Remodel | Addition | New Construction
Building Confidence One Answer At A Time
How long does a typical kitchen remodel take in the Seattle area?
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For most full kitchen remodels — the kind where we're moving walls, updating plumbing, and putting in new cabinetry — you're looking at 6 to 10 weeks from demo to final walkthrough. Smaller refreshes (countertops, backsplash, new fixtures) can wrap up in 2 to 3 weeks. We'll give you a realistic timeline before we ever break ground, and we do our best to respect the fact that you still have to live in your home during the process. Clear scheduling matters to the families we work with, and we take that seriously.
Do you handle permits for kitchen remodels in King County and Snohomish County?
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Yes — Heritage Construction pulls all required permits and handles inspections from start to finish. Permitting requirements vary quite a bit across municipalities; what's required in Shoreline might differ from Mukilteo or Edmonds. We know the local codes and we take care of it all so you don't have to navigate that yourself. Licensed, bonded, and fully insured.
We want to open up our kitchen to the living room. Is that something you can do?
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Absolutely — open-concept conversions are one of the most common requests we get, especially in older split-level and ranch-style homes throughout the Eastside and North Seattle. Before we do anything, we identify whether the wall in question is load-bearing, and if it is, we engineer the right beam solution and bring in a structural engineer when needed. You'll never hear us guess on something like that.
Can you help us figure out a budget before we commit to anything?
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That's usually the first conversation we have. We offer a free initial consultation at your home — from Issaquah to Queen Anne and everywhere in between — where we walk through your space, talk through what you want, and give you an honest ballpark. We'd rather you go in with eyes open than be caught off guard halfway through a project.
What does a bathroom remodel typically cost in the Seattle area?
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It varies a lot depending on scope, but here's an honest breakdown: a basic hall bathroom refresh (new tub surround, toilet, vanity, flooring) usually runs between $8,000 and $15,000. A mid-range full remodel with tile shower, custom vanity, and updated fixtures comes in around $18,000 to $35,000. High-end master bath remodels with radiant heat floors, custom tile work, and freestanding soaking tubs can run $40,000 and up. Material costs in the Puget Sound market have shifted in recent years, so we'll give you current, accurate numbers during your consultation.
How do you handle waterproofing in Seattle's wet climate?
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Very carefully. Moisture management is everything in a Pacific Northwest bathroom, and we don't cut corners on it. We use industry-standard waterproof membranes behind all tile work and in shower pans, and we pay close attention to transitions, corners, and penetrations where water tends to find its way in. A lot of the bathroom damage we see in older homes comes from shortcuts taken years ago. Heritage Construction does it right the first time.
Can you convert a tub to a walk-in shower?
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Yes, and we do it often — it's a popular upgrade throughout the communities we serve, especially as families age and accessibility becomes a priority. We handle the full conversion: removing the existing tub, reconfiguring the drain, building the shower base, tiling, and installing glass. We can also add grab bars, low-threshold entries, or benches if you need a more accessible design.
Do you work on small bathrooms? Ours is pretty tight.
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Small bathrooms are actually where good design and skilled craftsmanship matter most. We work on powder rooms and compact full baths all the time — in older craftsman homes in Ballard and Queen Anne, newer construction in Redmond and Mill Creek, and everything in between. Limited square footage just means we get creative with layout and storage. We've seen some impressive transformations in very tight spaces.
What payment methods does Heritage Construction accept?
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We accept check or card. For most projects, we don't rcredit card for large milestone payments due to processing fees, but we're happy to discuss what works best for your situation. Just ask us upfront and we'll be straightforward about it.
How does your payment schedule work?
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We structure payments around project milestones — you pay as the work progresses, not all upfront. A typical schedule looks something like this: a deposit at contract signing, followed by draws at key stages, often this is about every 2 weeks, with a final payment due at project completion and your sign-off. The exact schedule is always spelled out in your contract before we start, so there are no surprises. We never ask for a large lump sum before the work is done — that's not how Heritage operates.
What happens if the project scope changes after we've signed a contract?
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Any change to the original scope — whether it's something you decide to add, something we discover behind a wall, or a material substitution — is handled through a written change order. You'll see exactly what the change involves, what it costs, and how it affects the timeline before we do anything. Your signature is required before we proceed. Nothing gets added to your bill without your knowledge and approval. Full stop.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
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We don't offer in-house financing at this time, but many of our clients use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home improvement loan — we're happy to work around your funding timeline if you have a draw schedule from your lender.
Is there a warranty on your work, and are there any costs associated with warranty service?
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Yes — Heritage Construction stands behind what we build. We offer a one year workmanship warranty on all projects. If something isn't right due to our work, we'll come back and make it right at no charge to you. Warranty claims related to manufacturer defects on materials are handled through the respective manufacturer, and we'll help you navigate that process if it comes up. We never make you feel like a burden for calling after the job is done.
How long does it take to build a custom home in the Seattle area?
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From breaking ground to handing over keys, most custom homes take 10 to 16 months, depending on size, complexity, and the permitting timeline for your specific jurisdiction. King County and Snohomish County each have their own review processes, and timelines can vary meaningfully from one municipality to the next. We'll walk you through realistic expectations for your specific site and location before you commit to anything.
What does it cost to build a custom home near Seattle?
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Construction costs in the greater Puget Sound market currently run roughly $250 to $450 per square foot for a well-built custom home, depending on finishes, site conditions, and system complexity. That doesn't include land, which varies enormously across the region. We're transparent about where your money goes, and we'll help you understand the tradeoffs between different choices so you can build the home you want at a number that makes sense for your family.
Do we need to already have an architect before contacting you?
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Not at all. Some of our clients come to Heritage with full plans in hand; others are starting from scratch with a lot and a rough idea. We have relationships with experienced residential architects throughout the Seattle metro who we trust and enjoy working with, and we can help connect you with the right fit for your vision and budget. We're also glad to work with your own architect if you already have a relationship.
How do you handle changes or unexpected issues during the build?
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Honestly and directly. Construction always involves some unknowns — soil conditions, utility conflicts, material lead times — and we communicate them to you right away, along with options and honest cost estimates. We never hide a problem hoping you won't notice, and we don't pad contingency budgets with vague line items. Change orders are documented clearly and require your approval before we proceed. You're always in the driver's seat.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Seattle or the surrounding area?
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In most cases, yes — especially if the deck is attached to the house, elevated more than 30 inches above grade, or over a certain square footage. Requirements vary by city and county, and the rules in Shoreline or Edmonds may differ from those in Mukilteo or Bothell. Heritage Construction handles all permitting as part of every deck project, so you don't have to figure that out yourself. Unpermitted decks can cause real problems when you go to sell your home, so we never skip that step.
What decking material do you recommend for the Seattle climate?
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It depends on your priorities, but here's our honest take: composite decking (brands like Trex or Fiberon) is the low-maintenance choice — it won't rot, warp, or require annual sealing, and it performs well in wet climates. Western red cedar is a beautiful natural option that holds up reasonably well if it's maintained. Pressure-treated lumber is the most economical choice for the structural framing regardless of what decking surface you choose. We'll lay out the tradeoffs clearly so you can make the call that's right for you.
Can you build a covered deck or add a roof structure?
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Yes — covered decks and pergolas are some of the most requested projects we take on, and it makes a lot of sense given how much it rains around Puget Sound. A covered structure lets you use your outdoor space year-round, not just on sunny days. We build everything from simple pergola covers to fully roofed structures with ceiling fans and outdoor lighting, and we tie everything into the existing roofline properly so you don't end up with leaks or structural issues down the road.
How long does it take to build a deck, and when is the best time of year to start?
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A straightforward single-level deck typically takes one to two weeks once we're on-site. Larger multi-level structures or covered decks can run three to four weeks. Permitting adds time on the front end, so the sooner you reach out, the better. Spring and early summer fill up fast across the region — from Everett down to Kirkland and Redmond, homeowners tend to call us around the same time every year. Fall is actually a great time to build if you want good availability and want your deck ready the moment next summer arrives.
