finished perfectly. And if something got done and it didn’t look right, he fixed it.”
Rich’s years of experience made him an active partner when it came to getting the aesthetics right. He was equally invested in making sure this Wedgewood home stayed true to its Mid-Century roots; from the fit of the crown molding to the width of the baseboard trim.
When it came time to finish the load-bearing wall that divides the kitchen and living room, Rich suggested a modification that put the final accent on the home’s open feel. What started as a functional barrier became a portal that invites light and conversation. And a featured display space for treasured art objects.
Perhaps it’s not surprising so many Seattle families keep calling Tangent Construction back when they catch the remodel bug. “Rich is the only contractor we want working on our home,” said Cary and Shaughna. “We already have the plans drawn up for our next project.”
“Rich Tyas is the only person I trust to work on my house”
I’ve used Tangent Construction for several projects on my 1920s house, including: rebuilding the back porch; replacing gable shingles; creating attic access inside the house; exterior door replacement; improving attic ventilation; and relocating a bathroom window. Tangent Construction has delivered skilled, knowledgeable, impeccable craftsmanship on each project, regardless of complexity.
Rich listens carefully to what I want, prepares a detailed budget and estimate, is prompt and conscientious, works intensely, cleans the work areas each day, and keeps me updated on the progress of the project…as well as the surprises involved in remodeling a 95 y.o. house.
Rich and his Tangent crew are an absolute pleasure to work with. I plan to continue to use Tangent for future remodeling projects. Now that I’ve seen his incredible kitchen work, I’m looking forward to hiring him do my long-desired kitchen upgrade.”
— Carolyn C., Seattle, WA