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Find the Top 24 Tenant Improvement Contractors in Seattle, WA

Seattle SDCI permits take 6-10 weeks (Design Review adds 8-16 weeks). Top contractors book 4-6 months out. High-rises require union labor—adds 45% to costs. LEED certification almost mandatory.

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Seattle: Long Permits, Union Costs, LEED Requirements

SDCI permitting takes 6-10 weeks minimum. Design Review (required for most commercial projects) adds 8-16 weeks—plan for 4-6 months total. Quality contractors book 4-6 months out; South Lake Union tech specialists book 6+ months ahead. Costs: $53-$93/sqft.

Critical factors:

  • South Lake Union/Capitol Hill: Tech office specialists who handle LEED requirements, complex data infrastructure, open-layout acoustics. Union labor largely required (45% premium).
  • Pioneer Square Historic: Seismic retrofit specialists who know URM regulations. Expect structural engineer involvement, longer timelines (permits can hit 8-12 months).
  • Eastside (Bellevue): Faster permits (4-6 weeks), less union presence, better contractor availability. Consider if timeline critical.

LEED certification almost mandatory for tech tenants (budget consultant fees). Seismic requirements strict—older buildings need expensive upgrades. Rain (Oct-May) doesn't stop interior work but complicates logistics. Union market means higher costs but better standardization.

Project by Bayley Construction
Project by Braseth Construction
Project by CBRE Project Management

Why Seattle is Unique

Seattle Dept of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) takes 6-10 weeks for permits. Design Review Board (most projects) adds 8-16 weeks. Quality contractors book 4-6 months ahead—South Lake Union tech offices book 6+ months. Union presence strong (~60% of commercial market). LEED certification expected by most tech tenants.

Understanding Commercial Build-Out Costs in Seattle

Costs vary significantly based on finish level, building age, location, and scope of work. Here's what you can expect:

Basic Build-Out

$58 - 83/sqft
Paint, carpet, ceiling tiles, minor electrical. Ideal for move-in ready spaces.

Premium

$102 - 152+/sqft
Custom millwork, glass partitions, high-end finishes, advanced technology.

Factors That Affect Your Budget

  • Building Age: Older buildings may require electrical upgrades, asbestos abatement, or structural modifications
  • Permit Requirements: Seattle permitting can add 4-8 weeks and $5,000-50,000+ depending on scope
  • MEP Complexity: HVAC, electrical, and plumbing changes significantly impact cost
  • Timeline Pressure: Accelerated schedules may require overtime and premium pricing

Soft Costs & Fees

  • Architectural Fees: 5-15% of construction costs
  • Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) design
  • Permit & Impact Fees: City-specific municipal charges
  • Project Management: Optional oversight (3-5% of project)

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List of Tenant Improvement Contractors in Seattle

Browse 24 verified contractors serving Seattle. Filter by specialty, service type, or project size to find your perfect match.

24 contractors
Bayley Construction project

Bayley Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
8,000+ sqft
Office - General

Seattle office construction specialist handling large commercial building projects.

Braseth Construction project

Braseth Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
8,000+ sqft
Office - General Medical - Hospital Hospitality

Seattle contractor excelling in preconstruction and complex commercial development projects.

CBRE Project Management project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft Design & Build
Office - Corporate HQ Industrial Medical - Clinical

The global leader in commercial real estate and project delivery.

Cushman & Wakefield project

Cushman & Wakefield

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft Design & Build
Office - Corporate Industrial Retail - Storefront

Global real estate services firm delivering integrated project & development services.

Hammer & Hand project

Hammer & Hand

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
3,000+ sqft
Retail - Storefront

Seattle design-driven contractor specializing in high-performance commercial construction.

Makswell Construction project

Makswell Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Office - General

Greater Seattle remodeling focused on enhancing experience and reflecting brand identity.

MRJ Constructors project

MRJ Constructors

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
10,000+ sqft
Retail - Showroom

Seattle office building specialist handling complex construction with various materials.

Skyline Construction project

Skyline Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
3,000+ sqft
Office - Tech Industrial Medical - Clinical Office - Legal Hospitality Medical - Hospital Retail - Restaurant Industrial - Warehouse

Puget Sound region TI specialist transforming spaces since 1953 for tech, finance, and healthcare.

Turner Construction project

Turner Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
15,000+ sqft Build Only
Office - Tech Medical - Hospital Hospitality

North America's largest general builder, known for the Wilshire Grand and SoFi Stadium.

United Seattle project

United Seattle

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant

Seattle interior and exterior specialist providing end-to-end commercial construction.

Vertical Construction Group project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Office - General

Seattle remodel specialist offering complete design and construction for TI projects.

Wilcox Construction project

Wilcox Construction

✓ Verified
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft
Retail - Restaurant Industrial

Seattle commercial contractor with professional expertise in tenant improvements.

Abbott Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft Build Only
Retail - Storefront Office - General Medical - Clinical

West Coast builder known for great retail and healthcare work.

Andersen Construction project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
15,000+ sqft
Office - General

70+ years Seattle reputation for functional, safe commercial spaces with contemporary methods.

Balfour Beatty project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
20,000+ sqft
Office - General

One of Washington's largest contractors with innovative expertise since 1933.

DM Pacific project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,500+ sqft
Office - General

Seattle TI specialist with strong public sector experience in institutional facilities.

DP Incorporated project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
1,500+ sqft
Medical - Dental Retail - Restaurant Office - Financial Medical - Clinical

30+ years designing and constructing Seattle commercial interiors with client-centered approach.

Envision Builds Inc project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Office - General

Seattle TI contractor delivering exceptional craftsmanship for commercial and retail spaces.

Foushée project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
8,000+ sqft
Office - Tech Industrial Office - General Office - Financial Medical - Clinical Retail - Restaurant Industrial - Warehouse

Seattle contractor with extensive history of office campus and complex building TI projects.

G-Contractor project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Office - Tech Retail - Restaurant Retail - Storefront

Specialized Seattle office contractor creating unique, tailored commercial environments.

Gateway Construction Services project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft
Office - General

Creating Class A Seattle office spaces with contemporary design and technological features.

Pacific Building Group project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
2,000+ sqft
Office - General Office - Financial

Premier Seattle TI contractor creating functional, inspiring environments with quality and efficiency.

Schuchart project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
10,000+ sqft
Industrial Office - General Retail - Restaurant

Established Seattle commercial contractor delivering quality TI and commercial projects.

Town Construction And Development project
☆☆☆☆☆ (0)
5,000+ sqft
Office - General

Seattle specialist in ambitious downtown projects requiring high-quality fit and finish.

RFP Service

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Finding the right contractor takes time. Our RFP service handles the entire process—we document your requirements, engage qualified Seattle contractors, manage the bidding, and deliver proposals ready for comparison.

  • We capture your requirements professionally
  • We distribute to vetted Seattle contractors
  • You receive structured proposals in 2 weeks
  • We help you evaluate and choose
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The Seattle Commercial Construction Process

Timeline Expectations

Commercial build-outs in Seattle typically follow this timeline:

  • Planning & Design (4-8 weeks): Space planning, architectural drawings, engineering
  • Permitting (3-8 weeks): Building department review and approval
  • Construction (8-20 weeks): Varies by size and complexity
  • Final Inspections (1-2 weeks): Certificate of occupancy

A standard 5,000 sqft office build-out takes approximately 4-6 months from design to move-in.

Choosing the Right Contractor

When evaluating contractors for your Seattle project, consider:

  • Licensing & Insurance: Verify active licenses and adequate coverage
  • Specialty Experience: Has the contractor completed similar projects?
  • References: Speak with recent clients about their experience
  • Project Size Fit: Match contractor capacity to your project scope
  • Communication Style: Ensure alignment on reporting and updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about commercial renovation in Seattle.

What is the average cost of a commercial build-out in Seattle?
Commercial build-out costs in Seattle typically range from $40-300+ per square foot depending on finish level and complexity. Basic cosmetic renovations run $40-80/sqft, standard tenant improvements cost $80-150/sqft, and high-end executive spaces can exceed $200-300/sqft. Factors like building age, MEP requirements, and permitting complexity significantly impact final costs.
How long does a typical commercial renovation take?
A standard 5,000 sqft office build-out takes 4-6 months from design to move-in. This includes 4-8 weeks for design, 3-8 weeks for permitting, and 8-16 weeks for construction. Larger or more complex projects can take 6-12 months. Fast-track schedules are possible at additional cost.
Do I need permits for my project?
Most commercial renovations require building permits. Cosmetic-only work (paint, carpet) may be exempt, but any structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require permits. Your contractor should handle the permit process, but budget 3-8 weeks and $5,000-50,000+ depending on project scope.
What's included in your RFP service?
Our RFP service includes professional scope of work documentation, distribution to 3-5 pre-qualified contractors in Seattle, bid comparison analysis, and a dedicated project manager to guide you through selection. Most clients receive competitive proposals within 2 weeks.
What's the difference between Design & Build vs. Build Only?
Design & Build contractors handle both architectural design and construction under one contract, offering streamlined communication and often faster timelines. Build Only contractors work from plans provided by your architect or designer, which can offer more design flexibility but requires additional coordination.