TownhomesModern Rowhomes
West Seattle
Existing homes
Remodel & Addition
Permitting
Additions, second stories, interior remodels, decks, and garages — permitted to the right SDCI path the first time.
Most homeowners don't realize a remodel can take three different permit paths — and picking the wrong one costs weeks. We pin down whether your project needs no permit, a subject-to-field-inspection permit, or a full construction permit before you spend a dollar on drawings, then run it through SDCI.
What's included
- Permit-path screening (no-permit / STFI / full)
- Addition envelope & zoning analysis
- Structural & energy-code documentation
- Deck, garage & accessory-structure permits
- Unpermitted-work legalization
- Corrections handled to issuance
01
STFI vs. a full permit
Simple, like-for-like interior work can often go through Seattle's Subject-to-Field-Inspection track — no plan review, much faster. The moment you move walls, change use, or touch the building envelope or life-safety systems, you're into a full construction permit. Knowing which path you're on from day one is the difference between weeks and months.
- Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) screening
- Full construction permit when triggered
- Trade permits coordinated (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Honest, up-front path and timeline
02
Additions touch zoning, not just framing
A footprint expansion or second story re-opens lot coverage, FAR, height, and setbacks — the same envelope rules a new home faces. We model what your lot allows before design so the addition sails through review instead of bouncing back.
- Lot coverage, FAR & height check
- Setbacks and structural/energy review
- Decks over 18 inches, roof decks, garages & carports
03
Legalizing past work
Finished a basement, deck, or garage conversion without a permit? Legalizing as-built work before a sale or refinance is one of the most common calls we take. We document existing conditions and bring them through SDCI with the least demolition the code allows.
Built & permitted
Remodels we've
permitted & built.
Whole-house renovations, additions, and conversions we permitted through SDCI and built — every photo is our own. Open any project for the full before-and-after set.
Real projects
Permitted &
built in Seattle.
Every home here we designed, permitted, and built ourselves — our own developments across the Seattle area under Seattle Modern Buildings. All photos and details are genuinely ours, never stock. Drag or swipe to explore.
Townhomes
New HomeSkyline Vantage
Seattle
New HomeCedar-Entry New Build
Seattle
New HomeRooftop Deck & Spa
Seattle
TownhomesInfill Townhomes
Seattle
DADUDetached Backyard Home
Seattle
ADURear Yard & Lower-Level Suite
Seattle
InteriorLight-Filled Open Kitchen
Seattle
TownhomesModern Rowhomes
West Seattle
New HomeSkyline Vantage
Seattle
New HomeCedar-Entry New Build
Seattle
New HomeRooftop Deck & Spa
Seattle
TownhomesInfill Townhomes
Seattle
DADUDetached Backyard Home
Seattle
ADURear Yard & Lower-Level Suite
Seattle
InteriorLight-Filled Open Kitchen
Seattle
Remodel & Addition Permitting — questions
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen or bath?
If you're only swapping finishes and fixtures in place, often not. Once you move walls, relocate plumbing or electrical, or change the layout, a permit is required — frequently the faster STFI path. We confirm before you start.
Can you permit a second-story addition?
Yes. A second story re-triggers height, FAR, and structural review. We run the buildable-envelope analysis up front and manage the full construction permit through SDCI.
Ready to start your
Remodels & Additions permit?
Tell us about your lot and project. We'll map the permit path and timeline before you spend on drawings.
Start Permit Review