Construction Costs in Burien, WA 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Burien. Local labor rates average $43.65/hr with a material cost index of 119.

$43.65

Avg Labor Rate/hr

119

Material Cost Index

$612,000

Avg Home Price

119

Cost of Living Index

Burien Overview

Population

53,100

Climate Zone

Mixed-Humid / Mixed-Dry (Zone 4)

Seismic Risk

high

Median Household Income

$70,700

Burien Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$24,990
Labor$22,407
Permits (4%)$1,896

Estimated Total Cost

$49,293

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel280 sq ft in Burien

Materials

$24,990

51% of total

Labor

$22,407

45% of total

Permits

$1,896

~$1,361 avg

31% Above National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $37,492. Burien has higher-than-average construction costs due to local demand and cost of living.

View Washington Statewide Costs

Compare Burien costs with the Washington state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Burien vs National Average

Project TypeBurien AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$54,432$35,000+56%
Bathroom Remodel$20,431$18,000+14%
Roof Replacement$16,520$15,000+10%
Whole House Paint$4,880$3,800+28%
Flooring Install$6,570$7,000-6%
Deck Build$10,950$12,000-9%

Material Prices in Burien

Concrete

$160 /cubic yard

$7 below the estimated Washington average of $167/yd³

Lumber

$5.38 /board foot

$1.16 below the estimated Washington average of $6.54/BF

Popular Projects in Burien

🍳

#1 Kitchen Remodel

Among the most requested projects by Burien homeowners

🚿

#2 Bathroom Renovation

Among the most requested projects by Burien homeowners

🪟

#3 Window Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Burien homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Burien, WA

Construction and renovation costs in Burien, WA reflect the city's cost of living index of 119 and a material cost index of 119 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $43.65 per hour and a median home price of $612,000, homeowners in Burien should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Burien sits in IECC Climate Zone 4 (Mixed-Humid / Mixed-Dry), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. High seismic risk — earthquake-resistant construction required. The median household income of $70,700 in Burien means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $54,432 represents approximately 77% of annual household income.

Building permits in Burien average $1,361, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all Washington jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Burien, WA?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Burien, WA costs approximately $54,432 on average. Budget renovations start around $38,102, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $81,648 or more. Labor rates in Burien average $43.65/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Burien?
Construction labor in Burien, WA averages $43.65 per hour. This is 31% above the national average. Specialized trades like licensed electricians and master plumbers typically charge 25-45% more than general construction labor rates.
Do I need a building permit for home renovations in Burien?
Most significant renovations in Burien, WA require building permits. Permit costs average around $1,361 depending on project scope. Projects involving structural changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing modifications, or additions almost always require permits. Cosmetic updates like interior painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring typically do not.
How does Burien's cost of living affect construction costs?
Burien has a cost of living index of 119 (national average = 100), which directly impacts construction costs. Higher cost of living means higher labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees. The material cost index in Burien is 119, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Burien?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Burien, WA include Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Renovation, Window Replacement. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Burien at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Burien homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators