Remodeling in Kent & Renton: 2026 Cost & Permit Guide for South King County

Why South King County budgets go further

Labor and material rates are similar across the metro, but Kent and Renton homes — ramblers, split-levels, and 1960s–1990s two-stories in neighborhoods like East Hill, Panther Lake, Kent Valley, the Renton Highlands, and Fairwood — tend to have simpler structures and more generous lots than central Seattle. That means less discovery work, easier site access, and remodel budgets that commonly land 10–20% under comparable Seattle projects.

2026 remodeling cost ranges in Kent and Renton

- Kitchen remodel: $40,000–$90,000 for most full remodels; $90,000+ when walls move or layouts change. Details on our Kent kitchen remodeling and Renton kitchen remodeling pages.

- Bathroom remodel: $25,000–$50,000 for hall baths, $50,000–$90,000+ for primary suites — see bathroom remodeling in Kent and bathroom remodeling in Renton.

- Whole-home remodel: $150,000–$400,000+ depending on square footage and structural scope — our Kent and Renton home remodeling pages break down what's included.

- Home additions: $350–$550 per square foot for ground-level additions; primary suites typically $180,000–$300,000+.

- ADUs and backyard cottages: attached ADUs and garage conversions from $100,000–$300,000, detached ADUs $250,000–$450,000+ — see ADU construction in Kent and ADU construction in Renton.

Permits: Kent and Renton vs. Seattle

Both cities run their own permit counters — City of Kent's Permit Center and the City of Renton's Development Services — and review times for residential remodels are generally shorter than Seattle's. Kitchens and bathrooms need permits whenever plumbing or electrical moves; additions and ADUs need full building permits plus engineering. Blue Lake prepares plans, submits the package, and schedules every inspection as part of the fixed-price contract, so you never touch paperwork.

Where South King County homeowners invest in 2026

Three projects dominate our Kent and Renton pipeline: opening up split-level main floors (kitchen + structural work), adding primary suites over garages or as additions, and building rental ADUs — South King County rents of $1,800–$2,400/month make a garage conversion one of the fastest-payback projects in the region. Basement finishing is close behind for Renton Highlands and Fairwood two-stories.

Budget with a fixed price, not an estimate

Blue Lake Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor (#BLUELLC760C3) serving Kent, Renton, and all of King County with fixed-price, fixed-duration contracts — the number you sign is the number you pay. Request a free in-home consultation and we'll give you a realistic number for your home, your scope, and your neighborhood.