Bathroom Remodeling in Seattle, WA
Showers, tubs, vanities, tile, and full bathroom remodels for Seattle homes, by a licensed Washington contractor. We plan the permits, the trades, and the fixtures that meet Washington’s rules.
- Licensed, bonded & insured
- One-year workmanship warranty
- Free in-home estimates
- Financing available
By Dawn Construction. Updated October 2026.
Who remodels bathrooms in Seattle, WA?
Dawn Construction remodels bathrooms in Seattle, WA. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured Washington contractor (WA Lic. #DAWNCCW747K2) with offices in Renton and Mukilteo. Every project starts with a free in-home estimate and is backed by a one-year workmanship warranty. Call (206) 672-1711.
- Company
- Dawn Construction WA LLC
- Service
- Bathroom remodeling, refresh to full
- Phone
- (206) 672-1711
- License
- WA Lic. #DAWNCCW747K2
- Offices
- 401 Olympia Ave, Renton · 9800 Harbour Pl, Unit 205, Mukilteo
- Hours
- Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm
- Warranty
- One-year workmanship warranty
- Estimates
- Free, in your home
What bathroom remodeling services do we offer in Seattle?
We handle the full bathroom, from a vanity and tile refresh to a new layout. The table shows each part of a remodel and whether Seattle usually requires a permit for it.
| Service | What it covers | Seattle permit usually needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Showers and tub-to-shower conversions | New shower pans, walls, glass, and valves | Yes, when the valve or drain changes: a plumbing permit from Public Health – Seattle & King County |
| Tubs | Tub replacement and surrounds | Depends on whether plumbing changes |
| Toilets, vanities, and sinks | New fixtures, cabinets, and counters | Usually no in the same spot; yes if plumbing moves |
| Tile and flooring | Floor and wall tile, backsplash | Usually no, as a surface finish |
| Exhaust fans and ventilation | New or larger fans and ducting | Often, since work that affects ventilation needs a permit |
| Lighting, outlets, heated floors | New circuits and fixtures | Yes, an SDCI electrical permit |
| Layout changes | Moving walls, enlarging the room | Yes, any work on load-bearing supports needs a permit |
| Accessible upgrades | Curbless showers, grab bars, wider entries | Depends on scope |
Permit notes are based on SDCI’s “Do You Need a Permit?” guidance. Your scope decides the final answer.
What fixture rules apply to Seattle bathrooms?
Washington sets stricter fixture limits than the national standards. A toilet or showerhead bought online from out of state may not be allowed here, so we choose fixtures that meet these rules from the start.
| Fixture | Washington rule | National standard |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet | 1.28 gallons per flush maximum | 1.6 gallons per flush |
| Showerhead | 1.8 gpm at 80 psi, WaterSense certified | 2.5 gpm |
| Two or more heads on one valve | 1.8 gpm combined | No combined limit |
| Shower valve | Pressure-balance, thermostatic, or combination; hot water limited to 120°F | Uniform Plumbing Code requirement |
| Exhaust fan | 50 cfm switched or 20 cfm continuous; higher-rate fans need an occupancy or humidity sensor | Sensor rule is a Washington addition |
Want the details? Read our guide to bathroom remodel rules for toilets, showers, and fans.
Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Seattle?
For most full remodels, yes. Seattle lets you skip a permit for minor repairs or alterations that cost $6,000 or less in any 6-month period, counting the fair market value of labor and parts.
No matter how small the project, Seattle requires a permit for any work on load-bearing supports, changes to the building envelope, or work that reduces egress, light, ventilation, or fire resistance. Smaller remodels may qualify for a Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit, which SDCI offers for small additions and remodels.
Who issues which permit in Seattle
| Work | Permit | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Walls, windows, layout, structural changes | Construction permit (addition/alteration or Subject-to-Field-Inspection) | Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) |
| New circuits, lighting, heated floors, fan wiring | Electrical permit | SDCI |
| Shower valve, drains, water lines, moving a toilet | Plumbing permit | Public Health – Seattle & King County |
What’s different about remodeling a bathroom in Seattle?
Seattle has its own permit offices, Washington has its own fixture rules, and the region is damp. These local factors shape how we plan a bathroom here.
| Seattle factor | Why it matters for your bathroom | How we plan for it |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos survey rule | Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and L&I rules require an asbestos survey before renovation or demolition | The survey is scheduled before any tear-out |
| Split permit offices | Building and electrical permits come from SDCI, plumbing permits from Public Health – Seattle & King County | Permits are mapped by trade before work starts |
| Washington fixture limits | Toilets, showerheads, and multi-head showers have stricter limits than national rules | Fixtures are chosen to comply before ordering |
| Damp climate | Bathroom moisture needs a properly sized fan vented outdoors | The fan, ducting, and sensor are part of the plan |
How does a Dawn Construction bathroom remodel work?
- Free in-home estimateWe measure the bathroom, talk through your goals and budget, and follow up with a written quote.
- Design and selectionsYou choose the layout, shower, tile, vanity, and fixtures that meet Washington’s rules.
- Asbestos survey and permitsThe survey comes first, then building and trade permits for your scope.
- Demolition and rough-inOld finishes come out; plumbing, wiring, and ventilation go in and are inspected.
- Install and finishShower, tile, vanity, toilet, lighting, and fixtures.
- Final walkthroughWe review every detail with you before the job closes.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Seattle?
There’s a bathroom project for most budgets, and a midrange remodel holds much of its value. In the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report for Seattle, a midrange bathroom remodel recouped 80.7% of its cost when the home sold.
Every bathroom is priced individually. Your bathroom gets its own written quote after a free in-home estimate.
| Project type | Typical scope | Recouped at resale |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom remodel (midrange) | Updated tub or shower, tile, vanity, toilet, lighting, and fixtures | 80.7% |
| Accessible bathroom (universal design) | Curbless shower, grab bars, wider entry, accessible fixtures | 52.9% |
Source: 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, Seattle, WA (Journal of Light Construction / Zonda).
What affects the price of your bathroom
- Layout. Keeping the toilet, shower, and vanity where they are costs far less than moving drains.
- Shower or tub. A tub-to-shower conversion or custom tiled shower changes the scope.
- Tile and finishes. Tile size, pattern, and material are one of the biggest budget swings.
- Fixtures. Standard versus premium faucets, valves, and vanities.
- Electrical and ventilation. New lighting, heated floors, or a new fan add electrical work and permits.
- Size. A primary bath with more tile and fixtures costs more than a hall bath.
Want to spread the cost? See our financing options for flexible payment plans.
Why choose Dawn Construction for your Seattle bathroom?
- Licensed and verifiableWA Lic. #DAWNCCW747K2. You can check any contractor on L&I’s Verify tool.
- One team, start to finishThe same team runs your project from estimate to final walkthrough.
- One-year workmanship warrantyEvery project is backed by our workmanship warranty.
- Local officesRenton and Mukilteo, serving Seattle and the Puget Sound.
- Financing availableFlexible plans to fit your budget.
- Free in-home estimatesA written quote before any work begins.
Bathroom remodeling in Seattle: frequently asked questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Seattle?
It depends on the scope: the size of the room, the shower or tub, tile, fixtures, and whether plumbing moves. In the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report for Seattle, a midrange bathroom remodel recouped 80.7% of its cost at resale. Your bathroom gets a written quote after a free in-home estimate.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Seattle?
It depends on the work. Seattle does not require a permit for minor alterations that cost $6,000 or less in a 6-month period. Any work on load-bearing supports, the building envelope, egress, light, or ventilation needs a permit no matter how small, and new wiring or plumbing needs trade permits.
Can I install a 2.5 gpm showerhead in Seattle?
No. Washington’s plumbing code limits showerheads to 1.8 gallons per minute at 80 psi, and they must meet EPA WaterSense criteria.
Can I have a rain shower and a handheld on the same valve?
Yes, but in Washington the combined flow of all showerheads controlled by one valve cannot exceed 1.8 gallons per minute.
What toilets are allowed in Washington?
New toilets in Washington may use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush. Dual-flush and single-flush toilets can both qualify.
Who issues permits for a bathroom remodel in Seattle?
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) issues building and electrical permits. Plumbing and gas piping permits in Seattle come from Public Health – Seattle & King County, which enforces the Seattle Plumbing Code.
How big does a bathroom exhaust fan need to be in Washington?
At least 50 cfm when switched on and off, or 20 cfm if it runs continuously. In Washington, a bathroom fan sized above the continuous rate needs an occupancy or humidity sensor to turn it on automatically.
Is an asbestos survey required before a bathroom remodel in Seattle?
Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and Washington L&I rules require an asbestos survey before renovation or demolition work in the region, including Seattle. The survey comes before any tear-out.
Seattle neighborhoods we serve
We remodel bathrooms across Seattle, including:
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- West Seattle
- Queen Anne
- Magnolia
- Fremont
- Wallingford
- Green Lake
- Greenwood
- Phinney Ridge
- Ravenna
- Wedgwood
- Laurelhurst
- Lake City
- Northgate
- Montlake
- Madison Park
- Madrona
- Leschi
- Beacon Hill
- Columbia City
- Mount Baker
- Rainier Beach
- Georgetown
We also serve nearby cities including Bellevue, Shoreline, Burien, Kirkland, and Renton. See our full service area.
Sources
- Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, Do You Need a Permit?
- Washington State Register WSR 21-01-125, Uniform Plumbing Code amendments (toilets, showerheads)
- WAC 51-51-1505, Mechanical ventilation (bathroom fan sensor rule)
Ready to plan your Seattle bathroom?
Get a free in-home estimate and a written quote. Prefer to talk? Call us, Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm.
Talk to our team(206) 672-1711Sunday–Friday, 8am–10pm