Seattle Whole-Home Remodeling, Renovations & Additions
Love your neighborhood. Reimagine your home.
You love where you live, but your home may no longer reflect your taste or the way your family lives. Perhaps the kitchen feels dated, the rooms don't flow naturally, or the finishes throughout the house need a complete refresh. Maybe you've outgrown the available space but have no desire to leave your neighborhood.
You don't necessarily need a different house. You need a home that feels right for the way you live today.
Gerry Homes specializes in significant residential renovations and additions throughout Seattle. From comprehensive interior transformations to structural reconfigurations and home expansions, we bring the construction expertise, careful planning, and attention to detail needed to turn your existing house into the home you envision.
Transform Your Home Without Leaving the Neighborhood You Love
A successful renovation begins with understanding what you want to change—and what makes your existing home worth keeping. For some homeowners, the layout works beautifully, but the finishes no longer reflect their style. A comprehensive interior renovation can transform the kitchen, bathrooms, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and architectural details into a cohesive new design without significantly altering the structure. For others, the changes need to go further. Walls may need to move, rooms may need to be reconfigured, or underused spaces may need to be repurposed. A new primary suite, a more functional kitchen, or a thoughtfully redesigned main floor can fundamentally change how a family experiences its home. Sometimes the answer is more space. A carefully integrated addition can expand the living area while maintaining the architectural integrity of the existing house.
Gerry Homes has experience with all three approaches, including projects that combine them. Our role is to understand the vision, evaluate what the existing home can accommodate, and work with the design team to bring that vision to life.
Seattle Homes, Thoughtfully Transformed
Every Seattle home presents different opportunities. Our work ranges from comprehensive restorations of older residences to sophisticated transformations of more recently built homes.
Queen Anne Colonial Restoration | Preserving Character While Rebuilding for Modern Life
Our 3,524-square-foot Queen Anne Colonial underwent a complete renovation that touched virtually every surface and system. The home was taken back to the studs, with new electrical and plumbing systems, reconfigured living spaces, and completely renewed finishes. Rather than eliminate the home's distinctive architecture, we preserved and reconstructed details worth keeping—including arched leaded-glass windows, coved ceilings, and an original arched bathtub alcove. The renovation also introduced a reconfigured kitchen, primary suite, finished basement, and children's attic playroom. The result is a home that functions for contemporary family life while retaining the architectural character that makes it distinctly Queen Anne.
Laurelhurst Waterfront | A Complete Transformation with an Addition
At our Laurelhurst Waterfront project, the goal was different: transform an existing Lake Washington residence into a refined contemporary home that takes full advantage of its extraordinary setting. The project included a significant addition, a new exterior envelope, updated building systems, and a complete interior renovation. Expansive walls of glass strengthen the connection between the interior spaces and Lake Washington, while natural materials and carefully considered architectural details create a home designed for modern living. Rather than replacing the house, we transformed it.
What People Are Saying
“High quality craftsmanship” - "We used Gerry Homes for remodeling our 1900’s home, which included an addition, foundation work, plumbing, a built in kitchen nook, refinishing our floors and a new heating zone. In an era of cutting corners and shoddy construction, Gerry Homes provides high quality craftsmanship done right." Amy 0.
Extremely Organized” - "I’ve done many projects with Dave and his team, and I love their organized approach to construction and Dave’s extensive knowledge of older Seattle homes." – Emily W.
“On time and on budget”. - "Jennifer and the team made everything so easy. The project started and finished within the timeframe they promised." – Rollo A.
A Better Renovation Begins Before Construction
Renovations involve hundreds of interconnected decisions. Getting those decisions right starts with a clear understanding of the scope, the budget, and how the design will be built.
Detailed Estimates That Show You What You're Buying
A broad construction estimate may give you an initial number, but it doesn't necessarily explain what's included—or what hasn't been accounted for. At Gerry Homes, we invest significant time developing professional, detailed estimates organized by cost category, with line-item descriptions that clarify the scope of work. We identify allowances, assumptions, and exclusions so you can better understand where your investment is going and which decisions still need to be made. Renovations inevitably involve some uncertainty. Existing walls, floors, and foundations can conceal conditions that aren't apparent until construction begins. Our approach is to estimate as thoroughly as the available information allows while being transparent about what remains unknown.
Design Decisions Informed by Your Budget
One of the most frustrating experiences in a renovation is falling in love with a design only to discover that the materials and finishes cost substantially more than expected. Our preconstruction approach helps address this problem early.
We develop realistic allowances based on the project's scope, anticipated quantities, your aesthetic preferences, and your overall budget. For example, rather than assigning an arbitrary allowance for tile, we consider the quantities required and the level of material appropriate for your project. Your designer can then make selections with a more informed understanding of the available budget. If you decide a particular finish is worth a greater investment, you'll have the information to make that decision intentionally. Establishing these expectations early can help reduce unnecessary design revisions and the additional professional fees that may accompany them.
Craftsmanship That Respects the Design
Beautiful design deserves equally thoughtful execution.
Our Director of Construction, David Gerry, brings extensive hands-on construction knowledge and a discerning eye for finish quality to our work. When an unusual architectural detail or challenging installation requires additional expertise, our field team can escalate the issue directly to him. Our approach is collaborative. Rather than dismissing a design because it's difficult to execute, we work with the architect, interior designer, and trade partners to determine how to build it successfully. We understand that the proportions, transitions, materials, and finishing details are often what distinguish an exceptional renovation from an ordinary one.
Our responsibility is to bring your vision to life—not substitute our own.
Thoughtful Procurement and Scheduling
Even the most beautiful renovation can become frustrating when construction stalls because materials haven't arrived or the next trade isn't ready.
At Gerry Homes, procurement and field scheduling are coordinated throughout the project. Our procurement team verifies selections, obtains client approval before ordering, monitors lead times, and works to have materials available when the field team needs them. When a custom item has an extended lead time, we evaluate how to sequence the remaining work so the project can continue moving forward where practical. Our field team coordinates subcontractors and manages the construction schedule with the goal of maintaining consistent progress, rather than allowing avoidable gaps between trades to prolong the project.
Clear Communication Throughout Construction
You should never have to wonder what is happening at your home or how decisions are affecting your investment. We use Buildertrend to organize project communication, including budget updates, jobsite photographs, and documentation. When you request additional work—or when an unforeseen condition requires a change—we explain the issue, price the proposed change, and help you understand the implications before you make a decision.
The goal is straightforward: keep you informed, make decisions visible, and give you confidence in how your renovation is being managed.
You Don't Need Architectural Plans to Get Started
Many homeowners know what they want to change about their house long before they know how to accomplish it. You may have photographs of interiors you love, ideas for improving your floor plan, and a general sense of what you'd like to invest—but no architect, designer, or drawings. That's a perfectly reasonable place to begin.
Step 1: Complimentary Consultation and Site Visit
We begin with a complimentary introductory phone consultation to learn about your home, your goals, your anticipated budget, and where you are in the planning process. If the project appears to be a good fit, we schedule an initial site visit to better understand the existing conditions, architectural style, and scope of the proposed work. This gives us the information needed to recommend an appropriate next step.
Step 2: Assemble the Right Team and Plan the Investment
For homeowners beginning without completed plans, Gerry Homes offers paid preconstruction services tailored to the scope and complexity of the project. We can help identify and coordinate the appropriate design professionals, whether your renovation calls for an architect, a drafter, an interior designer, or additional engineering expertise. Your design professionals are retained separately by you, while Gerry Homes contributes construction expertise throughout the planning process.
Depending on the agreed scope, our preconstruction services may include design-phase collaboration, preliminary and updated cost estimates, constructability reviews, trade partner input, permitting strategy, allowance development, and preliminary scheduling. This collaborative approach helps connect your design aspirations with the practical realities of construction before work begins.
Step 3: Prepare for Construction
If you already have architectural plans, specifications, and finish selections, we can review your completed design and prepare a detailed construction estimate without requiring you to start over. Once the scope, budget, schedule, and construction agreement are established, our team coordinates procurement, subcontractors, field execution, and communication through completion.
Why Seattle Homeowners Choose Gerry Homes
Family-owned since 2014. Founded by husband and wife David and Jennifer Gerry, with more than 100 new builds and renovations delivered.
Members of MBAKS (Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties) and the National Association of Home Builders
Certified Green Professional. David Gerry holds the National Association of Home Builders' Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation
Registered, Bonded and insured: $1 million liability, $2 million aggregate. Registered Contractor # CC GERRYHL860NK
1-year limited warranty on our work. If something we built doesn't meet the contract, tell us in writing during the warranty period and we'll repair or replace it. Appliances, fixtures and manufactured products carry their manufacturers' warranties, which we pass on to you, and our Client Care team helps coordinate those claims.
An in-house team of project manager, site superintendent, interior designer and client care. Meet the team →
Rated 5.0 on Houzz Read our client and trade partner reviews.
Featured in Portrait Magazine. Our Laurelhurst Waterfront renovation was featured in Portrait Magazine.
Local Experience Matters When Renovating in Seattle
Seattle's residential architecture is wonderfully varied. Renovating an older Queen Anne home presents different challenges than transforming a more recently built waterfront residence in Laurelhurst. Older houses may contain outdated building systems, previous alterations, or structural conditions that require careful investigation. They may also have original architectural details that deserve to be preserved rather than replaced. Our experience with extensive renovations in Seattle helps us recognize these issues, coordinate the appropriate specialists, and develop practical construction solutions.
Understanding Seattle's Expedited Renovation Permits
Not every substantial renovation needs to follow the same permitting path. The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections offers a Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) permit process for qualifying work, including certain interior alterations and smaller additions. Gerry Homes has completed numerous Seattle renovations using STFI permits. We understand the importance of evaluating permit eligibility early and coordinating with the design team when a project may qualify. Where appropriate, this can help avoid a longer full-plan-review process and potentially shorten the time between design completion and construction. Eligibility depends on the specific scope, structural requirements, existing building conditions, and applicable city regulations. We evaluate those requirements rather than assuming every renovation qualifies.
From Queen Anne and Laurelhurst to Capitol Hill, Ravenna, Montlake, Wallingford, Madison Valley, Madrona, Magnolia, and surrounding Seattle neighborhoods, we bring experience working with the city's existing housing stock and construction requirements.
Is Gerry Homes the Right Fit for Your Renovation?
Our renovation services are designed for homeowners planning a meaningful transformation of their existing property. We are particularly well suited to clients who value thoughtful design, a high level of finish quality, detailed financial information, and an experienced team to coordinate the many moving parts of a significant renovation. Our Seattle renovation projects typically start at $300,000, depending on the scope of work. This minimum excludes architectural and interior design services, permits, and other soft costs. We focus on comprehensive residential renovations and additions rather than small, isolated cosmetic projects.
Whether your goal is to renew an outdated interior, rethink the layout of your home, or create more space for your family, we're interested in understanding what you're envisioning and whether we're the right partner to bring it to life.
Experience Beyond Seattle
Our Seattle work is supported by a broader body of custom residential construction throughout Seattle and the Eastside.
Gerry Homes has renovated homes across neighborhoods including Mercer Island, Capitol Hill, Laurelhurst, Inverness, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland and other established Seattle and Eastside communities. That experience spans ground-up construction, substantial renovations, waterfront homes and projects requiring close collaboration with architects and interior designers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to move out during a whole-home renovation? For substantial whole-home renovations, we strongly recommend moving out during construction. Your home becomes an active construction site, with noise, dust, equipment, exposed work areas, and potential interruptions to utilities. It's not an ideal environment for a family, particularly one with young children. And when kitchens and bathrooms are being renovated, even the simplest daily routines—preparing meals, showering, getting everyone ready for the day—can become stressful.
We understand that temporary housing adds to the overall investment. However, a furnished rental can provide a safer, more comfortable place for your family while allowing our crews to work efficiently, without the additional constraints of an occupied home. This is also why scheduling matters. When you're paying for temporary accommodations, unnecessary construction delays can have a direct financial impact. Our approach to procurement, trade coordination, and scheduling is designed to keep the project moving and minimize avoidable downtime.
How much does a whole-home renovation cost in Seattle? The cost depends on the size of your home, the extent of the renovation, existing conditions, structural modifications, and the materials and finishes you choose. A comprehensive interior transformation that maintains the existing floor plan will have a different cost structure than a renovation involving major structural changes, additions, or extensive system upgrades.
During our initial consultation, we can usually provide a preliminary cost range based on your desired scope. This helps us determine whether your goals and anticipated investment are reasonably aligned before you commit to further planning. When we're engaged for preconstruction, we take that assessment further. Through detailed estimating, realistic allowances, and collaboration with the design team, we help you evaluate what your budget can support and where adjustments to the scope or selections may be needed. Our estimates are based on project-specific information rather than broad price-per-square-foot assumptions, giving you a clearer understanding of the investment as the design develops.
What happens if you discover unexpected problems after opening the walls? Existing homes can conceal conditions that aren't visible during initial inspections, including deteriorated framing, outdated plumbing, or previous work that doesn't meet current requirements. When unforeseen conditions arise, we document the issue, evaluate the options, explain the potential cost and schedule implications, and price any necessary change to the agreed scope. We cannot eliminate every renovation unknown, but we can help you understand the available choices and make informed decisions as those conditions are discovered.
How long does a whole-home renovation take? Once we understand the specific scope of work you're considering, we can provide an estimated construction timeline for your renovation. A comprehensive interior update will have different scheduling requirements than a project involving extensive structural work, building-system upgrades, or an addition. Rather than offer a generic timeline that may not apply to your home, we evaluate the work involved and develop a schedule based on your project's requirements. During preconstruction, we further develop that schedule to account for construction sequencing, permitting, trade coordination, and material lead times.
Understanding the anticipated duration early helps you plan for temporary housing, coordinate your family's schedule, and make informed decisions about when to begin construction. While unforeseen conditions can affect any renovation, our team works to anticipate scheduling challenges and maintain consistent progress.
Does Gerry Homes provide a warranty on renovations? Yes. Gerry Homes provides a one-year limited warranty on our renovation work. The construction agreement outlines the applicable coverage, limitations, and procedures for requesting warranty service. Our Client Care team remains available to help coordinate warranty items after the project is complete.
Where else do you build? Throughout Seattle and the Eastside, including Mercer Island, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Kirkland, Queen Anne, Laurelhurst, Madison Valley, Wallingford and Montlake.
Ready to Love Your Home Again?
Your home may already have everything that made you choose it in the first place: the neighborhood, the setting, the memories, and the connection to the place you call home. What it needs now may be a new vision for how those spaces can look and feel. Whether you're planning a complete interior transformation, a major reconfiguration, or an addition, Gerry Homes can help you explore what's possible and develop a thoughtful path forward. You don't need completed plans to begin.
Tell us about your home, what you'd like to change, and the investment you're considering. We'll start with a complimentary introductory consultation.