King County, WA
Remodeling in Seattle
Century-old bones, brought forward without losing the character that made them.
Building in Seattle
Seattle's housing stock is a century deep, and that history is exactly what makes remodeling here rewarding and unforgiving in equal measure. The Craftsman bungalows of Wallingford, Ballard, and West Seattle, along with the boxy foursquares of Capitol Hill and the Central District, were built between the 1900s and 1920s with materials that have outlasted their systems. Behind original fir trim and plaster walls we routinely find knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply lines, and unreinforced foundations that deserve attention before any finish work goes in. A remodel in these homes is a chance to keep the character and replace everything that has quietly aged out.
The other Seattle reality is permitting. Projects involving structural changes, additions, or new dwelling units go through the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and review timelines here run longer than in most neighboring cities. As a design-build team we prepare complete, well-documented submittals, respond to correction cycles quickly, and sequence design work so permitting and material lead times overlap instead of stacking. Seattle's ADU rules are among the most flexible in the state, which has made basement conversions and backyard cottages one of the most requested projects we build in the city.
Seattle's core neighborhoods are dominated by 1900s-1920s Craftsman bungalows and foursquares with original fir and plaster over aging systems. The opportunity is keeping the character while quietly replacing the wiring, plumbing, and structure that has timed out.
MANY SEATTLE BASEMENTS WERE DUG FOR COAL FURNACES, NOT LIVING SPACE, WHICH IS WHY HEADROOM AND MOISTURE STRATEGY ARE THE FIRST TWO THINGS WE CHECK ON A BASEMENT PROJECT HERE.
Local knowledge
Neighborhoods we work in
From first-visit to final walkthrough, we build across Seattle and the surrounding areas.
Permitting in Seattle
Structural work, additions, and new dwelling units in Seattle are reviewed by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, and timelines here run longer than in most neighboring cities.
We prepare complete, well-documented submittals and manage review through inspections, so the paperwork never becomes your problem.
Let's begin
Ready to talk through your Seattle project?
Start with our concierge for quick answers, or reach us by phone. No pressure, just a clear next step.
Nearby
Nearby areas we serve
Straight answers
Seattle remodeling questions
How long do Seattle permits take?+
It depends on the pathway. Simple interior projects can move quickly, while additions and ADUs going through full SDCI review often take several months. We plan the design and ordering schedule around that reality so the wait does not delay construction once approval lands.
Can our old Seattle home handle an open floor plan?+
Usually yes, with proper engineering. Most pre-1930 Seattle homes rely on interior bearing walls, so opening the main floor means an engineered beam with a clean load path to the foundation. While the structure is open we often address seismic anchoring and outdated wiring at the same time.
Free consultation
Let's walk your home together
Tell us what isn't working. We'll bring options, honest numbers, and a plan — no pressure, no obligation.