Yes, in Seattle, you typically need a permit for a whole home remodel or adding an addition to your home, as this involves structural changes, and the city requires that all such projects meet local building codes and zoning regulations. We will work with you to make sure specific requirements related to your project are met.

The cost of a home addition in Seattle can vary widely, starting from around $300,000 for basic additions, and significantly more for high-end, complex projects. Factors such as the size of the addition, materials used, and the need for structural, electrical, or plumbing changes can all affect the final cost.

The cost of a whole home remodel in Seattle can vary widely, too, typically ranging from $300,000 to $600,000 or more, depending on the home's size, the extent of the renovations, and the quality of materials and finishes chosen. High-end remodels with extensive structural changes and luxury finishes can significantly exceed this range.

Yes, in many cases, you can often stay in your home during a remodel, but it depends on the extent of the renovations. For extensive or whole home remodels, it might be more challenging due to noise, dust, and disruptions to utilities. Temporary relocations might be necessary for significant phases of the work, especially if the remodel affects essential rooms like the kitchen or bathrooms. During the design process, JDB's team will commnicate if we feel it is necessary. Sometimes homeowners decide on their own that they woud be more comrfotable with a rental arrangement. 

The timeline for a home remodel or home addition can take anywhere from several months to over a year and can vary widely based the project's complexity, the size of the home, and the extent of the renovations. 

In Seattle, a home addition is considered any construction project that expands the existing footprint or living space of a home. This includes constructing new rooms or floors, converting existing non-livable spaces like garages or attics into habitable areas, and adding structures such as sunrooms, bump-outs, or in-law suites. Essentially, if it increases the square footage of your home, it's likely counted as an addition.

A whole home remodel involves updating and possibly reconfiguring the existing interior and exterior spaces of a home, focusing on improving or changing the aesthetic, functionality, and flow of the entire house. This can include updating kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and exteriors without necessarily expanding the home's footprint.

A home addition, on the other hand, involves expanding the physical footprint of the home by adding new rooms or spaces, such as an extra bedroom, a larger living room, or a second story. This type of project increases the total square footage of the home, providing more living space.

While both aim to enhance the living experience, a whole home remodel focuses on transformation within the existing space, and a home addition expands the home to create more space.