Award-Winning Remodeling in Tacoma: Smart Tips for Puget Sound Homes
Massey Remodel + Design is proud to be a 2025 REX (Remodeling Excellence) Award Winner, recognized by the Master Builders Association of Pierce County for outstanding work in Kitchen, Entire Home, and Bathroom remodeling.
Massey Remodel + Design is proud to share that we have received three REX (Remodeling Excellence) awards for our work in the Tacoma area. Our 2025 REX awards were for kitchen remodeling, whole home remodeling, and bathroom remodeling, and we couldn’t be more proud.
These awards were presented by the Master Builders Association of Pierce County, and they celebrate thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and projects that truly improve our clients’ homes–and their lives.
As local remodelers who work in the Puget Sound region, we know that homes in this beautiful area come with unique opportunities–and challenges. From maximizing those stunning water views to selecting materials that can withstand coastal weather, remodeling on the Sound takes experience and intention. In this post, we’re sharing a few key lessons we’ve learned from our award-winning projects, along with practical tips for homeowners planning their own renovation near the water.
Tacoma Roots, Puget Sound Perspective
Massey Remodel + Design is a veteran-owned company that serves the South King and Pierce County areas. We are proud to call the Pacific Northwest home. We are committed to staying local whenever possible (in the materials we source as well as in how we construct our homes), and our love for the Puget Sound area shows in everything we do.
Tacoma has a unique mix of homes: historic, new builds, and waterfront properties. With a variety of popular styles ranging from Craftsman to Victorian, Bungalow to Mid-Century Modern, the area’s homes are beautiful and striking. Our award-winning projects have allowed us to partner with homeowners to improve their spaces, making them as unique as the families they hold. Our experience in remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and whole homes gives us insight into what works best for homes in the Pacific Northwest, including coastal homes along the Puget Sound.
Designing for a View
If you know the area, you know that Puget Sound homes often have incredible views. The Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, the Sound itself–all of these picturesque vistas make living on the Sound a delight.
One of the best things a home remodel can do for your Puget Sound home is to showcase those views.
Replace any small or dated windows with larger panes or floor-to-ceiling glass.
Add windows wherever possible–bring the outside views in.
Choose open floor plans that don’t block sightlines.
Use materials, paint colors, and other finishes that reflect and enhance (and don’t compete with) the natural surroundings.
Use French doors or sliding glass doors to connect the inside of the home with the outside, both visually and practically.
Landscape strategically to enhance views (and to block out anything you don’t want to see).
Weather-Resistant Materials Are a Must
The salt and fresh water in the Sound combine to make it a beautiful estuary, a place that supports a unique ecosystem. If you’re lucky enough to have a home near the Sound, you know the benefits of living there: access to nature, outdoor adventures (kayaking and boating, hiking, fishing), and the unique blend of city and suburban living.
But you also know the impact that marine weather can have on your house, particularly the rain, salt air, and wind. When you’re remodeling, you need a team that knows how to use materials that can stand up to the elements.
Fiber cement siding on the outside of your home will withstand the marine environment and resist fading.
PVC or composite trim will keep your home looking sharp.
Stainless steel or other durable fixtures will be easy to maintain.
Waterproofing around doors and windows is important to keep the inside of your home safe and dry.
Waterproof and Durable Flooring
An important part of a Puget Sound home is the flooring–you need it to be able to handle moisture well and still look great. Some good, durable options include
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP). This jack-of-all-trades flooring is great throughout the home. It looks like wood or tile but is softer underfoot and easier to maintain. LVP is especially good for homes with kids or pets as it stands up to scratches and heavy use while being water resistant.
Tiles with underfloor heating. For a luxurious and durable floor, consider using ceramic or porcelain tiles with a radiant heat system underneath. Nothing feels better on a cool or rainy morning than stepping out of bed onto a warm floor. Underfloor heating is a green option as well because it wastes less energy as it operates at lower temperatures and distributes heat more evenly.
Engineered hardwoods. If you love wood floors (and who doesn’t?), consider using engineered hardwood that is designed for humid environments. This will ensure that your flooring can withstand the Pacific Northwest weather and still give you the warmth and beauty of wood.
Smart Deck and Outdoor Space Designs
Outdoor living is key for Puget Sound homes. Building or remodeling a deck or outdoor living space is a great way to let you and your loved ones experience the best of life on the water. It’s important to choose a team that knows how to handle the rain and moisture when building your outdoor living area.
Proper drainage and slope are critical to managing runoff.
Weather-resistant decking materials like composite or pressure-treated wood are necessary to withstand the marine air and rain.
Pergolas are great for shade, and covered porches or decks let you enjoy the great outdoors even when it’s raining.
Designing the perfect outdoor living space means considering what you want to use it for, how you can best meet those goals, and how to seamlessly incorporate your plans into your existing space. You may want an outdoor kitchen, space to entertain, a covered outdoor living room for watching the game, an area to eat outside, or a cozy sitting area near an outdoor fireplace where you can drink your morning coffee. Talk with your team about your goals and desires, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor life at home.
Balancing Style and Function
Form and function go hand-in-hand in a home remodel. Both are vital to the success of the project and your satisfaction with it long-term.
Pacific Northwest design is all about cozy and modern comfort, environmentally friendly design, warm neutrals, natural materials, open living spaces, and flexible multi-purpose rooms. Homeowners want their spaces to be inviting, personal, and functional.
Storage solutions that work in damp climates are important. A beautiful and functional mudroom, for example, will give you space to store muddy boots and wet jackets.
Bringing in as much natural lighting as possible (discussed above) is vital to a beautiful Puget Sound house. But what about those gray days? Warm, layered lighting will make your home feel cozy and inviting.
Energy efficiency is important both for the planet and your wallet. From LED lighting to insulation designed for coastal weather, your Pacific Northwest home can take advantage of all the green designs available.
Warm minimalism is in–the benefits of minimalism warmed up with wood tones and soft whites–to make your home feel peaceful.
Remodeling with Confidence on the Sound
We’re proud of our recent REX awards, but we’re most proud of what they represent: a deep understanding of local homes and what they need to be their best. If you are considering a remodel on your Puget Sound home, we’re here to help. Your home can be beautiful, durable, and the best support possible for the life you are building. Need some inspiration? Browse our portfolio of beautiful homes we’ve remodeled. Ready to get started? Contact us today and let’s begin making your home all you dream it can be.