Top 5 Proven Ways Edmonds and Snohomish County Homeowners Add Value Through Remodeling

Homes built between the 1960s and early 2000s make up much of Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, and surrounding communities. Many still have closed-off layouts, small primary bathrooms, and finishes that no longer match how families live today.

At Plumb Perfect Builders, the projects that deliver the strongest value for our clients solve these specific Northwest home challenges. These are the five upgrades that make the biggest impact.

1. Opening Up Closed Main Floors in Mid Century Homes

Many Edmonds and Lynnwood homes were built during an era of strict room separation with load bearing walls dividing the kitchen, dining, and living spaces. Removing those walls, installing engineered beams, and widening the circulation path immediately changes how the home feels and functions.

Where this works well:

1960s ramblers in Edmonds near Perrinville
Split level homes in Lynnwood’s Hilltop neighborhood
Older Mukilteo homes with narrow kitchens tucked into back corners

Common upgrades we complete:

Removing interior walls and installing engineered beams
Relocating appliances to improve workflow
Expanding island footprints for seating and prep
Updating electrical to modern lighting layouts

This type of remodel consistently delivers high ROI because it modernizes homes built before open layouts became standard.

2. Updating Bathrooms With Northwest Friendly Materials

Bathrooms in many Snohomish County homes are small, dark, and finished with materials that cannot handle moisture well. We remodel these spaces with systems designed for long term performance in the Pacific Northwest.

High value bathroom improvements:

Walk in showers with Schluter waterproofing
Large format tile that reduces grout maintenance
Radiant heated floors for colder months
Replacing fiberglass surrounds in older Edmonds homes with full tile

Local patterns:

Many homes in Lake Stevens and Snohomish still have original 1990s oak vanities and acrylic shower units. Upgrading to tile, stone, and custom cabinetry improves durability and comfort.

3. Purpose Built Additions for Growing Families

A large portion of remodel clients in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mukilteo are families who love their neighborhood but have outgrown their home. Well planned additions add function, comfort, and long term value.

Most requested additions:

Primary suite additions on Edmonds ramblers
Second story additions in Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace
ADUs for multigenerational living or office space
Great room extensions that open to the backyard

Why this adds strong value:

Land is limited in many Snohomish County neighborhoods. Increasing square footage through a well integrated addition is one of the best ways to raise resale value.

4. Year Round Outdoor Living Designed for the Pacific Northwest

Outdoor living continues to grow in popularity across the region, but homeowners need more than a basic deck. True value comes from designing for year round use in our climate.

Most common upgrades:

Composite decking that handles moisture and temperature swings
Covered structures for fall and winter use
Integrated heaters, lighting, and fan systems
Outdoor kitchens designed for partial or full cover

Where this makes the biggest difference:

Mukilteo homes with water facing yards
Properties with acreage in Woodinville and Snohomish
Edmonds backyards where winters are cool and wet

An outdoor space becomes a true extension of the home when it is designed for year round weather.

5. Improving Energy Efficiency in Older Homes

Many homes in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Shoreline, and Mountlake Terrace were built when energy efficiency standards were minimal. Improving comfort and reducing long term utility costs is a high value upgrade for homeowners.

Energy improvements that make the biggest impact:

Replacing single pane windows with double pane units
Adding insulation in attics and crawlspaces
LED lighting with better layout planning
Air sealing to reduce drafts in older ramblers

These upgrades create healthier, more comfortable homes and often lower ongoing energy costs.

Closing Thoughts

Every home in Snohomish and King County has its own structure, layout, and story. At Plumb Perfect Builders, our goal is to help homeowners make upgrades that fit how they live today while preserving the character they love.

Through detailed planning, clear communication, and quality craftsmanship, we deliver remodels that add long term value and improve daily living.