Custom Home Building in Greater Seattle

Build your dream home from the ground up. CH&R Inc. has been constructing custom homes across Seattle, Bellevue, and the Eastside for over 30 years. Quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and clear communication throughout your project.

Seattle Custom Home Construction

Building a custom home is one of the biggest projects you will ever undertake. You need a builder who listens to your vision, communicates clearly throughout the process, and delivers quality work. That is what we do.

Whether you have purchased a lot in Medina, are tearing down an older home in Magnolia, or have found land in one of the Eastside communities, we work with you and your architect to bring your vision to life.

Our Custom Home Services

  • Site preparation including clearing, grading, and utilities
  • Foundation work from standard footings to complex hillside solutions
  • Framing and structural construction
  • Roofing, siding, and exterior finishes
  • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
  • Insulation and energy efficiency including high-performance building envelopes
  • Interior finishes from drywall to trim to paint
  • Custom millwork and built-ins
  • Kitchen and bathroom installation
  • Flooring, tile, and finish carpentry
Get a Free Consultation
Custom new home construction with landscaping in Seattle

Why Build with CH&R

  • 30+ years building in Greater Seattle
  • Licensed, bonded, and insured
  • Direct communication with your project manager
  • Transparent pricing and scheduling

Our Custom Home Building Process

Building a custom home involves hundreds of decisions. Here is how we guide you through the process.

1. Initial Consultation

We discuss your vision, review your lot or potential sites, and talk budget ranges. We can recommend architects if you do not have one yet, or work with your existing design team.

2. Design Development

Working with your architect, we provide input on constructability and costs as plans develop. We help value-engineer the design to meet your budget without sacrificing what matters most.

3. Detailed Estimate

Once plans are complete, we provide a detailed cost breakdown. You will know exactly what is included and where your money goes. No hidden costs or vague allowances.

4. Permitting

We submit plans to Seattle SDCI or your local jurisdiction and manage the permit process. This can take 2-6 months depending on complexity and current city backlog.

5. Construction

With permits in hand, we break ground. Regular site meetings keep you informed of progress. You will have direct access to your project manager throughout construction.

6. Completion

Final inspections, certificate of occupancy, and a thorough walkthrough with you. We address any punch list items and make sure you are happy before handing over the keys.

Building in Seattle's Market

The Greater Seattle area presents unique opportunities and challenges for custom home building:

Land and Teardowns

Vacant lots in established Seattle neighborhoods are rare. Many custom homes are built on teardown sites where an older, smaller home is removed to make way for new construction. We help evaluate whether teardown and rebuild makes sense for a property.

Hillside and View Lots

Seattle's terrain creates opportunities for homes with stunning views, but hillside construction adds complexity. We have experience with challenging sites including retaining walls, special foundations, and access logistics.

Local Codes and Green Building

Seattle has some of the strictest energy codes in the country. We build homes that meet or exceed these requirements, often incorporating high-performance building envelopes, efficient HVAC systems, and sustainable materials.

Neighborhood Compatibility

Design review applies in some Seattle neighborhoods and Eastside communities. We understand the approval processes and can help guide architectural design to meet requirements while achieving your vision.

Cost Expectations

Custom home construction costs vary based on size, finishes, complexity, and site conditions. Land costs, permits, design fees, and landscaping add to the total project budget.

We provide realistic budget guidance early in the process so you can plan appropriately. No one likes surprises when building a custom home.

Contact us for a consultation where we can discuss your vision and provide guidance on what to expect for your specific project.

Custom Home Building FAQs

Plan for 12-18 months from breaking ground to move-in for most custom homes. Larger or more complex homes can take 18-24 months. Add 3-6 months for design development and 2-6 months for permitting before construction begins. Total timeline from initial consultation to move-in is typically 2-3 years.

You can bring your own architect or we can recommend architects we have worked with successfully. Either approach works. Having your builder involved during design helps catch constructability issues early and keeps budget alignment throughout the design process.

Most homeowners use construction loans that convert to permanent mortgages upon completion. The lender disburses funds in stages as construction progresses. You will need approved plans, a detailed budget, and a contract with your builder. Several local banks specialize in construction lending and we can provide referrals.

Teardown projects start with demolition of the existing structure. We obtain demolition permits, disconnect utilities, and remove the building. Depending on the site, some foundation elements might be reusable. After demo, construction proceeds like any new build. The advantage is building exactly what you want in an established neighborhood with mature landscaping and proximity to schools and amenities.

As involved as you want to be. We schedule regular site meetings, typically weekly, where you can see progress and ask questions. Decisions about selections and finishes happen during the design phase, but questions come up during construction and we keep you informed. You will have direct access to your project manager for questions between scheduled meetings.

Related Services

Whole Home Remodel

If your existing home has good bones, a major renovation might achieve your goals at lower cost than new construction.

Learn more →

Home Additions

Need more space but love your current home? An addition expands your living space without starting from scratch.

Learn more →

Outdoor Living

Complete your new home with outdoor living spaces, decks, and landscaping designed as part of your overall vision.

Learn more →

Ready to Build Your Dream Home?

Contact us for a free consultation. We build custom homes in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Medina, and communities throughout King and Snohomish counties.

Schedule a Consultation