More Than a Supplier: How Pella Supports Home Builders with a Shared Commitment to Jobsite Safety

In residential construction, teams arrive to perform demanding, physical tasks that contribute to building homes. Their safety is non-negotiable. It’s not about hard hats and checklists; it’s about creating the kind of environment where people can work confidently, efficiently and go home unharmed. That kind of jobsite doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of thoughtful planning, strong relationships and products designed with both people and performance in mind.

For Chathambilt Homes, a family-owned luxury home builder with a 77-year legacy in the Atlanta market, safety isn’t just a protocol – it’s a promise. Founded in 1948, the company has grown into a trusted name in high-end residential construction and development. Chathambilt has worked exclusively with Pella since 2018 and was named Southern Living’s Custom Home Builder of the Year in 2021. 

Shared Values, Safer Jobsites

When Pella began working with Chathambilt Homes, it quickly became clear that the relationship was about more than timelines and product delivery—it was built on shared values of quality, safety and reliability. 

“There’s a lot of pride and value in this partnership,” said Gabe Chatham, Vice President of Chathambilt Homes. “We’ve exclusively partnered with Pella for our own builds and neighborhood developments because of the quality of both the product and the local Georgia team. Having a premium product we can trust makes a difference with our focus on high-end custom homes.”

That shared commitment shows up on the jobsite, too. Pella’s install crews come prepared with tools, training, and a strong focus on safety. “One thing we value with Pella is that their installers are well-trained, not just on installation, but on safety too,” Chatham said. “They show up ready, and that gives us peace of mind.”

He added that safer jobsites often lead to stronger morale and better retention among trade partners. “When trades know a jobsite is clean and safe, they’re more likely to want to come back,” he said. “We want everyone on-site to know we have their best interest at heart—and that we want them to do great work, comfortably and safely.”

Chathambilt Homes has trusted Pella products since 2018—shown here in a custom home in Alpharetta, GA.

Safety in Action: The Impact of Steady Set

Window installation is often one of the more complex and risk-prone aspects of the build process, especially on second- or third-story homes. Recognizing this, Pella developed Steady Set, a first-of-its-kind interior installation system designed to reduce ladder work and streamline the install process.

Steady Set cuts down exterior install time by up to 72%, allowing crews to work from inside the home, improving both safety and speed. Since its launch in 2024, the system has been implemented across thousands of job sites nationwide, and builders like Chatham have quickly adopted it as a safer way to install. 

“Steady Set is safer, faster and smoother for installers,” said Chatham, adding that the improved workflow and reduced installer risk have even helped his team maintain competitive pricing. "Everyone benefits when crews can get in and out quickly, from the window installers to the next trade in line," he said. "That kind of efficiency may even help us with pricing long-term, because partners know they can count on a smooth jobsite."

For Chatham, that kind of performance isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about delivering peace of mind to homeowners who expect both speed and quality. 

“We haven’t had a single callback tied to a Steady Set install, and that gives us and our homeowners tremendous peace of mind,” he said. “There’s definitely a demand for speed and efficiency, especially in the luxury market where clients want high quality but don’t want long waits.”

An installer uses Pella’s Steady Set Interior Installation System, designed to reduce ladder work and improve jobsite safety.

Trust That Builds Beyond the Jobsite

“We’ve referred other builders to Pella—not because it benefits us directly, but because we believe in the partnership,” said Chatham. “We’ve had them visit our sites to see the install process and the quality of the product firsthand.”

That kind of peer-to-peer recommendation speaks to Pella’s long-standing relationships and its active approach to innovation. This combination has fostered a culture of care and collaboration, helping create safer, more productive jobsites across the country with Steady Set. 

“When our trades feel safe, they do better work,” said Chatham. “And when we’ve got a supplier who gets that, it makes a real difference.”

Left to Right: Lance Chatham, David Chatham, Gabe Chatham, and Myles Chatham of Chathambilt Homes.