Humble beginnings. That’s how Ron and Jen VanderBeken describe the commencement of their business, VanderBeken Remodel. After meeting as elementary school teachers, Ron and Jen decided to switch gears in 2006 when Ron took a full-time job with Jen’s father - a local builder. But when the company fell apart in 2007, they weren’t sure where to go next.
“Nobody was hiring in the industry,” said Ron. “We really had no choice but to do something else. And this is where we landed.”
The pair, however, was not entirely new to building and remodeling – Ron spent his time off in college working for luxury home builder Murray Franklyn, and Jen’s father and grandfather had been custom homebuilders in Seattle.
“I used to collect cans and recycle them on the job sites,” Jen said. “Eventually I started working in the office organizing files and filing invoices.”
Fifteen years later, the office of VanderBeken Remodel now sits in historic downtown Marysville, nestled between 3rd and 4th Street on State Avenue, with six staff members, three office dogs, and hundreds of projects seen to completion. Potential clients get the benefit of working closely with the entire team to make their home goals a reality.
“People’s homes are their largest asset,” said Jen. “It’s a huge investment and can be an emotional process.”
As far as services, everything at VanderBeken Remodel is done in-house – from designing to product acquisition to project management. They provide all information up front, giving their clients the tools they need to feel confident moving forward.
“We work diligently on the front end to get all the decisions made so that once we start production, it’s as seamless as it possibly can be,” said Jen. “We are always looking for how we can best serve our customers and every project is unique – it’s all custom and very individual.”
One of their favorite renovation projects was a historical Snohomish home, owned by Tom and Sara Pendergast. The home was built in 1904 but experienced a roof fire in 1934 when it was restored and expanded to its current footprint. The Pendergasts bought the home in 1998.
“We made a decision that we wanted to stay here forever,” said Tom. “This is the only house we’ve ever owned, it’s the only house our kids have known, and it really feels like home. We love Snohomish, the town, the entire area.” With that in mind, the Pendergast's knew they’d have to take on some projects.
“I grew up in a family that renovated houses, so I just had it in my mind when we bought this house that if this is going to be our forever home and we were going to make it perfect,” said Sara.
The first thing the Pendergasts did was add a large family room to their home. As time went on, they began to refine their style and goals, which is when they found VanderBeken Remodel.
Tom said that when they were interviewing various builders, it was Ron’s clear communication and integrity that made him stand out. That, and the fact that they deliver what they’ve promised.
In 2015, VanderBekens bumped out the Prendergasts' kitchen window, updated their guest bathroom, expanded their dining space, and added built-ins to their master bedroom. In 2020, they rebuilt the freestanding garage, constructed a wrap-around deck, added a laundry room off the back door, and installed a gas fireplace.
“They are the best remodeler we’ve ever experienced,” said Sara. “They ask you to think through everything before you start and write it all down so they can make sure they get it done. They’re always keeping your top priorities in mind and have a sincere desire to do quality work.”
Pendergasts said there are a couple more projects on the horizon, and they already know who they’ll call.
“We recommend Ron and Jen to anybody who’s doing anything,” said Tom. “We would never go to another builder.”
Some things that set VanderBeken Remodel apart are their small, in-house team, their collaborative process, and their genuine desire to understand and implement their client’s needs, goals, and vision for the project.
“There are always people buying houses,” said Ron. “What we do is we get to come in and customize it – to make it a home specifically for them. We want to find out what problems clients are having and then we want to give solutions. It’s not just come in, do a job, and leave. We really focus on the quality and experience our clients are getting - and our standards are high.”
When it comes to the emotional process of remodeling a home, Ron and Jen fully understand. Just as their business was getting off the ground, they purchased a 1960s fixer-upper with a laundry list of issues, including a failed septic system. Ten years later they now have a unique, custom home that fits their family’s needs. The time, energy and investment were worth it.
“So many remodeling experiences are terrible for people,” said Ron. “You’re welcoming people into your home to have them tear it apart. The goal is obviously to make it better, but there are a lot of nightmare stories. That’s why the experience our clients receive from us is very important.”
And that experience doesn’t stop when the project does, as VanderBeken Remodel insists on a 90-day and one-year walk-through to touch base and see if there are any issues.
“There are lots of people that can build things,” said Ron. “It’s the relationship formed in transforming someone’s house into their home that is the most important part of what we do.”
Ron explained that now is a great time for homeowners to consider projects, as remodeling costs are much lower than what it would take to buy an updated home.
“There is so much potential in this area,” said Jen. “We’re excited to continue positively impacting Snohomish County. This is where we live, where we work, where we’ve raised our family, and it’s where we plan to stay.”
To learn more about VanderBeken Remodel or schedule a consult, visit their office at 306 State Ave, Marysville, by phone at (425)870-8123 or on the web at https://www.vanderbeken-remodel.com.
One of their favorite renovation projects was a historical Snohomish home, owned by Tom and Sara Pendergast. The home was built in 1904 but experienced a roof fire in 1934.
“We are always looking for how we can best serve our customers and every project is unique – it’s all custom and very individual.” ~ Jen VanderBeken
“There are lots of people that can build things. It’s the relationship formed in transforming someone’s house into their home that is the most important part of what we do.”
