Seattle remodeling varies more than in most cities. Its housing spans 120 years: 1905 craftsman homes in Ballard, 1940s colonials in View Ridge, 1960s ramblers in Wedgwood, 1990s homes in Maple Leaf, and 2010s townhomes in Capitol Hill. Each era has different structural conditions, materials, and permit requirements through the Department of Construction and Inspections (DCI). A Ballard craftsman needs a different approach than a Wedgwood split-level or a Capitol Hill condo. Armada Design & Build has remodeled homes across Seattle's neighborhoods since 2011. We understand what each one requires.
Seattle's Housing Stock and What It Needs
Craftsman and Tudor-revival homes — in Ballard, Fremont, Phinney Ridge, Capitol Hill, Madison Park, and Madrona — have strong bones: solid framing, good ceiling heights, and layouts that can often open toward the dining room. These homes also have details worth keeping, like fir floors, painted millwork, built-in hutches, and tiled fireplaces. The best remodels honor that character while updating the kitchen and bathrooms. We source period-appropriate tile, match original millwork, and design updates that feel like they belong — not like they were imported from somewhere else.
Mid-century neighborhoods — Wedgwood, View Ridge, Maple Leaf, Ravenna, Laurelhurst — have post-war kitchens built for a different way of living. The cook was separated from the household, and the kitchen was never a social space. Opening these layouts to the living area is usually the key structural move, and it changes how the whole main floor feels. Seattle's newer construction — South Lake Union condos, Capitol Hill townhomes, Columbia City infill — already has open-plan kitchens, but they often feel generic. Here, the fix isn't the layout — it's better materials and details.
Seattle permits go through DCI. Structural projects typically take 8–14 weeks for review. Landmark-designated properties, and contributing structures in historic districts, need extra review from the Landmarks Preservation Board for exterior work. Properties near steep slopes, landslide zones, or wetlands face additional environmental review. We handle all of this as a standard part of every project.
Home Remodeling Services in Seattle
Kitchen Remodeling
Kitchen renovations that preserve craftsman character, open up mid-century layouts, and bring high-end finishes to Magnolia and Queen Anne homes. We manage all DCI permitting for structural work. Full kitchen details →
Bathroom Remodeling
Craftsman bathroom restorations with period-appropriate materials, full mid-century gut renovations, primary suites with steam showers and natural stone, and compact upgrades for Seattle condos and townhomes. Full bathroom details →
Whole-Home Remodeling
We coordinate kitchen, bathroom, and structural changes as one project. This works especially well for mid-century homes, where a first major renovation opens the layout and updates every material at once. Full house remodeling details →
Home Additions
We build second-story additions, detached ADUs, attached ADU conversions, and garage conversions. Seattle's ADU rules have expanded what's allowed on city lots. We handle DCI permitting and Landmarks Board coordination when needed. Full additions details →
Historic-Sensitive Work
We source period-appropriate materials, preserve original elements worth keeping, and handle Landmarks Board approval for designated properties. Our remodels make Seattle's historic homes better — without erasing what makes them worth preserving.
Urban Construction Management
We handle noise ordinance compliance, parking logistics for material delivery, neighbor notification, and efficient jobsite management — even when the only staging area is a narrow side yard. We've managed this in Seattle for 14 years.
What Seattle Homeowners Typically Do
Craftsman Kitchen + Bath
A kitchen renovation that keeps the original character — millwork, warm materials, period proportions — with updated plumbing, electrical, and custom cabinetry. Includes two bathroom renovations and DCI permitting for structural work. Typically 4–7 months.
Mid-Century Layout Opening
Removing the wall between kitchen and living area, a full kitchen renovation, two bathroom gut renovations, and new flooring throughout. This is the classic mid-century Seattle remodel. Typically 4–6 months.
Urban Condo Upgrade
A kitchen upgrade — new tile, cabinetry, and countertops — plus a bathroom renovation with frameless glass and a custom vanity, and finishing touches throughout. No structural changes needed. Typically 2–3 months.
Seattle Remodeling Rewards Contractors Who Know the City
DCI permit review is slower and more complex than in the suburbs. Landmark review adds time and design limits for affected properties. Environmental screening is required, even when it's not obvious from the address alone. Older homes (pre-1940) often need extra assessment — some craftsman homes still have knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized supply lines, or settled foundations. We've worked through these Seattle-specific processes for 14 years. That experience means fewer delays, fewer correction cycles, and fewer costly surprises mid-project.
What You Get When You Work With Us
- 14+ years remodeling homes across Seattle
- DCI permit experience, including Landmark and environmental review
- Period-appropriate materials for craftsman and historic homes
- Urban construction management — noise windows, access logistics
- One project manager from first consultation to final walkthrough
- Itemized estimates that don't shift mid-project
- Written change orders for every scope change
- References from completed Seattle projects, on request
Seattle Neighborhoods We Serve
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