How Much Does Exterior Remodeling Cost in Seattle & the Eastside [2025]?
When it comes to remodeling your home, the exterior is often the best place to start. Not only does it define your home’s curb appeal, but it also plays a critical role in weather protection, energy efficiency, and long-term value. At Emerald City Construction, we work with homeowners across Seattle and the Eastside to transform exteriors with smart upgrades that reflect the Pacific Northwest lifestyle and stand up to our region’s unique climate.
If you’re considering exterior remodeling in 2025, you’re probably wondering what it will cost. While exact numbers vary depending on your project’s size, scope, and material choices, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand what to expect when planning your remodel.
Note: We’ve covered roofing costs in a separate blog which you can find here.
What Affects Exterior Remodeling Costs in Seattle?
Before we dive into specific upgrades, it’s important to understand the broader factors that influence the cost of any exterior remodeling project in our area:
Home Size and Layout: Larger homes or multi-story structures require more materials and labor.
Material Selection: Premium siding, high-efficiency windows, or designer doors can increase costs but also improve long-term performance and aesthetics.
Labor and Permitting: The Seattle metro area has higher labor rates and more complex permitting rules than many other parts of the country.
Access and Lot Conditions: Narrow city lots, sloped yards, or poor site drainage can affect installation time and labor needs.
Weather Resistance: Given Seattle’s wet climate, added attention to moisture barriers, flashing, and waterproofing is essential. These upgrades add value and can affect project pricing.
With those variables in mind, let’s take a look at the most popular types of exterior remodels in Seattle and the Eastside and what you can expect to invest.
Window Replacement Costs
Windows are one of the most popular exterior upgrades in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to our emphasis on natural light, energy efficiency, and views.
Common Options:
Vinyl: Affordable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient. A great choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Fiberglass: Strong, durable, and less prone to expansion and contraction in moisture-rich climates.
Wood or Clad Wood: Offers a warm, traditional look and often chosen for older Seattle homes or craftsman-style properties.
What It Costs:
Most homeowners in the area can expect to pay between $800 and $2,000 per window installed.
Custom sizes, large panes, or specialty shapes (like bay or picture windows) will cost more.
Upgrades like triple-pane glass, Low-E coatings, and colored frames are popular in 2025.
Windows aren’t just an aesthetic update. They’re a long-term investment in your home’s comfort and energy efficiency. In some cases, you may even qualify for local or federal rebates when upgrading to high-efficiency windows.
Exterior Door Replacement Costs
Replacing your front entry or patio doors can completely transform the appearance of your home while also improving insulation, security, and usability.
Common Door Types:
Front Entry Doors: Available in wood, fiberglass, or steel. These often feature sidelights or decorative glass.
Sliding or French Patio Doors: Popular in backyards or decks to connect indoor and outdoor living areas.
Garage Doors: A new garage door enhances curb appeal and can include smart tech and insulation.
What It Costs:
Front Doors: Typically range from $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on material and style.
Patio Doors: Generally fall between $2,500 and $8,000.
Garage Doors: Expect to pay between $1,200 and $4,500 for new installations or replacements.
Many Seattle homeowners are choosing bold, oversized entry doors or energy-efficient glass patio systems that complement modern outdoor living.
Siding Replacement Costs
In Seattle’s rainy climate, siding does more than just protect your home. It contributes to insulation, moisture control, and overall curb appeal.
Popular Options:
Fiber Cement (James Hardie): Extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and low-maintenance.
Cedar Siding: Beautiful and natural, perfect for craftsman and mid-century homes, though it does require more upkeep.
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide): Mimics the look of real wood with better resistance to moisture and insects.
What It Costs:
Fiber Cement: Costs typically fall between $15 and $25 per square foot installed.
Cedar: Pricing ranges from $20 to $35 per square foot.
Engineered Wood: Averages around $12 to $22 per square foot.
Siding installation also includes trim, moisture barriers, caulking, and paint or stain. These elements are critical to the long-term performance of your home exterior in the Pacific Northwest.
Deck and Porch Remodeling Costs
Outdoor living is incredibly popular in the Seattle area. Decks and porches give homeowners the ability to enjoy their backyards year-round, especially with the right cover and features.
Material Options:
Pressure-Treated Wood: Budget-friendly but requires more upkeep.
Cedar: Naturally resistant to decay and insects, with a beautiful finish.
Composite (Trex, TimberTech): Low-maintenance and long-lasting. Increasingly popular with homeowners who want durability without constant refinishing.
What It Costs:
Most deck projects in Seattle cost between $35 and $70 per square foot installed.
Covered porches with lighting, heaters, or built-in seating typically start around $15,000 and can reach $40,000 or more depending on design.
Homeowners in Kirkland, Sammamish, and Bellevue often choose composite decks for their longevity and visual appeal, especially when paired with modern landscaping and lighting.
Exterior Painting Costs
In our climate, exterior paint does more than provide color. It serves as an essential barrier against moisture and UV exposure.
What It Costs:
Full home exterior painting projects typically range from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on house size, number of stories, and level of prep required.
Preparation is everything. That includes scraping, sanding, priming, and repairing any areas with rot or damage. High-quality exterior paint applied professionally can last anywhere from 7 to 12 years.
Driveway and Hardscaping Costs
Your driveway and landscaping play a big role in your home’s first impression. Whether you’re looking for function, beauty, or both, hardscaping can be a major value add.
Popular Upgrades:
Concrete Driveways
Paver Patios and Walkways
Stone or Concrete Retaining Walls
Drainage and Erosion Control Features
What It Costs:
New or resurfaced driveways usually start around $8,000 and can go beyond $25,000 depending on material and design.
Walkways, retaining walls, and patios vary widely in price based on scale and finish.
These elements are especially important in hilly or sloped lots found throughout Seattle and the Eastside.
Rainwater Management and Drainage Improvements
With so much annual rainfall, managing water around your home is crucial. Poor drainage can lead to major issues like foundation damage or landscape erosion.
Common Solutions:
French Drains:
A trench filled with gravel and a perforated pipe that redirects surface and groundwater away from your home’s foundation. Ideal for soggy yards or areas with pooling water.Dry Wells:
Underground systems that collect and slowly disperse excess rainwater into the surrounding soil. Great for managing runoff from downspouts or patios.Gutter and Downspout Upgrades:
Properly sized and installed gutters and downspouts help direct rainwater safely away from your home. Adding extensions or catch basins can further improve flow.Permeable Paver Systems:
Pavers designed to allow water to pass through the surface and into the ground below. These are perfect for driveways and patios where you want both function and drainage.Grading Improvements:
Adjusting the slope of your yard to ensure water flows away from your home rather than collecting near the foundation. Often used in combination with other drainage solutions.
What It Costs:
Most drainage improvements cost between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of your lot and the complexity of the system.
We’ve helped many homeowners in Seattle neighborhoods resolve water pooling and foundation issues with drainage systems that protect their investment long term.
Covered Outdoor Living Spaces
Covered patios and outdoor rooms are one of the top trends for 2025. They’re a smart investment for extending usable living space in a region where rain is a constant.
Popular Features:
Pergolas and roof structures
Outdoor kitchens or grills
Radiant heaters and fire tables
Built-in seating, lighting, and AV systems
What It Costs:
A basic covered patio starts around $15,000, with fully outfitted outdoor living spaces ranging from $30,000 to $75,000 or more.
These are especially popular in Bellevue and Redmond, where homeowners are upgrading for year-round entertaining and relaxation.
Full Exterior Remodeling Packages
If you're planning to update multiple exterior elements at once, bundling upgrades into a full remodel can often streamline the process and save on labor costs.
What It Costs:
Full exterior remodeling packages in Seattle typically range from $75,000 to $250,000 or more, depending on the combination of projects.
A full package might include new siding, windows, paint, gutters, exterior lighting, and decking. When these elements are designed together, the result is a more cohesive and efficient upgrade to your home.
Why Choose Emerald City Construction
At Emerald City Construction, we bring years of experience, local knowledge, and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship to every project we take on. We understand what it takes to design and build for the Seattle climate and lifestyle. Our team manages every detail, from permits to product selection, to make sure your project stays on budget and on schedule.
We offer a full-service, design-build approach so you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors. Our goal is to make the remodeling process easy, enjoyable, and rewarding from start to finish.
