Decide phasing strategy and where the family lives

The phasing decision

All-at-once with full move-out

The standard path. Family moves to a furnished rental for the duration. GC has the house. Project finishes faster, costs less in total, has fewer change orders.

• Construction duration: 6–10 months.
• Total cost: the bid number.

Phased: kitchen first, bedrooms later

You stay in the house. The GC works one section at a time.

• Construction duration: 12–18 months (each phase has setup/breakdown overhead).
• Total cost: typically 15–25% more than all-at-once. Multiple mobilizations, multiple inspections, more dust containment.

Hybrid: shelter in place during quieter phases

You stay during framing and exterior work; move out for the noisy interior phase; move back for finishes. Some families do 6–8 weeks out, the rest in.

Which to pick

For most band-3 projects, the hybrid path is the practical choice. Full move-out is cleanest but expensive. Phased is rare for a reason — it usually doesn't pencil out in total cost.

For band-4 down-to-studs projects, full move-out is essentially required.

Builder's Risk insurance

A Course of Construction / Builder's Risk policy covers the structure during construction. Lender-required if you're financing. Owner-purchased is usually worth the extra premium over a GC-provided policy.

Tell your homeowner's insurer

Your existing homeowner's policy needs to know about the project. Most insurers continue coverage on the existing structure with a notification; some impose a major-construction surcharge. Don't skip this notification.

Temporary housing in Renton

Renton's rental market is generally less tight than Seattle proper, though specific pricing from a verified source was not confirmed. Furnished month-to-month rentals in the Renton area and inner Eastside run lower than equivalent Seattle neighborhoods. Budget based on current market conditions.