OLYMPIA HOME IMPROVEMENT FAQ 2026

Because every home in Thurston County is unique, costs vary by scope and materials. However, since 2005, we’ve specialized in providing "Ground Truth" estimates. Whether it’s a luxury kitchen transformation or an exterior upgrade, our goal is total transparency. We help homeowners navigate current South Sound material costs and permit fees to ensure there are no surprises.

Timeline depends on the complexity. A standard bathroom remodel might take 3 to 4 weeks, while a full-scale home transformation or major structural construction can take several months. As a leader in Olympia home construction, we use a refined project management system to keep our crews on-site and your project moving every single day.

Most major structural changes, additions, and even some roofing projects in Olympia and Tumwater require permits. We handle the entire permitting process through the Thurston County building department for you. This ensures your project is 100% legal, up to current Washington State codes, and protects your home’s resale value.

Most roofers only see shingles. As an Olympia General Contractor, we look at the "Full Envelope." When we replace a roof, we also inspect your siding, windows, and structural framing for rot or moisture issues. This integrated approach is why we can confidently offer 50-year roofing systems that actually last in the PNW climate.

Yes. In fact, consolidating these services is the most efficient way to lead a project. By handling the entire exterior at once, we ensure the moisture barriers and flashing between your roof, siding, and windows are seamless—creating a "weather-tight" seal that a single-trade contractor might miss.

We install high-performance roofing systems designed specifically for the heavy rain and moss challenges of the South Puget Sound. Since we are a local company founded over 20 years ago, we don't just "install and leave"—we provide the expert installation required to back up those 50-year manufacturer warranties.

Yes. Founded in 2005 by brothers Kai and Tim Fyrst, First Finishers is a family-owned business based in Yelm and serving the greater Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater markets. We are deeply rooted in this community and have spent two decades building our reputation for excellence.

It’s about more than just building—it’s about the standard of craftsmanship. We have won over 10 industry awards, including the Remodeling Excellence Award, by refusing to cut corners. We treat every simple repair or full-scale remodel as a signature project that represents our 20-year legacy.

We do. We guide you from the initial concept and material selection in our showroom through to the final construction. This "one-stop" approach is why we are the preferred Olympia General Contractor for homeowners looking for a stress-free transformation.

Starting is simple. Whether you need a new roof, updated siding, or a complete home remodel, we begin with a consultation to establish the "Ground Truth" of your needs. We’ll discuss your vision, look at your home’s specific challenges, and provide a clear path forward to lead your project to success.

We primarily serve Thurston County and select nearby areas in Pierce, Mason, and Lewis Counties (including the Olympia area and surrounding communities). If you’re near the edge of our coverage, reach out—we’ll confirm quickly.

We offer a wide range of services! Our remodeling services include entire homes or bathrooms and kitchens. We offer new construction services, custom home building and additions. First Finishers is a certified restoration company and can work with you and your insurance company on claims such as fire or water damage. We offer interior finish work such as trim packs, floor replacement and refinishing and tile work. Our exterior services range from repairs to remodels including fencing, decks, siding and roofing. Our projects range from small to large scale construction.

Absolutely, First Finishers will help you with your project from start to finish. Permits largely depend on location and scope, we will let you know if a permit is required for your project and we handle the entire permitting process. We will also assist in drafting plans if needed.

Timelines depend on many factors including project size, weather and material selection. During the planning phase we will discuss project specifics with you. Once you are ready to move forward with your estimate, we will draft you up a project timeline. Our timeline provides a daily breakdown of the work that will be performed each day.

Know your goals – would you like to fix a problem, upgrade appearance, improve efficiency or increase resale value? Starting a project can seem daunting, but we’re here to help you throughout the entire process. All you need to do is know where you want to start, we will help you with rest. When you call for an estimate, we will gather some information about your home and project before an estimator reaches out to set up an appointment.

Pricing depends on scope, materials, access, condition of the existing structure, and the level of finish you want. We aim to make estimates clear so you understand where the cost comes from, not just the total.

A continuing trend into 2026 are ADU’s. Accessory Dwelling Units offer not only additional housing but can also lead to long-term rental income.
Outdoor living areas that are designed to be used year-round have been a priority in our Olympia community. Composite decking is a low maintenance product that is durable and designed to withstand the weather of the PNW all while maintaining a high-end look.

Yes. Material choice affects curb appeal, durability, energy performance, maintenance, and cost. We’ll explain tradeoffs in plain language so you’re not stuck choosing based on guesswork.

We go the extra mile to make construction as minimally invasive as possible. We keep the jobsite clean and protect your home and belongings. You can expect site protection measures specific to your project which can include floor protection paper, temp walls and dust protection.

Sometimes issues - or the full extent of the issues – are only visible once surfaces are opened up. For example, we may uncover rot once we open up exterior walls that is not visible until we start demolition. If this happens, we will immediately let you know what we find and explain your options. We will discuss the next steps and costs before moving forward.

It depends on condition, budget, and how long you plan to stay in the home. We’ll help you compare options so you can choose the most cost-effective path that aligns with your goals. Typically, a repair will fix an isolated issue such as a water leak. Replacing may be the solution if something is not performing it’s best or you want an upgrade, such as a fence replacement. Remodeling is ideal when you want to transform or upgrade a space, it usually includes performance and aesthetic upgrades.

Step 1: Reach Out
Give us a call to speak to someone now. Or send us an email with your contact information and a brief description of your project and we will call you back.
Step 2: Intake Process
We will contact you to gather additional information about your project, home and goals. After the intake is completed, you’ll hear back from us within 2 business days with next steps and to confirm current scheduling availability.
Step 3:
One of our Project Managers/Estimators will reach out to you to schedule an appointment. They will meet you onsite to go over details, understand your vision and take measurements. At this appointment, we will discuss next steps and explain our process. If there are selections you will need to make we will put you in touch with our trusted vendors and we will start working on your estimate.

We will provide you with the itemized no-obligation estimate when completed. When you’re ready to move forward just let us know and we will discuss a timeline!