Since 1976, Dalgarno Construction has been a family company. Today Rick, Kimberly and Alex lead the work together, so clients and architects always know exactly who’s building their home.
Our work starts long before the build. We walk the land with you, often before there’s a design, and once your architect is on board, we work alongside them as the drawings take shape. Every island site has its own rock, water and weather, and we share what we’ve learned so the house fits its land.
Many of our clients live off-island while they build, but distance doesn’t keep you out of the decisions. You’ll have detailed estimates from the start, regular updates from the site and a clear view of the budget as choices come up. You’ll always know where your home stands.
As a young man, Rick followed his retired parents to Orcas Island in 1975. A year later he built his first house, and it sparked a passion: soon he was building for clients and welcoming them to the island. That passion grew into a family company, and the Dalgarno name became a mark of the highest quality, a standard across the San Juans. Five decades on, Rick still notices everything, and you’ll find him on site, walking the land with Alex.
Kimberly is a third-generation Orcas Islander. Her grandparents came to the island in 1967 and her parents followed in 1973, and after earning her accounting degree and traveling the world, she came home to raise her family. She joined Dalgarno Construction in 2000. Behind the scenes, she keeps everything running smoothly, and she makes sure you feel at home from the first conversation to move-in day.
Alex is the fourth generation of his family on Orcas Island, and he grew up on Dalgarno job sites, learning the trade from Rick and the crew as a boy. He joined the crew officially in 2017. Today Alex is on every project, often alongside Rick, walking the land with you at the start and walking through your finished home at the end. He cares that everyone enjoys the process, and that the house is one you’ll love for years to come.
We run two small crews, many of whom have built with us for years, some for decades. Most of our carpenters own homes in the islands. Our veterans train the newer carpenters, so the craft that built our reputation goes into every home we build.
Most homes we build were years in the making before we ever meet their owners. Making a life in the San Juans, year-round or part of the year, is a big decision, and we’re honored to be part of it. We love it here, and that’s something we share with every client.
Here in the islands, neighbors look out for each other. It’s the island way.
We take on only a few homes at a time, so the best time to talk is early, even before you’ve chosen an architect or found your land.
