Seattle’s remodeling market has cooled, making contractors easier to book this summer, but homeowners should still brace for sticker shock when the quotes come in.
A few years ago, even getting a callback from a contractor could be a challenge. The city had one of the hottest renovation markets in the country, allowing contractors to be selective about the projects they took on. Often, this meant large jobs were prioritized over smaller, less profitable work, and some contractors were booked months or even years out.
A general drop in demand has changed the picture. Remodeling activity typically tracks with home sales, and as the market has normalized, many homeowners have canceled or delayed planned projects.
Anecdotally, contractors report that leads declined by as much as half, a trend backed by official data: last year, Seattle permits for alterations and additions fell 25% from their 2017 peak.
While demand has dropped, prices haven’t followed. From 2019 to 2025, bathroom, kitchen, and other common remodeling projects have risen 30% to 50% in cost. Homeowners can now expect to pay $36,146 for a midrange bathroom remodel, up from $24,070 in 2019 and roughly 40% above the national average.
Elevated costs stem from Seattle’s higher wages, permit fees, and inspection costs relative to the rest of the country, leaving contractors little room to reduce rates. The result is an unusual combination of high prices and soft demand.
For homeowners who have struggled to book contractors in recent years, simply having someone pick up the phone is a welcome change. With peak renovation season on the horizon, now is a good time to take advantage of improved availability — just come prepared for the price tag.
This post was based on information found on The Seattle Times.
