10 Minute Bids
Design criteria

What Seattle builds to.

The design numbers each jurisdiction publishes, the ones the trusses, bracing, roofing and plumbing on your plans are drawn to.

Seattle: published design criteria
WhereSnow loadDesign wind speedSeismic design categoryFrost depthIce barrier requiredWinter design temp.Energy code climate zone
Seattle20 psf (ground)98 mphD212 inNo—4C
Burien25 psf (ground)110 mphD212 inNo24 °F4C

Sources: Seattle: Seattle Council Bill 120832 / Ordinance 127108 · Burien: City of Burien. Read 2026-09-28. Climate zones: Washington State Energy Code, Table R301.1. Every number is as the jurisdiction publishes it (its design criteria for houses, IRC Table R301.2(1)); a dash means it isn't published. Your lot can differ with elevation and exposure, so confirm it with the building department before you order.

Where

Seattle towns.

Seattle. Next door: Shoreline & Lake Forest Park · South King County · Eastside. Every area

Questions

Takeoffs in Seattle

Do you do takeoffs for houses in Seattle?

Yes: any house in Seattle, and anywhere else. You upload the plan set; nothing has to be built yet.

Which trades can I order?

Metal and shingle roofing, siding, framing, electrical, plumbing, exterior and interior painting, flooring and finish carpentry, one trade or the whole house, all measured off the same 3D model.

Does it cost more in Seattle?

No. The price is the same everywhere and you see it before you pay. The 3D model is included, and each trade after the first in the same order is half price.