Thurston County is full of skilled builders, remodelers, and designers. Olympia Master Builders(OMB) and Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) are both proud to partner with these industry leaders and are eager to highlight their hard work and craftsmanship. To do this, Olympia Master Builders puts on an annual event to showcase local housing projects with OlyFed serving as the title sponsor for many years running. The 21st Annual Tour of Homes will be held on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to the public. If you are looking at building, remodeling, renting or purchasing a home, this is the event for you!
Olympia Master Builders has long been committed to supporting professionals in the residential construction industry. Their main mission is to promote affordable housing across all economic sectors, and through that they also offer many programs that benefit builders, associate members and the greater community. “We do a lot of advocacy on behalf of our members,” says Jill Williams, the communications director for Olympia Master Builders. “We provide education for builders about the industry and legislation, and also have opportunities to spotlight our members.”
One way OMB does this is through the Tour of Homes, which is a free self‐guided tour featuring local housing projects constructed by Thurston County building professionals. This annual event first started back in 2000 and has been a wonderful way to showcase the amazing work of our local builders, remodelers and designers. OlyFed quickly jumped in to support this event. “It has been our pleasure and honor to support Olympia Master Builders and its builder members,” says Barbara Whitlow, the residential relationship manager for OlyFed and proud committee chair for the Tour of Homes.
This year the tour will feature five sites, including a solar project, one remodel project, and three new construction projects, including a luxury multi‐family apartment complex. All of these projects are located right here in Thurston County and will be hosted by the builders, designers and staff themselves. “You get the opportunity to meet the people behind the projects,” says Barbara. The tour will also start off with its first‐ever tour hub, proudly hosted by Builders FirstSource. “Kickoff your tour right by going to this site first,” encourages Jill. “You can enjoy coffee and donuts while you explore products and services as well as the different showrooms.”
OlyFed will have a table at the tour hub on the first day of the event from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., where you can learn more about lending for construction projects. “Stop by the OlyFed table for information on financing for a purchase, remodel, energy retrofit, new construction, or land package,” says Barbara. “We have amazing construction loans for your every need.” They will also be serving up some delicious gelato courtesy of Sofie’s Scoops Gelateria, so be sure to get yours while supplies last!
Since the event is self‐guided, tabs will be available to allow for participants to visit all five sites at their leisure. These tabs will be available July 21 in both digital and physical
formats. To get your tab, visit the OMB website to download it or stop by any Olympia, Tumwater or Lacey OlyFed location to pick up your copy. Tabs will also be available at Builders FirstSource on the first day of the event. Throughout the tour, participants will have the chance to vote for their favorite project. “Awards will be given out to the builders based both the people’s choice and judge’s choice,” explains Jill. Everyone who submits a survey will be entered to win a Traeger grill from Builders First Source, so be sure to cast your vote!
With such a wide representation in this year’s Tour of Homes, this event is perfect for anyone who is interested. “Whether you are looking out of curiosity or in the process of moving or building, there is a little something for everyone to get excited about,” Jill says. Be sure to mark your calendar for this exceptional event so you can see these wonderful projects for yourself!
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