Trim repair in Seattle typically costs between $321 and $1,199, influenced by job size, labor rates, and material choices. Minor fixes range from $120 to $400, while replacing window or door trim costs $300 to $800 per unit. Larger projects, like fascia board replacements, cost $500 to $1,200, and full exterior trim replacements can climb to $1,500–$5,000. Dry rot repairs vary widely, starting at $140 for small fixes and reaching up to $12,000 for significant structural repairs.
Labor rates in Seattle range from $65 to $120 per hour, with higher costs in areas like Downtown and Bellevue. Homes in steep neighborhoods, such as Queen Anne, may face additional costs of 25%–65% due to accessibility challenges. Materials like fiber cement, PVC, and composite are recommended for their moisture resistance, crucial for Seattle’s rainy climate, which sees 150+ rainy days annually.
For specialized services, Seattle Trim Repair offers a free 15-point dry rot inspection and a two-year warranty, focusing on moisture-resistant solutions. General contractors may offer lower labor rates ($50–$85/hour) but might lack trim-specific expertise. Homeowners should weigh their budget, durability needs, and Seattle’s unique weather conditions when choosing a service.
Seattle Trim Repair Cost Breakdown: Specialized vs General Services Comparison
1. Seattle Trim Repair
Cost Range
Seattle Trim Repair offers pricing that reflects typical market rates in the Seattle area. For smaller jobs, like minor repairs with epoxy and paint touch-ups, costs range from $120 to $400. Replacing window or door trim typically costs between $300 and $800 per unit, while fascia board replacements fall between $500 and $1,200, depending on the size and materials. For full exterior trim replacement, homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. Dry rot repairs vary widely, starting at $140 for small fixes like window sills, and reaching up to $12,000 for major structural repairs. These prices reflect the detailed approach the company takes, as outlined below.
Services Offered
Seattle Trim Repair provides a wide range of trim repair services, including work on fascia boards, soffits, window and door casings, and corner boards. Their process begins with a thorough 15-point dry rot inspection to uncover hidden water damage. After identifying problem areas, they remove the damaged sections, replace them with durable, weather-resistant materials, and seal everything with high-quality sealants. A final inspection ensures the work meets their standards.
Beyond trim repair, the company also offers full siding replacement, using materials like James Hardie fiber cement, natural cedar, and vinyl. Every repair comes with a two-year warranty, and since 2015, they’ve saved Seattle homeowners over $1.5 million in potential structural damage.
Specialization
With over a decade of experience in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle Trim Repair focuses on tackling dry rot and wood rot issues that are common in the region’s damp climate. Lead technician Max, who brings more than 20 years of experience in siding and trim repair, leads the team. Their expertise in identifying hidden structural rot – whether in floor joists, roof trim, or siding – has earned them a 99% five-star rating among local homeowners.
Local Expertise
Seattle Trim Repair uses its understanding of the region’s unique weather challenges to recommend materials like PVC, composite, or fiber cement, which are more resistant to moisture than traditional wood. They serve neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Ballard, Queen Anne, and Magnolia, as well as nearby cities like Bellevue, Kirkland, and Tacoma. Their local knowledge allows them to address specific challenges, such as working on steep-lot homes in Queen Anne or preserving historic architectural details in older neighborhoods.
"We chose them to replace the old, failing siding on our home in Columbia City. They recommended James Hardie siding, and the result is incredible. The crew was professional, and the house feels more solid and protected." – M. Chen, Homeowner
sbb-itb-69f202a
2. General Trim Repair Services in Seattle
Cost Range
In Seattle, professional trim repair services typically run between $321 and $1,199. For smaller jobs, like patching with epoxy, costs range from $120 to $400, while larger exterior trim replacements can climb to $1,500 to $5,000. Moderate dry rot repairs generally fall between $1,500 and $2,800, but extensive structural repairs, such as fixing floor joists or roof beams, can cost as much as $12,000.
Hourly labor rates vary depending on location. In Downtown Seattle and Bellevue, rates can reach $120 per hour, while areas like Auburn or Renton typically see rates between $50 and $80 per hour. Homes with upper-story repairs or steep terrain – common in neighborhoods like Queen Anne – may face a 25% to 65% increase due to the need for scaffolding and specialized tools. Additionally, building permits for larger projects can add another $500 to $1,500 to the total cost.
General contractors may include extra fees for permits and challenging site access, so these costs often align with those for specialized services.
Services Offered
Contractors in Seattle handle a variety of trim repairs, including fascia boards, soffits, window and door casings, corner boards, and roof trim. With Seattle’s rainy climate, thorough dry rot inspections and complete tear-offs are often necessary to uncover hidden damage. Many professionals also specialize in leak detection to identify the source of water intrusion.
Material choices vary based on budget and durability needs:
- Vinyl trim: $0.50–$5.00 per linear foot
- Wood (e.g., cedar, hardwood): $0.50–$10.00 per linear foot
- Fiber cement: $5.00–$10.00 per linear foot
- PVC or polyurethane: $4.00–$10.00 per linear foot
- Custom or ornate molding: Up to $30.00 per linear foot
- Removal of old trim: $0.60–$1.20 per linear foot
These options allow homeowners to balance cost with durability and style.
Specialization
Seattle contractors go beyond basic repairs, tailoring their services to tackle the region’s moisture-related challenges. In the Pacific Northwest, it’s common to recommend siding and trim repairs every two to six years to prevent moisture damage. Contractors are skilled at identifying hidden dry rot in areas like wall sheathing, floor joists, and roof beams before installing new materials.
Local microclimates also play a role. For example, homes near Puget Sound may face salt air exposure, while those near Lake Washington or Lake Sammamish experience higher humidity. Homes built before 1980 might require asbestos or lead testing, which can increase costs by $482 or more.
Local Expertise
Seattle contractors bring a deep understanding of the city’s unique climate and historic architecture. They choose materials and techniques designed to withstand persistent moisture, often recommending products like James Hardie HZ5 fiber cement, which is built for wet and freezing conditions. Durable options like PVC, polyurethane, and cedar are also popular choices.
For historic neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and Ballard, contractors follow strict preservation guidelines. They also emphasize preventative care, such as keeping indoor humidity below 60% and cleaning gutters regularly to avoid water damage. Upgrading exterior trim can enhance curb appeal and potentially recover 60% to 80% of the cost through increased home resale value.
Pros and Cons
Looking at the cost and service details, here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and drawbacks when deciding between specialized trim repair services and general contractors. The choice often depends on your specific project needs. Specialized services focus on expertise tailored to the Pacific Northwest’s weather conditions, while general contractors offer broader carpentry skills.
| Feature | Seattle Trim Repair | General Trim Services |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Repair Cost | $120–$400 | $326–$1,248 (national range) |
| Labor Rates | $65–$120/hr | $45–$85/hr |
| Service Focus | Exterior trim, dry rot, and weatherproofing for the PNW | Interior/exterior carpentry and framing |
| Warranty | Two-year guarantee | Varies by contractor |
| Inspection | Free 15-point dry rot inspection ($150 value) | Basic estimates; specialized inspections cost extra |
Seattle Trim Repair stands out for its tailored approach to local challenges, such as dry rot and moisture issues. While their labor rates are on the higher side, they include expertise in moisture-resistant installations and specialized remediation. General contractors, on the other hand, tend to offer lower labor rates but may not prioritize smaller, trim-specific jobs. Many general providers average about 4.4 stars on platforms like Angi, but smaller projects often fall outside their scope:
"If you’re only replacing a few boards many siding installation companies won’t bother to do such a small job".
- Ryan Maguire, construction expert
For Seattle homeowners, paying a bit more upfront for specialized, durable repairs can be a smart investment, especially when dealing with the region’s unique weather challenges.
Conclusion
Finding the best trim repair solution in Seattle means weighing your budget and durability needs against the city’s famously wet climate. With Seattle’s constant rain, homeowners face a straightforward choice: invest in moisture-resistant materials now or deal with repairs every few years.
For those on a tight budget, small DIY fixes using epoxy (around $10–$20) can temporarily address minor issues. However, for more serious damage or long-term peace of mind, fiber cement materials – like those from James Hardie – are a smarter choice. These materials, costing roughly $5–$10 per square foot, are built to withstand rot for up to 50 years in damp conditions, far outlasting wood, which may only last 20–40 years. Plus, in King County, homeowners can recover up to 80% of the replacement costs through increased property value.
Seattle Trim Repair offers a unique edge with their free 15-point dry rot inspection, designed to uncover hidden issues that general contractors might overlook. Their expertise in addressing the Pacific Northwest’s specific weather challenges ensures solutions that are built to last in Seattle’s rainy environment.
While some general contractors may charge lower rates ($50–$80 per hour), prioritizing moisture-resistant solutions over cost-cutting is critical for protecting your home. Scheduling repairs in the fall and setting aside an extra 10–20% for unexpected damage can help manage costs over time. This thoughtful approach not only reduces the risk of recurring repairs but also safeguards your home’s value for the future.
FAQs
What determines the cost of trim repair in Seattle?
The price of trim repair in Seattle can vary based on a few key factors: the severity of the damage, the type of trim involved, and the materials chosen. Another major influence on cost is Seattle’s local labor rates, which can significantly affect the total bill.
For instance, fixing a small, damaged section of trim will generally cost less than replacing larger or more detailed trim work. If you opt for higher-end materials like cedar or composite, expect those to come with a higher price tag compared to standard wood. Also, if the repair involves addressing problems like dry rot or moisture damage, the cost can rise. These issues often require more in-depth work to ensure your home’s structure remains protected.
Why should moisture-resistant materials be used for trim repair in Seattle’s climate?
Seattle’s rainy weather and high humidity create a tough environment for exterior trim. Traditional wooden trim often struggles in these conditions, as it can rot, peel, or suffer water damage over time – leading to expensive repairs. That’s why moisture-resistant materials like fiber cement or treated wood are a smart choice. These materials are built to handle Seattle’s wet climate, helping to prevent rot and keeping your home’s structure intact.
Choosing these durable options not only protects your home from moisture problems but also cuts down on long-term maintenance costs. Plus, they help your exterior trim stay strong and look great, even in Seattle’s challenging weather.
Does Seattle’s steep terrain impact the cost of trim repair?
Yes, the steep terrain in certain Seattle neighborhoods can impact the cost of trim repair. Homes situated on hillsides or in areas with difficult access often need extra labor and specialized equipment, which can drive up expenses. Contractors typically account for these factors when providing estimates, so it’s a good idea to mention any access challenges during your initial discussions.