We asked current and former clients, as well as vendors and sub-contractors with whom we work, to tell us what they think about our work. Here is a sampling:

Polar Bear Construction was chosen to provide a complete interior remodel of the Gonzalez’s home. All interior walls, ceilings, flooring, electrical, plumbing, and insulation were removed. There were a few sites where mold, asbestos, and structural damage was discovered. These issues were successfully addressed. This remodel was completed in April of 2025. Below is what the Gonzalez’s have to say about their project. “We learned of Polar Bear Construction by word-of-mouth recommendations and feel so fortunate! Thanks to hiring them for a full remodel of our Casita (our little house), we can now tell folks about a great first timers’ experience as opposed to a nightmare contractor story like some we heard and feared before beginning this project. Barrett and Doris put us at ease, provided a detailed budget, plenty of support and clear communication. Even though issues arose along the way requiring more time and money to resolve, they calmly dealt with each challenge and still completed everything on time and below budget. Barrett listened to all of our wishes for an aging-in-place forever home, collaborated with our designer, Linda Hallgren of Hallgren Design LLC, and delivered an accessible and beautiful home that we love living in. We feel so lucky to look back fondly on the process of partnering with a company that brought such solid integrity and mastery of their craft to creating our dream home!”

Carrie and Hernan Gonzalez, August 2025

Barrett did a wonderful job managing our basement remodel. The project included building a new kitchen, installing an egress window, and building a roof overhang. I was greatly impressed with Barrett’s commitment to quality – it was clear from the beginning that he would do whatever it takes to get the job done right. He accurately estimated the budget. He was available for meetings on evenings and weekends, which helped me a lot. He kept the worksite clean and neat, and he finished the project on time! He was also pleasant to work with. I will definitely call Barrett again for future jobs.

Sara Del Moral, May 26, 2013

Barrett, this house is exceptionally well built. We love it. Thanks very much.

Olympia House Owner, June 10, 2013

If you are looking for a contractor who is does superior work, is dependable, fair, honest, and creative, Barrett Burr is the one for you! Barrett has done several jobs for us including a total remodel of our 1,000 square foot first floor, from floor to ceiling. This project included re-framing rooms, putting in a new tiled shower and bathroom, and redoing all the floors in a colored concrete finish (which is beautiful!) He has also enlarged and completely redone our master bathroom, and the adjoining closet, and has remodeled a studio space as well. All of these projects were completed in a timely manner, and held to budget.

It was remarkable to work with a contractor who both listens to the customer and communicates so well. He was diligent about letting us know where the project was on a regular basis. We always knew exactly what was going on, and benefitted from his suggestions as each project progressed. For example, he had an idea for changing some framing which utilized the end of a hall to give us welcome extra space in a major storage closet. He also took the time to discuss options if they were needed.

His subcontractors were excellent as well, and we always felt comfortable that everyone was working together to do a good job and that we had Barrett as our advocate. Last, but not least, Barrett and his crew always cleaned up after their work, and made sure that areas were closed off to minimize impact on the home, and that floors and other areas were protected. We really appreciated that.

We are very satisfied with our home improvements, and thoroughly enjoyed working with Barrett and Polar Bear Construction. We would do it all again!

Michaela Murphy and Tom Gable

I have worked with Barrett for almost 20 years. Barrett is an exceptionally patient person. He does beautiful work.

Ken Smith, Hired Hands Electrical

We've been working with Barrett Burr and Polar Bear Construction for a number of years, he does beautiful work and sincerely cares about his customers and their homes. Polar Bear Construction has a unique approach to building in that proper completion of the project is of primary concern over profitability.

What makes him stand apart from other builders is his concern with environmental impacts, hands on experience, technical knowledge, along with proper installation and building practices. Barrett Burr has earned a valued reputation in the Thurston County area due to his integrity, moral standards, and the professional care that he takes with customers and their projects.

Stuart Blocher, Olympia Tile & Interiors L.L.C.

Barrett built our home in 1992. We had worked with a designer rather than an architect, so a lot of the construction details were determined by Barrett. We were completely happy with how the construction went then; on time, under budget, and with no hassles with the bank, with a beautiful home when he was done. We are still completely happy with how his work has held up for the 20 years we have been here. Everything is as solid as the day we moved in. If we had to do it all over again, we would definitely have Barrett do the work.

Sally and Gregg Bennett, August 4, 2013