Remodeling questions, answered

A cosmetic refresh starts at about $7,500. A full hall bathroom typically costs $13,500–$27,000, a primary bathroom $27,000–$54,000, and a luxury remodel with layout changes starts around $54,000. Details are in our bathroom cost guide.

It depends mostly on whether you keep the layout: a refresh typically costs $25,000–$40,000, a midrange full remodel $40,000–$85,000 and an upscale remodel with layout changes $85,000–$170,000 and up. See our kitchen cost guide.

About $36,000–$90,000 for a bump-out, $80,000–$160,000 for a room addition, $135,000–$270,000 for a primary suite and from $270,000 for a second story. See our addition cost guide.

On the Eastside, garage or basement conversions start around $100,000, attached ADUs around $150,000 and detached ADUs around $325,000. See what a DADU actually costs.

Size, whether plumbing or walls move, the finish level, electrical upgrades, and hidden conditions such as old wiring or water damage.

Yes. After a free walkthrough you get a written, itemized estimate. Selections you have not made yet are listed as clear allowances.

Not because we left things out. Before you sign, you get a detailed written scope that lists what will be done, room by room, with the materials and allowances — so you know exactly what you are paying for. We do not lowball an estimate to win the job and then add a list of extras once the walls are open. The only changes are things nobody could see in advance, such as damage behind a wall; we photograph them, explain them and price them in writing before any extra work starts. The decision is always yours.

Yes. The walkthrough and the written estimate are free, with no obligation.

Yes. Tell us your budget up front and we will plan the scope and materials around it — and tell you honestly what is realistic.

A deposit, progress payments tied to clear milestones, and a final payment only when the punch list is complete. It is all written into the contract before you sign.

1–2 weeks for a refresh, 2–4 weeks for a full hall bathroom and 4–6 weeks for a primary bathroom, once the design is final and materials are on hand. See how long a remodel takes.

3–4 weeks for a same-layout refresh, 6–10 weeks for a midrange remodel and 10–16 weeks for an upscale remodel with layout changes.

1–2 months for a bump-out, 3–5 months for a room addition and 6–9 months for a second story, plus design and permit review.

Walkthrough and estimate, design and selections, permits, and ordering special-order materials. You get a written schedule with milestones.

Usually, yes. In Bellevue, showers and bathtubs require permits, and so does any fixture change that alters water lines, drains or vents. Replacing a toilet or sink in the same spot does not. See what needs a permit on the Eastside.

Replacing cabinets or countertops needs no building permit. Moving an appliance that needs new gas, water, drain or electrical lines does.

Yes, with a permit and plan review. The new beam is designed by an engineer and shown on the permit drawings first.

A remodel that does not touch structure can usually get its permit the same day. Projects that need plan review take weeks; additions and ADUs can take months.

We do. We prepare the application, answer plan review comments and meet the inspectors on site.

Yes. Since Bellevue's 2025 code update, ADUs — including detached backyard cottages — are allowed on lots zoned mainly for residential use. Detached units can be up to 1,200 sq ft and 24 ft tall. See our ADU guide.

No. Washington law no longer allows cities to require the owner to live on a lot with an ADU.

Not in Bellevue for stays under 30 days. ADUs there may be rented long-term only.

An ADU is a second home on the same lot. An attached ADU is part of the house; a detached ADU (DADU) is a separate building, often called a backyard cottage.

For single-room projects, usually yes. We seal off the work area and clean up daily. For whole-floor or whole-house work, moving out for part of the project is often easier.

We treat your home as if we lived there. Before work starts, we put up dust barriers and seal off the work area, cover floors along the path to it and protect furniture and finishes nearby. The crew keeps the site tidy and cleans up at the end of every day, and your project manager walks you through what to expect each week so nothing comes as a surprise.

Yes. We photograph and film every stage of your project, especially framing, plumbing, wiring, waterproofing and insulation before they are covered, and keep that record for at least five years after completion, the same length as our workmanship warranty, together with your permit and inspection records and the list of materials used. Whenever you need a detail, ask us and we will send copies free of charge, usually within a few business days.

One project manager runs your project from start to finish, coordinates the crew, deliveries and inspections, and keeps you updated.

Yes. We help with layouts and selections, and we are happy to build your own architect's or designer's plans.

We photograph it, explain it and price it in a written change order before any extra work starts.

A 5-year written workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturer warranties handed over at closeout.

Yes. We are a registered Washington general contractor, L&I registration #NWBUIBP803DU — licensed, bonded and insured.

Use Washington L&I's “Verify a Contractor” tool and search by name or registration number. It shows the bond, the insurance and any violations.

A $30,000 surety bond, and liability insurance of at least $200,000 public liability plus $50,000 property damage, or $250,000 combined.

Check the registration, get two or three itemized quotes for the same scope, read reviews, ask how problems were handled, and insist on a written contract with payments tied to milestones.

12839 NE 14th Pl, Building 09, Suite 220, Bellevue, WA 98005. Office visits are by appointment.

Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM.

Bellevue and the Eastside — Redmond, Kirkland, Sammamish, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Bothell, Woodinville, Renton, Newcastle, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park — and Seattle.

Custom homes, whole-home remodels, kitchens, bathrooms, additions and second stories, ADUs and DADUs, basements, tile and cabinetry. Decks, fences, roofing and siding are handled by our sister company, RainFort Exteriors.

Call or text (425) 981-5887 or email office@nwhomesremodel.com. You can text photos of your project first.