Frequently Asked Questions

Home improvement project costs vary depending on the scope. A bathroom update or kitchen refresh typically starts at a lower price point than a full remodel, since you’re updating finishes and fixtures rather than changing the layout or structure.

Our free Home Improvement Project Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/home-improvement-project-guide/) breaks down typical costs for common updates. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your goals and provide a clear estimate so you know what to expect.

Home improvement projects are typically smaller, targeted updates that refresh and improve your home without the scope of a “full gut” remodel. This includes things like a new deck, bathroom and kitchen updates, flooring replacement, built-in cabinetry and trim, whole house painting, and system upgrades.

We understand that not every home needs a full remodel. We believe that small projects deserve the same expertise and dedication that large, complex remodels need and our team is well suited to tackle projects of every size!

In many cases, yes. Seattle’s zoning code allows accessory dwelling units above detached garages on most single-family lots, subject to height limits, setback requirements, and lot coverage restrictions. This can be a great way to add a rental unit, home office, or guest suite without sacrificing yard space.

The feasibility depends on your specific lot and zoning, which we can assess during an initial consultation. If living space above the garage qualifies as a DADU, the same permitting requirements apply.

Custom garage costs in Seattle depend on whether you’re building a new detached garage, renovating an existing structure, or converting a garage into living space. A new detached garage typically starts around $100,000, while larger projects with living space above, custom storage systems, or workshop features can range significantly higher.

Lot conditions, access, and whether the garage includes electrical, plumbing, or heating all affect the final cost. Our free Garage Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/garage-pricing-guide/) provides detailed ranges based on real Seattle projects.

Seattle allows most single-family lots to have both an attached ADU and a detached ADU (DADU). Key requirements change year-to-year and often include maximum size limits, setback requirements from property lines, height restrictions, and lot coverage limits that vary by zone.

There is no owner-occupancy requirement, which means you can rent out both your main home and the DADU if you choose. Our team stays current on Seattle’s evolving ADU regulations and can assess what’s feasible on your specific lot during the initial consultation.

A DADU project with CRD typically takes twelve to fourteen months from design through construction completion. The design phase runs four to six months, followed by permitting, which in Seattle usually takes six to ten weeks for new detached structures.

Construction typically takes six to nine months depending on the size and complexity of the build, plus site conditions like slope and access. Your Project Manager will provide a detailed schedule before construction begins.

A detached accessory dwelling unit (a “legal” DADU) in Seattle typically costs between $500,000 and $750,000, depending on the size, design complexity, and site conditions.

A smaller backyard studio/office (not a “legal” DADU) will be less expensive as it does not feature a kitchenette and may not include a bathroom.

Site preparation costs can vary significantly based on your lot—slope, access for construction equipment, utility connections, and tree preservation requirements all factor in. Our free Backyard Cottage + DADU Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/backyard-cottage-dadu-pricing-guide/) provides detailed cost ranges based on real Seattle projects.

In some cases, no. However, a basement remodel that includes a dig-down or house-lift will require relocation during construction. Basement remodels often include moving HVAC, plumbing, electrical and sewer lines – which result in those systems being offline for days or weeks (or even months) at a time.

We can assess the likelihood of having to move out at the beginning of the process so you know well in advance and can start planning.

Moisture management is one of the most important considerations in any Seattle basement remodel. Our approach starts with a thorough assessment of the existing conditions—looking at foundation drainage, exterior grading, and any history of water intrusion.

Depending on the situation, solutions may include interior or exterior waterproofing, French drains, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and proper ventilation. We address moisture issues before framing and finishing so your new space stays dry and comfortable for the long term.

In many cases, yes. Seattle’s ADU regulations allow homeowners to create an accessory dwelling unit within their existing home, including the basement. Requirements include a separate entrance, a full kitchen, a bathroom, and adequate ceiling height. There are also egress window requirements for bedrooms.

Not every basement is a candidate for an ADU conversion—ceiling height, lot coverage, and zoning restrictions vary by neighborhood. During our Discovery Call, we can help you understand what’s feasible on your specific property.

Basement remodel costs in Seattle depend on the scope of the project and the current condition of the space. A basic basement finishing with a family room and bathroom typically starts around $200,000, while more complex projects—like adding a full ADU apartment, a bedroom suite, or a basement dig-out—can range from $350,000 to $600,000 or more.

Seattle’s older homes often have unique basement challenges, including low ceilings, moisture management, and foundation considerations. Our free Basement + ADU Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/basement-adu-pricing-guide/) provides realistic ranges based on local projects.

In some cases, no. However, most large and complex additions will require that you move out during construction. Structural changes can be very invasive and impact other rooms in your home in unexpected ways. Relocating for construction allows us to keep you safe and to be more effective and efficient.

We can assess the likelihood of having to move out at the beginning of the process so you know well in advance and can start planning.

Adding square footage to your home will likely increase its assessed value, which can affect your property taxes. King County assessors typically update property values after permitted construction is completed. The amount of increase depends on the size and quality of the addition relative to your existing home.

While we can’t provide tax advice, many of our clients find that the added living space and increased home value far outweigh the modest tax increase. We recommend consulting with a tax professional if you have specific concerns.

A home addition with CRD typically takes six to twelve months from design through construction completion. The design phase for additions is more involved than a standard remodel because it often requires architectural drawings, structural engineering, and coordination with Seattle’s zoning and permitting requirements.

Permitting for additions in Seattle can take six to ten weeks, depending on your neighborhood and the scope of the project. Your Project Manager will provide a detailed construction schedule before work begins.

Home addition costs in Seattle vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of what you’re adding. A second-story addition or primary suite bump-out typically starts around $400,000, while larger additions that include multiple rooms, a new kitchen, or significant structural work can range from $350,000 to $600,000 or more.

Seattle’s hilly lots and older foundations can add complexity that affects cost. Our free Additions Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/additions-pricing-guide/) gives you a realistic breakdown based on local projects, and during the design phase we’ll provide a fixed price before construction begins.

Every whole-home remodel starts with a Discovery Call. We’ll ask about your goals, how you want to live in your home, and what’s not working in your current layout. We’ll also ask you to share photos of your spaces so we can start understanding the scope.

From there, we schedule an In-Home Consultation to walk through your property and discuss possibilities in person. Once you decide to move forward, you’ll be paired with a designer who will guide you through our six-milestone design process, from programming through a fixed-price construction agreement.

A whole-home remodel with CRD typically takes twelve months from design through construction completion, depending on the scope. The design phase alone can run four to six months, as there are more selections and design decisions to work through when renovating an entire home.

Construction timelines depend on whether we’re working in phases—for instance, completing the kitchen and bathrooms first so you can use them while other areas are being finished—or tackling everything at once. Your Project Manager will provide a detailed schedule before construction begins.

Whole-home remodels in Seattle typically range from $400,000 to $800,000 or more, depending on the size of the home, the number of rooms being renovated, and whether structural changes are involved. Projects that include a full kitchen and bathroom renovation, plus living areas and bedrooms, will naturally be at the higher end of the range.

Because every whole-home remodel is unique, our Whole House Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/whole-house-remodeling-pricing-guide/) gives you a detailed breakdown of what to expect based on real Seattle projects. During the design process, we provide a fixed price so there are no surprises when construction begins.

In short: it depends. In the case of new surface materials, it may be that each trade partner will get a permit for their work (electrical, plumbing, etc.). For more extensive remodels, a building permit from the City of Seattle may be required. Even projects that seem straightforward—like moving a shower valve or adding a new light fixture—typically need permits.

Our team handles the entire permitting process, from initial applications through inspections, so you don’t have to navigate the city’s requirements on your own. We stay current on Seattle’s building codes and know what inspectors are looking for.

A bathroom remodel with CRD typically takes five to six months from design through construction completion. The design phase runs eight to ten weeks, during which you’ll work with your designer on layout, finishes, and selections. Construction usually takes 10 to twelve weeks depending on the complexity of the project.

If we’re remodeling multiple bathrooms, we can often stagger the work so you always have at least one functioning bathroom available.

Bathroom remodel costs in Seattle depend on the size of the bathroom, the scope of work, and the finishes you choose. A primary bathroom remodel typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000, while smaller guest or hall bathroom updates may start around $60,000. Projects involving layout changes, custom tilework, or expanding the footprint will be on the higher end.

Our free Bathroom Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/bathroom-pricing-guide/) breaks down costs based on actual Seattle projects, so you can get a realistic sense of what to budget before your first meeting with us.

Yes, most of our clients live at home during their kitchen remodel. We set up temporary walls to separate the construction area from your living spaces and do our best to keep dust and debris contained. If needed, we can set up a temporary kitchen so you still have access to a sink, microwave, and refrigerator during the project.

We always recommend open communication with your production team so we can work around your schedule, especially if you work from home.

A typical kitchen remodel with CRD takes five to six months from the start of design through completion of construction. The design phase usually runs ten to twelve weeks, depending on the complexity of your project and how quickly selections are made. Construction typically takes ten to twelve weeks.

Most kitchen remodels need a simple building permit in Seattle. CRD manages the entire permitting process for you and we factor permitting timelines into every project schedule. During your Discovery Call, we’ll give you a realistic timeline based on the specific scope of your kitchen project.

Kitchen remodel costs in Seattle vary widely depending on the scope of work, the size of the kitchen, and the level of finishes you select. A mid-range kitchen remodel in the Seattle area typically starts around $100,000 while more comprehensive renovations involving structural changes, custom cabinetry, or high-end appliances can range from $150,000 to $250,000 or more.

Factors that influence cost include whether you’re changing the layout, adding an island, upgrading electrical or plumbing, and the quality of materials like countertops and cabinetry. Our free Kitchen Pricing Guide (crddesignbuild.com/content-offer/kitchen-pricing-guide/) gives you a detailed breakdown based on real Seattle projects, so you can plan with confidence.

Seattle mix of older homes, steep lots, and evolving building codes creates unique challenges that require local expertise. Many homes sit on hillsides or near waterways with specific environmental requirements. Neighborhoods like Ballard and Wallingford have distinct architectural styles worth preserving. Our decades of experience working exclusively in the Seattle area means we know the local contractors, suppliers, and inspectors — which keeps projects running on schedule.

Timelines vary depending on scope. A kitchen or bathroom remodel typically takes three to five months from design through completion. Whole-house remodels and additions can take six to twelve months or more. Seattle permitting timeline — usually four to eight weeks — is factored into every project schedule. During your initial consultation, we will provide a realistic timeline based on your specific project.

Absolutely. Seattle ADU regulations have expanded significantly, making it easier to add a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) or convert existing space into an ADU. We handle everything from feasibility assessment and design to permitting and construction. Whether you are looking to create a rental unit, a home office, or space for family, we will help you understand what is possible on your lot.

Seattle has specific zoning, setback, and lot coverage requirements that vary by neighborhood. Our team handles the full permitting process — from initial applications through inspections — so you do not have to navigate it alone. We stay current on code changes and know how requirements differ across neighborhoods, which helps us design projects that move through permitting smoothly.

Yes. Many Seattle neighborhoods — including Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Madrona — feature homes built in the early 1900s with Craftsman, Tudor, and Colonial details. Our design-build team specializes in remodeling older homes while preserving the architectural character that makes them special. We understand the structural considerations and material choices that come with working on homes of this era.

CRD serves neighborhoods throughout Seattle, from Ballard and Fremont in the north to Capitol Hill and Madison Park on the east side. We also work in Queen Anne, Wallingford, Green Lake, Ravenna, Laurelhurst, Madrona, and many other communities across the city. Our team knows the unique architectural character and permitting requirements of each neighborhood.

This is a rare occurrence and only happened once since we’ve been in business. If you were to start the design process with us but then find a home for sale that meets your needs, that’s perfectly okay. We would just bill you for the design work that has been done, and your project will end there.

Utility interruptions typically only happen a few times during the project. They are most common at the beginning of the project when the walls are open and we are running new wires and plumbing. Also, toward the end of the project during the trim phases. These interruptions typically only last for a few hours, we do our best to have all power and water restored each day before we leave the job site.

We always ensure there is a separation in your home between the areas being worked on and the living spaces when your project starts. We do our best to keep dust and debris out of the living areas by putting up temporary walls between spaces.

A bathroom remodel can be tricky to work around if its the only bathroom in the house. You may need to relocate for the duration of construction.

If you work from home during your project, we will try to accommodate your schedule. We always recommend having open and honest communication with your production team to mitigate any potential issues.

CRD uses both. We have lead carpenters and project managers who oversee each jobsite and the work being done by our subcontractors.

A whole house remodel tends to be quite extensive and touch all parts and systems of the home. It may not be possible for you to remain in the home during a whole house remodel for a variety of reasons, including safety. Relocating for construction allows us to be more effective and efficient.

We can assess the likelihood of having to move out at the beginning of the process so you know well in advance and can start planning.

A Project Manager helps gets your project out of design and smoothly into construction. They work with the entire production team on ensuring your project is always moving forward.

See also: Meet the CRD Team

CRD is a fixed price construction company. We set a fixed cost once the design is finalized. There are two reasons the cost may change during construction: unforeseen conditions and the client. Unforeseen conditions uncovered during construction are common when remodeling old homes, but we have a proven process to quickly identify and solve potential hurdles. The other way the budget would change would be if the client decides to change the design after construction has begun.

Prices vary widely depending on the area of the house being remodeled, how old the house is, and if any major structural alterations need to be done to the existing home to achieve the design goal.

See also: Pricing Guides

All of our clients and projects are unique. Some of our clients are more hands-on, and they’re more interested in spending time at tile showrooms or out at plumbing fixtures showrooms. They really like to be hands-on and make those decisions. On the other hand, some of our clients are just not as interested, or they simply don’t have the time to spend their weekends at showrooms. Whether you prefer to be hands-on or hands-off, your designer will guide you through all of those selections. If you’d like, we can meet you out at a showroom and help you work out all the plumbing details, or maybe your designer will just make selections that he or she thinks are the perfect piece for your project and then present them to you.

Our design process is divided into three steps: Schematic Design, Design Development and Construction Agreement.

Your design journey with CRD will begin with the Schematic Design phase in which we learn more about your goals, take measurements of your home, and gather ideas. During a series of meetings, your designer and architect will get your feedback on initial floor plans and design direction. As we develop an ideal scope of work, you will then have the opportunity to review preliminary pricing at the Schematic Estimate Meeting. Open and honest conversation about budget tracking is the foundation of CRD’s proven process and will give you the confidence and clarity to move forward.

This is followed by a series of Design Development meetings, where you will further refine your design. At the Letter of Intent Meeting, you will review updated pricing and make the decision to move forward with construction.

Finally, at the Construction Agreement meeting, you will have the opportunity to review your final pricing and construction documents before signing a fixed-price construction agreement. From there, construction begins, and soon you will be enjoying your remodeled space.

The design process timeline will differ depending on the size of the project.

See Also: The CRD Design Build Process

CRD has multiple project designers and architects on staff. When you start your project with us, you’ll have a designer assigned to you, and an architect if your project needs one. They will stick with you throughout the design and build process. Your designer will tackle the aesthetic challenges that are unique to your project and also work with you as you make your selections and go through bidding and scheduling. While you will work with your own designer, you will benefit from the entire team’s knowledge and experience, as we foster collaboration.

When it is closer to construction, you will be assigned a Project Manager and/or a Lead Carpenter depending on your project. They will be overseeing and managing your project on a daily basis. They work with your Design team throughout the construction process, which is a benefit to design build.

See also: Our Team

Having design and construction under one roof is more convenient and offers greater cost accountability. When the design team and construction crew work together, project cost can be estimated accurately during the design process, so there are no surprises when the time comes to start construction.

Design-build is unique in that it is an all-in-one, encompassing philosophy. If you choose to work with CRD, your designer, your project manager, your estimator, and your lead carpenter are all working under the same roof. We communicate with each other constantly, and if anything comes up on a job site, we’re all available to address it. This can be a significantly smoother process compared to, say, working with an architect and trying to coordinate design changes with a separate building contractor in the midst of construction. Among other benefits, the design-build process can help facilitate communication between all members of your remodeling team. We have chosen the design-build approach because we believe it promotes accountability, efficiency, speed, quality, and communication.

Design build is a full-service approach to home remodeling that includes both the design and construction. The design-build approach tends to offer homeowners better efficiency, accountability, communication, and convenience for their home remodeling project.

CRD warrants its work for 24 months starting from the time we sign the construction agreement. As the warranty comes to an end we always reach out to clients to let them know in advance in case any last minute fixes need to be made.

We have a complimentary three-step discovery process. Initially, we have a Discovery Call with our clients to get an overview of the scope of the project and give a high-level estimate over the phone. We ask the potential clients to send photos of the space they’d like remodeled to review during this meeting. Our next meeting is an In-Home Consultation where we visit our prospective client’s home to get a better understanding of the property we’ll be working with.

CRD is exceptional in the fact that we focus on our clients and their goals–how they want to live in their home and how they want it to look. We are exceptionally good at putting our feet into our clients’ shoes and figuring out how they want to live in their space. We want to transform the client’s home so that they will not just be living in it, but they will love it.