The name Headwaters was conceived long before I started this business, when owning a construction company was a tangible yet distant thought in my mind.
I was living in Leadville, Colorado at the time, trying to make ends meet as a carpenter who just wanted to spend his free time skiing all winter and kayaking all summer. Being situated at the cusp of the Continental Divide meant the snow I skied melted to become the headwaters of the many rivers I would paddle around the state and beyond. The Arkansas and the Colorado River itself both became very near and dear to me in my time there. Now, I live just north of White Salmon, Washington, and the glaciers, snowfields, and aquifers surrounding my home become the headwaters of the Little White Salmon, the Cispus, the White Salmon, the Klickitat, and others I’ve come to love.
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- Rob Paulsen, owner
ATTENTION
TO DETAIL
At Headwaters Carpentry & Tile, details matter.
Whether it’s color-matching epoxy to the tile on a mitered outside corner, continuing the grain pattern from piece to piece on stained trim, properly flashing & sealing a window, or paying attention to the vapor permeance of a wall assembly, we understand the details that can have a huge impact on the visual appeal and performance of a project. A small leak that isn’t able to dry out can become a major costly repair. Missing a counterflashing on a roof could lead to such a leak.
We pay attention, and we make sure our trade partners do as well by providing architectural details and criteria from industry groups that ensure best practices are followed.
CLEAR COMMUNICATION
We can’t exceed your expectations if we don’t know what they are.
Proper planning is essential to a good outcome - the more detailed our construction agreement with you, the better. We do not currently offer design services, but we will work closely with the designer or architect of your choosing to bring your vision to life. Homeowner-supplied drawings are welcome, and we can create visual mock-ups with sample materials to make sure the end result is what you are envisioning.
We also maintain transparency and set expectations early regarding pricing and billing. Payment schedules, fees, and costs are clearly outlined in our fixed-price contracts. We do not make any changes without written approval, and the cost of your project is updated at an agreed-upon interval.
INNOVATION
& EDUCATION
Educated homeowners make the best clients.
While we always strive for excellence, we aren’t perfect. Arming yourself with knowledge before signing a contract helps us achieve our goal of delivering the final product you envisioned. Ask us what the VOC content on a certain product is, how we plan to waterproof your shower, or what we do to make sure your prized collection of antique Beanie Babies doesn’t get covered in concrete dust.
Listed below are some of our favorite resources for making sure we get it right.
