ABOUT US

About Us

Spyglass Home Builders began with Seattle roots, a passion for craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to building a company that puts quality and relationships first. Founded in 2019 by Seattle-raised siblings Chris McFarland and Jenny Tews, Spyglass is a family-owned company whose ownership team also includes Jenny’s husband, Bob Tews. Together, they bring complementary strengths in construction, administration, and business leadership.

How It All Started

Chris’s journey into building began in 2001 after moving to Vermont. There, he worked for a builder specializing in Colonial reproduction homes, building houses from the ground up with authentic architectural details and elaborate period trim. It was an introduction to construction where craftsmanship mattered at every stage, from the structure itself to the smallest finished detail.

That experience sparked more than an interest in the trade. Chris caught the building bug and set his sights on becoming a custom home builder. He understood that achieving that goal would require a broad foundation of knowledge, so he sought opportunities to learn as much as possible about building and woodworking.

Over the years, Chris worked as a carpenter, woodworker, furniture builder, boatbuilder, and cabinetmaker, along with other roles in the trades. Each experience taught him something different about materials, precision, problem-solving, and how things come together. That varied background shaped his appreciation for both the technical demands of construction and the artistry that makes a finished home feel exceptional.

From Building Homes to Building a Company

As his career progressed, Chris moved beyond hands-on trade work into managing projects and running other builders’ companies. He saw firsthand the decisions and practices that helped businesses succeed, as well as those that created problems for clients and crews. Those years taught him that being a good builder requires more than construction knowledge. It also takes organization, clear communication, sound business judgment, and accountability.

When Chris and Jenny founded Spyglass in 2019, they brought those lessons into the company from the start. Their goal was to combine skilled craftsmanship with a well-managed, personal building experience, creating a business that cared as much about how a project was delivered as how it looked when finished.

A Family-Owned Team with Complementary Strengths

Chris brings practical construction knowledge, craftsmanship, and production leadership to Spyglass. His experience across multiple trades helps connect a homeowner’s vision with the technical details and everyday decisions needed to bring it to life.

Jenny brings the organization, warmth, and charisma that support the administrative side of the company. Her attention to detail and ability to connect with people help keep the business organized while maintaining the personal approach that matters to a family-owned builder.

Jenny’s husband and Spyglass co-owner, Bob Tews, brings a wealth of business acumen and insight to the team. His perspective complements Chris’s construction expertise and Jenny’s organizational strengths, helping guide thoughtful business decisions and the company’s long-term direction.

Together, their strengths support both the work on the jobsite and the business behind it. They share a commitment to building lasting relationships, delivering quality work, and earning the trust homeowners place in Spyglass.

Experience That Continues to Shape Us

Like any growing business, Spyglass worked through the challenges of its early years, refining systems and learning from each project. Today, that experience supports a well-organized company providing high-end residential construction for homeowners throughout the Seattle area.

Whether we’re building a custom home, transforming an existing space, or improving how a property functions, we understand that the work is personal. Our goal is to bring craftsmanship, practical guidance, and attentive management to the process, creating homes we’re proud to build and that our clients are proud to call their own.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you offer services?

We proudly serve Seattle and the surrounding communities, offering full‑service construction and remodeling support throughout the region.

Do you do FREE estimates?

Yes — absolutely. We’re happy to visit your home, take measurements, discuss your vision, and gather the details needed to prepare a clear, accurate estimate.

Can you give me a timeline to complete my project?

Yes. When you receive your estimate, we’ll include a projected timeline based on the scope of work. If anything unexpected arises, we’ll communicate promptly so you always know what to expect. Our team keeps daily logs to keep you informed throughout the project.

When is payment due?

Most projects begin with an initial deposit. After that, we bill weekly based on time and materials. Each billing cycle includes copies of receipts and a daily log so you can track progress with full transparency.

How can I access my customer portal?

You can log in anytime through our Members Area or by clicking here: Click here or by clicking here: our portal gives you access to invoices, schedules, project updates, and communication tools — all in one place.

How often will I get updated?

You’ll see daily updates in your client portal, including photos and progress notes. Chris also stays in close contact with homeowners and is always available to talk through questions or next steps.

Testimonials

Fabulous, just fabulous. Great advice. Great service. Great price. We couldn't be happier. The crew was especially good, careful measurements and templates, cordial, friendly and went out of their way to make any minor adjustment that we asked for.
Karen - Redmond

They are professional, timely, reasonable, fairly priced, helpful and knowledgable. I have recommended them many times. They worked with me on a challenging fifties fireplace remodel. I was extremely pleased with the result. They are a pleasure to do business with because they care about the quality of their work and your satisfaction.
Jason M. - North Bend

had excellent and skilled work done to replace our shower. Prompt arrival, beautiful and skillful work done GREAT Clean up. would recommend for any bathroom work.

Wanda B. - Seattle

These guys are great and we really benefited from their experience. After years of waiting to remodel our Ballard home we finally took the plunge and started contacting builders to give us estimates on remodeling our kitchen and two bathrooms. We had lot of ideas but were not sure about the costs and what we could really afford. A friend suggested we contact Chris and we are so glad she did. We discussed a lot of options with Chris and he made a lot of suggestions about different ways we could update all three rooms and stay still on budget. It was really helpful working with the same person to define design details and then have the same person do a lot of the work and manage the sub-contractors. I definitely appreciate the advantages of working with an experience and small company to get what you want and stay on time and on budget. Give these guys a call!
Teri M. - Ballard

Chris and Spyglass have done two projects for us: a house expansion including new foundation and adding a second story; and a full remodel of our kitchen area. Their work is high quality and professional, and we are very happy with the results. We would hire them again if we had another construction project to work on.
Daniel B.

Chris has done multiple jobs for me including a custom high end total renovation of a tiny house and a serious second story roof deck as well as other projects over the last few years and I am always please with his great work ethic, eye for detail quality work. Very trustworthy and easy to work with!
Julie N. - North Bend

Spyglass Home Builders completed a remodel of a 1960 bathroom. Every detail large and small had to be redone. My new finished bathroom is the best it could be, a dream home.
Stephanie N. - Mountlake Terrace

We hired Spyglass for a major update to our West Seattle home, and it was the best decision we could have made. Taking on a kitchen remodel while adding custom carriage doors felt like a massive undertaking, but the Spyglass team made the entire process seamless. They listened to our vision, kept the project on track, and delivered a final product that completely exceeded our expectations. The custom doors are a true work of art, and our new kitchen has entirely changed how we use our home. Five stars across the board for this incredibly talented crew.
Curtis N. - West Seattle