About Orion Home Renovations: My Journey
Sandra Andrade
Founder & CEO of Orion Home Renovations
Restoring Homes, Transforming Lives
Welcome to Orion Home Renovations, where passion meets craftsmanship. My name is Sandra Andrade, and this company is more than just a business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my challenges, and my unwavering dedication to quality. Every home has a story, and I take immense pride in helping homeowners bring their vision to life.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Business
I never imagined that my journey would lead me to create Orion Home Renovations. Growing up, I worked alongside my parents in the fields, picking fruit and watching them push through long, grueling days just to provide the basics. That experience shaped me—it fueled a hunger for something more. I wanted financial independence, but more than that, I wanted to do something that truly made a difference.
The Inspiration Behind Orion Home Renovations
For me, a home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A feeling of warmth, security, and love. Restoring homes to their former glory and helping people fall in love with their space again is something I’ve always been passionate about. Life threw some unexpected challenges my way, but those very obstacles pushed me to turn my passion into a reality. That’s how Orion Home Renovations was born.
Orion Home Renovations is more than just a business—it’s my passion. It’s a reflection of my journey, my challenges, and my unwavering dedication to quality. I take pride in knowing that my work not only transforms houses but also improves the lives of the families who live in them.
With every project, I am reminded of why I started this journey. And I can’t wait to see where it takes me next
Breaking Barriers & Building a Business
A Woman’s Perspective: Turning Ideas into Dream Homes
Being a woman in the construction industry isn’t always easy, but it gives me a valuable and necessary perspective. Over half of the homes we renovate are managed by women, and I understand firsthand how important it is for those voices to be represented. I believe in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and nurturing. That’s where my approach comes in—listening closely to homeowners, understanding how they live, and then designing spaces that reflect their needs and dreams.
What sets me apart is the ability to blend emotional connection with practical design. I work hand-in-hand with clients to bring their ideas to life, often uncovering creative solutions and possibilities they hadn’t imagined. It’s not just about updating a room—it’s about transforming it into a space that truly feels like home.
Building Orion Home Renovations wasn’t without its challenges. I started out offering discounts and trades just for the chance to prove what we could do. Slowly but surely, trust was built—one project at a time. Our services started with drywall and paint, and today we’re proud to handle full remodels, additions, and restorations.
Building the Right Team and a Strong Culture
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that a business is only as strong as the team behind it. From the beginning, I knew I didn’t just want to hire people to fill roles—I wanted to build a team that felt like a family. I prioritize hiring individuals with integrity, humility, and a willingness to learn over just experience alone. Character always comes first.
Our team is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional work. I encourage open communication and make sure everyone has a voice in our projects. I believe that when team members feel valued and empowered, they bring their best selves to the job. We plan collaboratively, share ideas freely, and take pride in what we build together. This culture of inclusivity, growth, and creativity makes us stronger and ensures that every project is completed with care and excellence.
Overcoming Challenges & Memorable Projects
Building this business wasn’t easy, and I faced many hurdles, especially in the early days. From limited capital and lack of field experience to finding the right team and adapting to ever-changing trends, each challenge tested my determination. But every challenge also brought a lesson.
One project that stands out to me was a complete restoration—from the studs up. Every time we fixed one issue, another one popped up. The delays, unexpected costs, and constant hurdles made it one of the most demanding jobs I’ve ever done. It felt like we were constantly on our toes, navigating a puzzle with missing pieces.
But in the end, it became one of the most rewarding experiences. My team and I pushed through together, and the transformation was incredible. Not only did we grow professionally, but the bond we built as a team during that project was irreplaceable. It reminded me why I started this journey and how far we’ve come.
Helping Homeowners Bring Their Dreams to Life
Meeting with homeowners and hearing their ideas is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. I truly enjoy learning about their needs, style preferences, and long-term goals for their home. I use my experience and design knowledge to suggest ideas they may not have considered—ways to improve flow, add functionality, or create wow-worthy aesthetics.
By involving clients in every step of the process, we’re able to create spaces that not only meet expectations but exceed them. Whether it's a simple bathroom update or a full home renovation, my goal is always to help homeowners fall in love with their space all over again.
I believe Orion Home Renovations
is on track to becoming one of the best remodeling companies in Seattle. The fact that so many of our clients return for more projects and recommend us to their family and friends speaks volumes. As long as we stay true to our values, I know we’ll continue to grow and thrive.
Advice For Aspiring Entrepreneurs
If you’re thinking about starting your own renovation business, my advice is simple: educate yourself and take the leap. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you go for it.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of connections. Surround yourself with the right people—mentors, skilled professionals, and a strong support system. Having the right team around you can make all the difference.
Running a business is demanding, but my family will always come first. My children are my motivation for everything I do. I make sure to adjust my schedule when needed so I can be there for the important moments.
Orion Home Renovations is more than just a business—it’s my passion. It’s a reflection of my journey, my challenges, and my unwavering dedication to quality. I take pride in knowing that my work not only transforms houses but also improves the lives of the families who live in them.
