by "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
Published 06/02/2017 at 21:40
by "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
Published 06/02/2017 at 21:40
Tags: PNW
; Windows washing
STARS: 2
Suburban paradise edition.
I’ve been going here since I started the business, four times a year. Insanely nice mother of three—there’s a dad too, but I’ve yet to run into him—who’s terrible at remembering appointments. About 50% of time I get a call last minute saying “just do the outside, I’m SO SORRY, completely forgot!!” accompanied by a massive tip in the check she sends in.
But the house is why you’re here. And what a house. Located in Hunt’s Point—a small, affluent town a few miles east of Seattle with a median household income of over $150,000—the residence is simple yet captivating. A large four-car carport, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and a super modern, chic interior that showcases one of the rare instances of a homeowner who is just as good at home design as they think they are. If not for the old-school bubble skylights and retro roofing style, it would be all but impossible to guess that the home was built in the 70's.
Oh, and check out that Sportcourt! It’s a custom design that’s filled with tiny holes—kind of like a storm drain—to make it impossible for water to collect and pool on the surface. The drainage system underneath is more substantial than that found under many houses. In addition, the material used was specifically chosen to emulate the level of “bounce” one would get on an NBA level court. Can confirm, after dribbling I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between this and hardwood in a double blind test. It’s pretty incredible the amount of work that went into this one, comparatively unimportant addition.
The homeowners wanted a place where everyone could gather, and have a good time. They succeeded. It’s not uncommon for me to drive up and see about forty young children playing in the yard, with parents up above having drinks.
So tell me Oppo, Yay or nay? Does this place do it for you? Personally, I love that despite having three kids, the family hasn’t moved to a massive four story new construction home like the majority of wealthy young people around here. To put it in automotive terms, I guess you could say that these are the type of people that don’t feel the need to buy a crossover just because they have a family. And I respect that.
Here’s two bonus photos from the house I went to before the above one. The Seattle suburbs are a nice place to live, if you can afford it.
"Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
06/02/2017 at 21:46, STARS: 1
Are they nice and smooth now?
"Shoop" (shoopdawoop993)
06/02/2017 at 21:48, STARS: 1
HNNNNG money windows
"fintail" (fintail)
06/02/2017 at 21:51, STARS: 1
I am surprised it is that new, the main window wall gable looks like it is from the 50s or 60s. These are the kind of old places that were most of the housing in upscale eastside suburbs before mini-mansions took over maybe later in the 70s. Very comfortable living. Sadly, if they ever sell, there’s a good chance it will be knocked down and replaced by something brash or cliched.
Such a place might not have been terribly unaffordable 30 years ago. A friend of mine’s parents bought a house in Medina around 1992 for something like 250K. Sure that was more then than now, but it is worth maybe 8-10x the purchase price, and it’s a nice but far from extravagant house.
I prefer Yarrow Point, as it has some nice older housing stock, and is a little more open and free (and has that wonderful traffic circle to see local drivers in action - come to think of it, Hunts Point has one too, one even better for dumb driver spotting). Now all ground zero for tech/finance/property development types, family money, lucky boomers and olders who bought when the getting was good, and offshore fortunes to be laundered.
"Toby F., Manager" (itsmefromhr)
06/02/2017 at 21:53, STARS: 1
My questions are a bit more personal.
1. Is this your full-time job?
2. From my understanding of one of your recent posts, you are around the same age as me (I’m 22) — with that, how did you come about the idea of forming this business? In other words, what compelled/inspired you to begin this specific type of business and what was your thinking process like?*
*I’m at the point in my life and professional career where I’ve been considering diversifying my streams of income and need inspiration of formulating a business idea(s) I’m passionate/interested about — My experiences and studies in business have taught me on how to seek and develop opportunities, yet I cannot seem to think of ideas I’m interested and passionate about.
"Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing." (granfury)
06/02/2017 at 21:54, STARS: 2
My kind of house. Touches of the ‘50s and ’60s, but newer. If I built my own house, it would look a lot like this.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 21:54, STARS: 1
No, I just hit em with the rough sandpaper today, so pretty course still. I’ll be back in a month to do the fine sanding and steel wool polishing. Window washing is a process, man.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 21:55, STARS: 0
So nice. So easy. Twas a good day
"AM3R, lost another burner" (am3r17)
06/02/2017 at 21:56, STARS: 1
This window cleaning gig seems like a very solid job.. I bet you’d be doing awesome here in northern VA.
One of my best friends was an amazing athlete, she had a full soccer scholarship to a D1 school in her sophomore year of HS, and was really rich (brand new range as a first car). She had a court just like that at her house and it was awesome. Can confirm the draining really works, we played plenty of football/basketball/soccer games on it in the rain. In the winter we’d shovel the snow off enough that we could slide a puck and played roller hockey.
If I ever make enough money to get one of those I will definitely be having one at my future house for me and my kids to enjoy.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 22:00, STARS: 0
Actually this MIGHT not be Hunt’s Point. Clyde Hill I think..? I work in the area often but am unsure what the boundaries between all these mini-towns are.... 520 East to the 92nd place exit, 4th exit on the roundabout to 92nd place, and it’s on that road, about a quarter mile down, right before 24th Street (the flashing stoplight).
At the very least, I’m happy to see that the new places going up around here seem to be much more interesting—more daring—than the new construction over most of the Eastside.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 22:12, STARS: 4
1. It’s my full time job in the sense that I pay bills out of the money I get from it. At this point there are 3 people working for me, so I normally only go out for the difficult stuff, or if I’m requested, training someone, etc. Roughly 20-30 hours a week, although it varies based on the season.
2. Totally by chance, I was offered a window washing job by a former teacher who, unbeknownst to me, had had a window washing business for 40 years. This was at low point in my life (18, graduated, moved out, fired from a job, broke and very depressed) so I accepted immediately. I liked the freedom, I loved seeing the design/architecture of the homes and eventually decided to start my own business. With my bosses support, I should add. He had way too much business even for his large company, so it’s not like I was stealing sales haha.
Truck was the biggest investment, followed by ladders. Everything else you need for one person to hit absolutely any home 3 stories or less can be purchased under $500 easily. So all in all its not a huge investment. After a year of going door to door and spreading via word of mouth, I became licensed, bonded and insured, and picked up another employee to help out during the summer.
I wasn’t passionate about washing windows by any means, but I’ve found things in the job that I love. My mindset has been to stay open to any possibilities, and it seems to work for me.
"fintail" (fintail)
06/02/2017 at 22:12, STARS: 1
Yeah, if it is south of 520, I think it is Clyde Hill - that’s the dividing line I use in my head, anyway.
I’ve noticed a recent trend towards the faux farmhouse, I am somehow less offended by those than faux Tuscans or faux chateaus anyway. Interesting is a good way to describe it, this definitely isn’t a mcmansion orchard of vinyl siding and brick fronts.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 22:16, STARS: 1
It’s surprisingly good. These kinds of physical jobs get overlooked a lot, to the point where the hardest thing is finding good employees, despite the high wages for an entry level job.
I wouldn’t mind doing it in the eastern states just to see the different home styles. Over here an old home is one built before the 90's. A really old home is one built in the 50's.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 22:20, STARS: 0
I could do without the big French pane section to the right (window washer problems) but otherwise yeah, this style would definitely work for me too
"sm70- why not Duesenberg?" (sm70-whynotduesenberg)
06/02/2017 at 22:22, STARS: 0
Looks good to me
"Toby F., Manager" (itsmefromhr)
06/02/2017 at 22:26, STARS: 0
Wow, thanks for the response. It’s interesting how life works sometimes. I wish you continued success with your current and future endeavors. :)
"Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing." (granfury)
06/02/2017 at 22:27, STARS: 1
Yeah, I’d agree that those are a tad over the top and somewhat incongruous with the design. I do like French doors, but in moderation.
This place looks a lot like the MCM stuff my grandfather built in the ‘50s and ‘60s in the SF bay area, as well as a house I grew up in down in Fullerton CA. I finally discovered the builder/architect of my neighborhood, a guy by the name of Paul Treat. He really didn’t get the recognition he deserved. Most of his stuff was pretty modest, but the cool details and amazing layout still sticks in my head, and my family moved out of there 37 years ago. Thankfully Zillow lets me explore all over the place...
"Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
06/02/2017 at 22:33, STARS: 1
Good good. Sounds like you’ve got a handle on it.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
06/02/2017 at 23:36, STARS: 0
I like the house. I’d rather have a lawn than a basketball court. I suck at basketball. Is that a carport? Also the thought of 40 kids at my house is terrifying.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/02/2017 at 23:56, STARS: 1
Yep, big one too. Agreed on both counts. Kids, and basketball
"I have another burner, try to guess it!" (ihaveanotherburner)
06/03/2017 at 00:07, STARS: 1
Can agree. If I had the money, I’d much rather have a relatively reasonably sized house that’s “dope af” than a McMansion.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/03/2017 at 00:25, STARS: 0
That’s the way to do it. Small house with cool custom shit. I want a secret bookcase door that leads down to a wine celler make of glass and interior design wet dreams.
Also, Mr “I have a new burner, try to guess”... Are you me?
"Stef Schrader" (stefschrader)
06/03/2017 at 01:01, STARS: 1
Heck yeah, that’s my kind of house. I’d probably have gotten matching windows off to the side with no muntins, but that’s the only thing I see that I’d do differently. (Well, and maybe have an enclosed garage. Four-car carport ain’t shabby, though.)
The older I get, the more this kind of nice, modest mid-century house is so my thing. Nice clean lines and usually some good picture windows. I don’t need more house. I need more garage space. Haha.
"Stef Schrader" (stefschrader)
06/03/2017 at 01:03, STARS: 1
Mmmmm farting around Zillow (and like sites) is the best procrastination.
I don’t think I’ll ever get to own a house, so it’s total fantasy on my end. Maybe I should start buying lottery tickets. LOL.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
06/03/2017 at 01:30, STARS: 0
That basketball court would make for a pretty nice garage... Wouldn’t need to worry about spills for one!
I wish this style—or even just single story homes in general—could be more prevalent in the area. Sadly in the 12,000plus different homes I’ve driven to for work, all the various neighborhoods I’ve gone through with endless new housing developments and custom designs, I have seen not a single new construction single story home. Sad...
Oh and you’re the first person I’ve ever seen who used “muntins!” I did a double take and googled the word just to be sure I knew what you were talking about haha
"I have another burner, try to guess it!" (ihaveanotherburner)
06/03/2017 at 01:44, STARS: 0
Maybe........ But if we- I mean you, knew it would distort the time space continuum.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
11/16/2017 at 16:18, STARS: 0
Really? Maybe the realtor was right that their house might be worth far more than the estimates... Their house has an estimated value less than ours, but it’s about 3/4 the size, single-story, custom-built, with vaulted ceilings throughout, an expansive 3-car garage, etc. It was built in 2010...
I also hate those “muntins”. My house has them between the panes on the front (about half our windows need to be replaced due to their seals going) and I really want to replace them all with windows that don’t have them... But our house is faux craftsman because you really don’t have much of a choice at a price we could afford.
"Eric @ opposite-lock.com" (theyrerolling)
11/16/2017 at 16:19, STARS: 0
If I had that house, I would spend considerable money turning that into a garage...