Questions about your project? Here are the straight answers.

Trust should never be assumed. It should be earned.

First Finishers has been serving homeowners in our community since 2005. We're a family-owned company led by brothers Kai and Tim Fyrst, and over the years, our work has been recognized through numerous Olympia Master Builders awards and local remodeling honors.

We've been recognized for remodeling, kitchen and bathroom projects, new home construction, and custom homes. We've also received People's Choice and Judges' Choice awards — recognition that reflects both the quality of our craftsmanship and the experience homeowners have working with us.

But awards are only one part of the story.

We are licensed, bonded, insured, and provide written contracts for every project. We're happy to share references, show completed work, and give you the information you need to verify who we are before you move forward.

Our goal is simple: quality work, honest communication, and results that last.

Yes. First Finishers is a licensed Washington general contractor, bonded, and insured.

We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. That matters because it helps protect you, your home, and the people working on your property.

We're happy to provide proof of license, bond, and insurance before you move forward.

WA Contractor License: FIRSTFL943BF

We recommend checking every contractor carefully before hiring them — including us.

A few simple steps can protect you from major problems. Verify their license through the Washington L&I "Verify a Contractor" tool. Confirm that their bond and insurance are active. Ask for references from recent projects that are similar to yours. Look closely at reviews, completed work, and how clearly they communicate.

Red flags include large cash deposits, no written contract, high-pressure "today only" pricing, door-to-door storm chasers, vague estimates, or a contractor who avoids providing license and insurance information.

A trustworthy contractor will welcome your questions. They won't pressure you to skip the homework.

Yes. We can show you completed projects that are similar to the type of work you're considering.

We believe the most useful examples are the ones that actually relate to your home, your style, and your scope — not just the flashiest photos in a portfolio.

We can also connect you with past clients when appropriate so you can ask honest questions about their experience, including communication, budget, timeline, and how the finished project turned out.

The best feedback comes from homeowners who have already trusted us with their projects.

Here are a few things past clients have said:

"I challenge you to find another contractor in the area who will care more about you and your project." — Hayley M.
"This went above and beyond all of my expectations." — Dianne L.
"On time, and within $200 of the written bid." — Greg D.

We're proud of the work, but we're even more proud when homeowners feel taken care of throughout the process.

Read more reviews & see customer stories →

Every project has a clear point of contact who is responsible for communication, coordination, and making sure the work is moving forward.

You'll know who is coming, when they're coming, and who to call if you have a question.

We coordinate our crews and trusted subcontractors directly. You won't be left wondering who is responsible or chasing different people for answers. One team, one point of accountability, and clear communication from start to finish.

First Finishers was founded in 2005 by brothers Kai and Tim Fyrst.

We're based in Yelm and serve Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, and greater Thurston County — plus select nearby areas of Pierce, Mason, and Lewis Counties, including the JBLM community. For nearly two decades, we've built our reputation through craftsmanship, integrity, dependable service, and results that last.

Over the years, our work has earned recognition from Olympia Master Builders and local "best of" awards, including honors for remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodels, custom homes, new home construction, People's Choice, and Judges' Choice.

That kind of recognition matters because it reflects more than how a project looks when it's finished. It reflects the process, the quality, the trust, and the consistency behind the work.

Contractors who cut corners usually do not build a long-term reputation. We've been here for years, and we plan to be here for years to come.

A cheaper bid is not always a better deal.

Sometimes a low price means important things were left out — permits, prep work, quality materials, insurance, communication, cleanup, or realistic labor costs. Those missing pieces often show up later as surprise charges, delays, or problems with the finished work.

With First Finishers, you're not just paying for labor. You're paying for planning, craftsmanship, accountability, and a company with a long-standing local reputation.

Our work has been recognized through Olympia Master Builders awards, People's Choice and Judges' Choice honors, and awards for remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, new construction, and custom homes. That recognition comes from doing the work the right way, not the cheapest way.

We want you to understand exactly what is included, what it costs, and why it matters before you make a decision.

This is usually one of the first big questions homeowners ask themselves, and the honest answer depends on your location, your long-term plans, and what your current home can realistically become.

Remodeling usually makes more sense when you love your neighborhood, your home has good bones, your mortgage rate is worth keeping, and the issues with the home can be solved through better layout, more space, or updated finishes.

Moving usually makes more sense when the location no longer fits your life, the home has major structural limits, or your needs have changed in a way a remodel cannot reasonably fix.

The financial gut-check: major renovations often make the most sense when you plan to stay in the home for at least 5–7 years. That gives you more time to enjoy the improvements and gives the investment a better chance to work in your favor.

At First Finishers, we would rather help you think through the decision clearly than push you into a project that does not make sense. Sometimes remodeling is the right move. Sometimes it is better to wait, sell, or rethink the scope.

People often use the words interchangeably, but they do mean different things.

A renovation refreshes or restores what is already there. Examples include painting, refinishing floors, replacing fixtures, updating cabinets, or installing new finishes without changing the layout.

A remodel changes the structure, layout, or function of a space. Examples include moving walls, opening a kitchen into the living room, changing the purpose of a room, adding a bathroom, or building additional square footage.

A simple way to think about it: if the space looks better but works the same, it is usually a renovation. If the space works differently after the project, it is usually a remodel.

First Finishers handles both, from clean updates to full remodels, additions, and custom home projects.

A kitchen remodel is often one of the strongest improvements you can make for both daily living and resale value, but the exact return depends on your market, your home, and the level of finish you choose.

The annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value report is one of the most commonly referenced sources for this. National averages change each year, but minor or midrange kitchen remodels often recoup one of the highest percentages of any home improvement project, commonly around 85–95% in many reports. Major kitchen remodels usually recoup less as a percentage, often closer to 50–70%, because the total investment is higher.

In Pacific Northwest markets, returns can sometimes run slightly higher than national averages because well-designed, updated homes are in strong demand.

The nuance is that a full custom or luxury kitchen may show a lower return percentage on paper, but it can make the home far more appealing, more functional, and easier to sell when the right buyer sees it.

If resale value is part of your decision, we can help you think through where to invest, where to stay practical, and how to design a kitchen that serves your life now while still making sense long-term.

Before hiring any contractor, you should feel comfortable asking clear questions and expecting clear answers.

Here are some of the most important questions to ask:

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• Can I see proof of your license, insurance, and bond?
• Do you carry general liability and workers' compensation coverage?
• Can you show me completed projects similar to mine?
• Can I speak with past clients or references?
• Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
• Who will be on site day to day?
• Do you use your own crew, subcontractors, or both?
• How do you handle permits and inspections?
• How do you structure payments?
• How do you handle change orders?
• What happens if something unexpected comes up?
• What warranty do you provide on your work?
• What do you need from me before the project can start?

A good contractor should be able to answer these comfortably and put the important details in writing. If someone avoids the questions, rushes you, or gets defensive, that is usually your answer.

For most projects, two to three bids is the right amount.

One bid does not give you enough to compare. More than three or four can create more noise than clarity, especially if every contractor is pricing a slightly different scope.

The most important thing is to compare the bids correctly. Do not look at price alone. Look at what is actually included, what materials are being used, how detailed the scope is, how the contractor communicates, and whether the timeline feels realistic.

A cheaper bid can sometimes mean important items were left out, lower-grade materials were assumed, or the contractor is planning to figure things out later through change orders.

The contractor you trust most often matters more than the lowest number on paper.

A general contractor and a design-build firm can both manage construction, but the process is different.

A general contractor usually builds from plans created by someone else, such as an architect or independent designer. In that setup, the homeowner often has to coordinate between the designer, the contractor, and any other professionals involved.

A design-build firm brings design and construction together under one team. That means the people helping plan the project are connected to the people responsible for building it.

The advantage of design-build is that it usually creates one point of accountability, fewer handoffs, better communication, and a smoother path from idea to finished project. A general contractor-only approach can still make sense if you already have an architect or designer you want to use.

First Finishers is a design-build firm, which is why many homeowners prefer working with us from the earliest planning stages through the final walkthrough.

It depends on the type of project.

Interior remodels like kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home interior work can happen at almost any time of year because the weather has less impact once the work is inside.

Exterior projects like roofing, siding, windows, decks, and exterior repairs are usually best from late spring through early fall, with July and August often being the most reliable weather months in the Pacific Northwest.

Custom homes and larger remodels should usually begin planning months before you want construction to start. Fall and winter can be a smart time to design, budget, make selections, and get on the schedule for spring or summer work.

The biggest thing to know is that good contractors are often booked out. Waiting until the weather is perfect can put you behind everyone else who had the same idea.

Cost-plus and fixed-price are two common ways to structure a construction project.

Cost-plus means you pay the actual cost of labor, materials, and approved project expenses, plus an agreed-upon contractor fee or markup. That markup is often in the 10–20% range, depending on the project and agreement.

Fixed-price means you agree to one set price before the project begins, regardless of what the project actually costs the contractor to complete.

Cost-plus can be helpful because it keeps the numbers visible. You can see where the money is going, there is less need for padded estimates, and if certain costs come in lower than expected, you benefit from that savings.

Fixed-price can be helpful when the scope is extremely clear and the homeowner wants more budget certainty upfront. The trade-off is that the contractor usually has to price in risk for anything that could change or go wrong.

First Finishers uses cost-plus on many remodels because it keeps the process transparent and helps keep the homeowner and contractor on the same side of the table.

We handle a wide range of residential construction and remodeling projects.

Our work includes kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, whole-home renovations, additions, custom homes, new home construction, finish work, roofing, siding, windows, decks, and restoration work for fire and water damage.

We've also been recognized for several of these project types, including kitchen and bathroom remodels, remodeling work, custom homes, and new home construction.

Whether your project is one room, a full renovation, or a custom build, the best first step is a conversation. We'll listen to what you're trying to accomplish and let you know honestly whether we're the right fit.

Yes, we can help with the design and planning process.

As a design-build contractor, we help guide you from the initial idea through layout, materials, selections, budgeting, and construction. That means you don't have to piece together a separate designer, contractor, and project team on your own.

Our goal is to make the process more organized, with fewer handoffs and fewer "that's not my department" moments.

You'll have one team helping bring the project together from start to finish.

Yes. First Finishers is a certified restoration company, and we regularly help homeowners rebuild after fire and water damage.

We can work with your insurance carrier throughout the process and help manage the rebuild, documentation, and communication needed to move the project forward.

Damage to your home is stressful enough. Our job is to help make the repair and rebuild process more manageable, clear, and organized.

It can be, but the right approach matters.

If there's a chance you may move in the next few years, we'll help you think through improvements that make sense for both your daily life and potential resale value.

Kitchens, bathrooms, curb appeal, and functional upgrades often make more sense than highly personal choices that may only matter if you stay long-term.

We've worked with many active-duty and retired families around the JBLM community, so we understand that plans can change. Our goal is to help you make smart improvements without overbuilding for your situation.

Yes. We can help create a home that is safer, more comfortable, and easier to use over time — without making it feel clinical.

That can include curbless showers, wider doorways, better lighting, lever-style handles, accessible layouts, and grab bars that are designed to blend into the space.

Good accessibility design should feel intentional, comfortable, and beautiful. It should support the way you live now while preparing your home for the future.

100% free No obligation

Yes. The first meeting is free, and there is no obligation.

We'll come out, look at your space, listen to what you're hoping to accomplish, and give you an honest opinion about what makes sense. If there's a smarter or more cost-effective way to approach the project, we'll tell you.

This is not a high-pressure sales appointment. It's a chance for you to ask questions, understand your options, and decide what direction feels right.

We believe pricing should be clear, honest, and easy to understand.

For many remodels, we use a cost-plus approach, which means you can see the actual cost of labor and materials, along with our agreed-upon fee. That creates more transparency and helps avoid the confusion that can come with vague lump-sum pricing.

If something unexpected comes up — like hidden rot, old wiring, water damage, or structural issues — we stop, show you what we found, explain the options, and get written approval before moving forward.

No hidden fees. No surprise charges at the end.

The honest answer is that it depends on the scope, materials, design choices, and condition of the existing space.

A small update may cost a few thousand dollars. A full kitchen or bathroom remodel can land in the tens of thousands. Whole-home renovations, additions, and structural work can be significantly more depending on the complexity.

Instead of giving you a generic number, we prefer to look at the actual space, understand your goals, and provide a clear estimate based on your specific project.

Material pricing can change, especially on items like lumber, cabinets, windows, roofing, and specialty products.

We help protect you by identifying long-lead or price-sensitive materials early, ordering key items at the right time, and being upfront about anything that may be subject to market changes.

If pricing changes before something is approved or ordered, we'll communicate that clearly. You won't be surprised by material increases you were never told about.

It depends on the size and complexity of the project, but we'll always give you a realistic timeline before work begins.

As a general guide:

• A bathroom remodel may take around 3–5 weeks, or 6–10 weeks for a full gut or layout change.
• A full kitchen remodel often takes 2–4 months.
• A major remodel, addition, or whole-home renovation can take 4–12 months depending on the scope.

One thing many homeowners underestimate is the planning phase. Design, selections, ordering materials, and permits can take weeks or months before construction starts.

We'll walk you through what to expect so the schedule feels clear from the beginning.

The most common delays come from permits, material lead times, weather, inspection schedules, and changes made after work has already started.

We reduce delays by planning ahead, finalizing decisions before construction whenever possible, ordering long-lead materials early, and building realistic timelines instead of promising best-case scenarios.

If something does affect the schedule, we'll communicate it clearly so you know what's happening and why.

A reputable contractor is often booked out several weeks or even months, especially during busy seasons.

If someone is available to start a major remodel immediately, it's worth asking why. That doesn't always mean something is wrong, but it can be a red flag.

We'll be honest about our current availability and give you a realistic start date. If you have a hard deadline, let us know early so we can plan around it as much as possible.

Often, yes — but it depends on the project.

Smaller projects are usually easier to live through. Larger remodels involving kitchens, bathrooms, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC can be more disruptive.

We'll be honest with you about what daily life will look like during the project. When possible, we plan the work in phases to help keep the home livable and reduce disruption.

Our deposit is typically one-third — about 30% — of the project total, and it only comes due after you've reviewed and agreed to the proposal. Never before.

That deposit does real work: we use it to lock in your spot on the schedule and order all the materials for your project, so things can get moving without delay.

We do not ask for full payment before work begins, and we do not operate on cash-only payments. You should always have a clear paper trail and a written agreement before paying any contractor. Large cash deposits, vague payment terms, or demands for most of the money upfront are major red flags.

Payments are typically tied to project milestones.

That means you are paying as defined stages of work are completed, not just because another date appears on the calendar.

A typical structure may include an initial deposit, progress payments during the project, and final payment after the final walkthrough.

Your exact payment schedule will be clearly written into your contract before work begins.

Yes. Every project includes a written contract before work begins.

Your contract will outline the scope of work, materials, timeline, pricing, payment schedule, and expectations for the project.

If a contractor refuses to put important details in writing, that's a serious warning sign. Clear paperwork protects both the homeowner and the contractor.

A change order is a written update to your contract when something changes.

That could happen if you decide to add something, upgrade materials, change the design, or if we uncover an issue that was hidden behind walls, floors, or existing finishes.

A proper change order explains what changed, why it changed, and what it will cost.

Nothing gets added to your project cost without your approval first.

We do.

If your project requires permits or inspections, we'll help manage that process and make sure the work is done properly and to code.

Permits are important because they protect you as the homeowner. Skipping permits may seem faster in the short term, but it can create expensive problems later — especially when selling the home or dealing with insurance.

We don't cut that corner.

You'll have a clear point of contact and regular communication throughout the project.

We'll keep you updated on what has been completed, what's coming next, and anything we need from you to keep the project moving.

If a question, issue, or decision comes up, we'll communicate quickly so you're not left wondering what's happening in your own home.

We treat your home with respect.

That means protecting floors and surrounding areas, containing dust where possible, securing the work area, cleaning up regularly, and leaving the project clean at completion.

Construction can be disruptive, but our goal is to keep the process as organized and respectful as possible.

Yes. Our workmanship is backed by a written warranty, and many of the materials and products we install also include their own manufacturer warranties.

We'll provide the specific warranty details in writing so you know exactly what is covered, how long it is covered, and who to contact if something comes up.

A good contractor should be willing to stand behind their work. We are.

Call us.

If something needs attention after the project is complete, we'll take a look and help make it right. Sometimes small adjustments are needed after a home settles back into normal use, and that's part of standing behind the job.

We're a local company that has been here since 2005. We care about our reputation, our clients, and the work we leave behind.

Yes — reach out and ask.

Whether your project is a small repair, a remodel, an addition, a custom home, or something more unique, the best first step is a quick conversation.

If we're the right fit, we'll let you know. If the project is outside our scope, we'll be honest and may be able to point you toward another trusted local professional.

Either way, you'll get a straight answer.