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June 1, 2026

Seattle Home Addition Cost Calculator 2026: Estimate Your Project Budget

Planning a home addition in Seattle but not sure what to budget? This guide walks you through the cost components so you can build a realistic estimate before meeting with an architect or contractor.

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Base Cost by Addition Type (Seattle 2026)

Addition Type Cost Range / Sq Ft Typical Total
Ground floor addition $350 – $550 $105K – $275K
Second story (partial) $400 – $600 $200K – $450K
Second story (full floor) $450 – $650 $350K – $600K+
Primary suite addition $400 – $600 $160K – $280K
Kitchen addition $450 – $650 $110K – $200K

What Drives Costs Up

  • Structural complexity — load-bearing changes, hillside sites, weak existing foundation
  • High-end finishes — custom cabinetry, stone, imported tile
  • Tight site access — difficult delivery and staging increases labor cost
  • Permits and fees — typically 1.5-2.5% of project cost in Seattle
  • Geotechnical issues — poor soils, high water table, landslide-prone areas

What Drives Costs Down

  • Simple rectangular footprint
  • Good site access
  • Standard finishes and materials
  • Eastside jurisdictions (often 10-15% lower labor cost than Seattle proper)

Professional Fees to Add to Your Budget

  • Architect: 10-15% of construction cost
  • Structural engineer: $4,000-$12,000
  • Seattle permit fees: 1.5-2.5% of project valuation
  • Contingency: 15% minimum for renovation projects

Piper Cole Architects provides detailed cost estimates in free initial consultations. See our home additions service or contact us — call 425-753-6452.

DM
David Meade, AIA, NCARB
Principal Architect, Piper Cole Architects · Kirkland, WA

David Meade is a licensed architect (AIA, NCARB) with 25+ years of residential design experience across the Seattle Eastside. He has designed custom homes, additions, and ADUs in Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. Learn more about David →

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