The Complete Guide to Remodeling in Federal Way
Tucked into the southwest corner of King County and on the edge of the Puget Sound sits the town of Federal Way. Although one of Washington’s newest incorporated cities, Federal Way has a long history: it began as a logging town and is now one of the best places to live in Washington. In fact, it’s the fifth-largest town in King County and the 10th-largest in Washington State as a whole.
Federal Way is home to Dash Point State Park, the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, and plenty of other outdoor green spaces and activities. It’s one of the most diverse areas in Washington, and it offers plenty of dining and shopping options. It’s also a fairly easy commute from Federal Way to both Seattle and Tacoma, making it a great home base for those who work in one of the cities but would rather live in the suburbs.
Why Homeowners Remodel in Federal Way
Federal Way homeowners in neighborhoods like Adelaide, Twin Lakes, Lakota, or Marine Hills remodel for a variety of reasons. Because it’s a quickly growing area, the housing market is complex. Sometimes it makes more financial sense for homeowners to remodel their existing home rather than move. Other common reasons to remodel in Federal Way include
Transforming an outdated floor plan to a more open and airy design.
Increasing a home’s energy efficiency through new doors and windows, smart technology, water-saving appliances, and more.
Increasing a home’s property value while making it more suitable for the current homeowners.
Updating older homes so they look and feel more contemporary.
The Most Popular Types of Remodels in Federal Way
Many homes in Federal Way were built in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, so a lot of the remodels we see have to do with updating spaces. Kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, and whole-home remodels often have this focus: making older, dated homes a better fit for today’s lifestyle.
Kitchen remodels can include changing the footprint to reflect how families use the space: larger islands, a better flow for multiple cooks, and lots of storage. Families tend to congregate in the kitchen, so making it a place to spend time—not just a place to prep meals—is important.
Many Federal Way homeowners want to make their homes accessible and supportive for aging in place. This means bathrooms with curbless showers, kitchens with lower counters, wider hallways throughout the home, and more open layouts. Replacing outdated fixtures in bathrooms is another popular type of remodel.
How Much Does a Remodel Cost in Federal Way?
It’s hard to pin down expected costs without knowing the scope of work. As in any remodel, the cost of remodeling in Federal Way depends on what exactly is being done. Remodeling costs tend to be between $100-300 per square foot.
At Massey Remodel + Design, we understand the stress that planning for a home remodel can bring. We want you to feel confident in the financial decisions you make. To that end, we stand behind our fixed-price contract model, which ensures that you know what to expect as you go through the remodeling process.
Home remodels have a variety of moving parts, and prices can fluctuate. Talk to a trusted design-build team for more price details for your specific project.
Permits and Regulations You Should Know in Federal Way
Most home remodels require permits. In fact, you need a permit for anything involving the HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, for modifying the structure of the home, or for changing the home’s footprint. In Federal Way, you can apply for permits at MyBuildingPermit.com. If you don’t pull the necessary permits, your remodel can be served with a stop-work order, and you’ll often be fined. But a good contractor will often take care of all the permitting you need. Talk to your team and ask how they handle permits.
If you want to research building codes in Federal Way, you can go to the City of Federal Way’s Building Division online. That site will give you all the information you need.
Choosing the Right Remodeler in Federal Way
Trusting someone with your home remodel is hard. Your home is not only your largest investment (most likely), but it’s also the place where you spend time and make memories with those you love. At Massey Remodel + Design, we don’t take that lightly. We know you need a remodeling team that you trust both to do excellent work and to treat your home and family with respect.
When you’re choosing a remodeler for your Federal Way home, look for a team that prioritizes great design. You want someone who will spend time with you and answer your questions, get a feel for your wants and needs, and help you feel confident in your decisions. You should also look for a remodeler who takes pride in the excellence of their work and has good reviews. You can ask to see a portfolio or to talk to previous clients to get a feel for their style and ability.
We firmly believe that a design-build approach is the right one for home remodels in Federal Way. Read this article to understand why.
Remodeling Timeline: What to Expect in Federal Way
The duration of your Federal Way home remodel will depend on the scope of work. A whole-home remodel, for example, takes longer than a guest bathroom remodel. Many home remodels take from three to six months, but your contractor will be able to give you a better estimate based on
the size and complexity of the project,
what systems are involved in the remodel (HVAC, electrical, plumbing),
the time of year and how busy suppliers and subcontractors are currently, and
other potential factors.
Design Trends in Federal Way
Homeowners in Federal Way are prioritizing warmth and comfort in their homes. Because Federal Way is suburban, the focus on family-friendly comfort is a perfect fit, blending style with approachability. Other design trends that we see in Federal Way include sustainability, natural elements, and Japandi/Minimalist design.
Sustainability
Homeowners across King County value sustainability. From using locally sourced materials to making their homes energy efficient, Federal Way residents want to decrease their carbon footprint by making their homes as green as possible. We see this play out through smart technology and sustainably-sourced building materials.
Natural Elements
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of Puget Sound, West Hylebos Wetland Park, and Dash Point State Park—as well as the gorgeous mountains and views around the Tacoma and Seattle areas—Federal Way homeowners value bringing the outdoors in. Natural stone, wood, warm paint colors, and large windows play into home design. Additionally, well-designed outdoor living spaces allow Federal Way residents to make the most of the great outdoors without leaving home.
Japandi/Minimalist Design
Also called “cozy minimalism,” this design style also has Scandinavian influence. It prioritizes warmth without clutter. Clean lines, neutral colors, and natural elements like wood and stone make this style a natural fit for Federal Way homes. It creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere that is relaxing and informal but still stylish and on-trend.
Common Mistakes Federal Way Homeowners Make When Remodeling
It’s okay to feel nervous when you’re starting a home remodel—we get it! There are so many decisions to make and things to think about. We’re here to help you avoid common mistakes in your Federal Way home remodel, such as:
Choosing trendy over quality. It’s generally best to stick to timeless design in the parts of your home that are harder to change (flooring, countertops, cabinets) and trends you love for easy-to-replace finishes (paint colors, your backsplash, light fixtures). This way, your home will still feel on-trend and stylish, but you can change out anything that becomes dated in the future.
Not communicating about your budget. If you don’t give your designers and contractors a realistic picture of your budget, they will have a hard time planning and executing a remodel that fits your wants, needs, and resources.
Not hiring a team you trust. You deserve to work with a team that communicates honestly and frequently with you, listens to your desires for your home, and excels in craftsmanship.
How to Get Started on Your Federal Way Remodel
When you’re ready to get started on your kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, basement remodel, or whole home remodel, we’re here for you. Our award-winning team serves the South King and Pierce County areas, and we’d love to help you make your home renovation dreams come true. Contact us today, and let’s talk about your vision for the Federal Way home you love.