A whole-house remodel is the biggest project most homeowners ever take on. The cost is easiest to understand per square foot — and by breaking the project into the pieces that actually drive it.
Typical Seattle-area remodel costs
| Project | Typical cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Interior refresh, 1–3 rooms | $15,000–$50,000 | 2–5 weeks |
| Wall removal / open floor plan | $10,000–$40,000 | 1–3 weeks |
| Basement finishing | $40,000–$100,000 | 6–10 weeks |
| Whole-house remodel | $150–$350 per sq ft | 3–6+ months |
| Room addition | $300–$500+ per sq ft | 3–6+ months |
Real example: a full interior renovation we completed — drywall replacement, texture, painting, electrical upgrades and new flooring — cost $65,000 including all materials. See the project.
What drives a whole-house budget
- Structural changes — wall removals, beams and additions need engineering and permits.
- Age of the home — older Seattle homes often need wiring, insulation or subfloor upgrades.
- Finish level — flooring, cabinets, tile and fixtures range from basic to high-end.
- Mechanical work — moving plumbing, HVAC or adding circuits.
- Living at home — phasing around a family extends the schedule.
Restoration: when the house is in really bad shape
Some projects start with a house that has no floors, broken windows and no utilities. Those are priced differently — structure, roof and envelope come first. See one of our full restorations.
Tips to control a big remodel
- Get a phase-by-phase, itemized estimate.
- Decide finishes before demolition so materials arrive on time.
- Choose a contractor whose own crew does structural and finish work.
- Keep a 10–15% contingency for older homes.
Get a fixed, written price. Inreal Construction is a licensed Seattle-area general contractor (WA L&I #INREAI*784MG). See our home remodeling in Seattle page or request a free walkthrough — call (425) 474-3124.
