When you welcome Hudson into your home for a remodel, you’re making a big commitment. A lot of trust and faith in our team is involved. We recognize that and would like to give you a chance to meet our crew members so when we do begin working together, it’ll feel comfy.
With that in mind, we’re rolling out crew bios in the months ahead so you can get to know each person who may work in your home.
So, here we go! Let’s kick things off with Dave James, who’s been with Hudson for decades.
Name: Dave James
Role: Lead carpenter
First year at Hudson: 1993. 2018 marks my 25th anniversary with Hudson Remodeling and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!
Favorite power tool: That would be an oscillating multitool. It’s a hugely versatile tool for remodelers. I use it to cut tile and wood trim. It helps me get in tight spots and do a good job with detailed finish work.
Your favorite thing to tear out during a remodel: I like demo days when we get to remove built-in plywood cabinets with seven layers of lead-based paint and replace them with modern, clean, custom cabinets. I also like knocking out the vertical bar that separates the cabinet doors under kitchen sinks. That bar makes it impossible for a guy like me to get under the sink to do any work; that annoying vertical bar is the first thing I tear out in a kitchen remodel.
One thing most people don’t know about you: Ha! Most people are surprised to learn that I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones; I’m a total Game of Thrones geek. My wife and I have watched the shows together, admittedly more than once. We know all the characters and love the story. Same with Lord of the Rings. I’ve read all those books.
If time and money were no object, what would you remodel at your own home? I’d actually do many of the things we do for Hudson clients: replace siding, upgrade windows, pop out a sliding patio door and replace it with a French door. I’d remodel the kitchen and do everything on my wife’s “honey-do” list.
One thing you think every homeowner should know before starting a remodel project: Understand that you get what you pay for. Don’t just take the lowest bid. Make sure you are comparing apples to apples when it comes to experience and quality standards. Not all contractors care about the little details that our crews do. We’re sticklers for the small stuff and that makes a difference in the finished product. If you want straight grout lines, tight trim joints and drywall without noticeable seams, make sure you’re hiring a contractor who can deliver that so you’re not left looking at flaws for years and years to come!
First thing you remember building: My dad was a remodeler so I started working with him early on. The first job I remember was hanging sheetrock in a hair salon that used to be in the hotel that is next to I-5 on Lakeway Drive in Bellingham – formerly The Lakeway Inn. I was about 12 years old.
First car: My first rig was a mid-’80s Dodge Ram 50 pickup truck.
Favorite candy: Gummy bears! Seriously. Haribo gummy bears are the best.