Family-Owned & Community-Rooted Since 1997
WHO WE ARE
"Always remember, construction can be fun."
Our Story
Since 1997, we've been showing up for homeowners across the Greater Seattle Eastside — in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Mercer Island, Woodinville, Issaquah, and beyond. Project by project, relationship by relationship, we built a reputation that we're incredibly proud of.
What started as one person's commitment to quality has grown into a multigenerational team — Ken, Josh, Chris, and Jason — each bringing their own expertise and the same core belief: that a home is one of the most important things in a person's life, and it deserves to be treated that way.
Over 25 years and hundreds of projects later, that belief hasn't changed. Neither has our standard.
Our Philosophy
Craftsmanship
We don't cut corners. Ever. From the materials we specify to the finishing details most people never notice, we hold every project to a standard we'd be proud to put our name on — because we do put our name on it.
Honest Communication
We believe in straight talk. Clear timelines, transparent pricing, and real conversations when something comes up. You'll always know where your project stands — and you'll never have to chase us down for an update.
Personal Accountability
When you hire Total Developments, you're not a ticket in a system. Ken, Josh, Chris, and Jason are personally accountable for every project we take on. If something isn't right, we make it right — no excuses, no runaround.
Community First
We've worked on the Eastside for over 25 years. These are our neighbors, our communities, and the places our families call home. We take that seriously — in the way we work, the way we operate, and the standard we hold ourselves to on every job.
OUR WORK
Why Choose the Total Developments Team?
When you choose Total Developments, you're not just hiring a construction crew — you're partnering with a team that has spent over 25 years earning the trust of Eastside homeowners. We believe in straight talk, reliable timelines, and keeping you informed every step of the way. Ken, Josh, Chris, and Jason are personally invested in every project, because we know the details are what turn a house into a home you'll love for years to come.
Does my project need permits?
Whether you will need permits or not depends on the type of project you're working on.
Projects that typically require a permit:
- Building a new house, garage, or addition
- Finishing a basement, attic, or garage into living space
- Adding or removing walls
- Decks more than ~30 inches high
- Retaining walls 4 ft or taller
- Electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
- Patio covers, carports, or porches
- Detached sheds over ~200 sq ft
- Replacing windows/doors if it changes the opening size
Projects that DO NOT typically require a permit:
- Painting
- Flooring
- Cabinets or countertops
- Cosmetic interior work
- Small sheds under ~200 sq ft with no electrical/plumbing
- Low-voltage outdoor lighting
Should we hire the cheaper estimate we received?
It depends on why they’re cheaper. A lower price can be great—or a warning sign. Before deciding, compare contractors on a few key factors:
1. Scope of Work -
Make sure the bids include the same work and materials. A cheaper contractor might:
- Use lower-quality materials
- Skip steps (permits, prep work, cleanup)
- Leave out parts of the job that will become extra charges later
2. Reputation & Experience -
Check the following:
- Reviews and references
- Photos of past projects
- Years doing similar work
A contractor with solid experience may save you money by avoiding mistakes and delays.
3. Licensing, Insurance, and Permits -
Confirm they have:
- Proper licensing for your area
- Liability insurance and worker’s comp
- Willingness to pull permits if required
If they don’t, you could be financially responsible if something goes wrong.
4. Communication & Professionalism -
Notice how they handle:
- Written estimates
- Clear timelines
- Responsiveness to questions
Poor communication early usually means bigger issues during the project.
5. Price Outliers
If one bid is much lower than the others, it often means:
- They misunderstood the project
- Plan to cut corners
- Will charge change orders later
What seperates a great contractor from an average or below average contractor?
- Clear communication from the beginning of initial intro meeting. It sets the tone for the entire project and what the consumer gets.
- Detailed planning and organizing.
- Quality control of project of trades.
- Finical transparency.
- Problem solving ability.
- Reputation and reviews.
Do we need a designer?
Whether you need a designer or not typically depends on the scope of the project.
You probably don’t need a designer when:
- You’re doing simple updates (paint, flooring, fixtures)
- You already know exactly what you want
The layout isn’t changing
- Your contractor helps with basic selections
Example: replacing cabinets, countertops, and appliances in the same layout.
- A good contractor can often handle this without a separate designer.
A designer is very helpful when:
- You’re changing the layout
- Moving plumbing, walls, or electrical
- Doing a kitchen or bathroom gut remodel
- You want a cohesive style and material plan
- You’re overwhelmed with hundreds of product choices
Designers also help prevent costly problems like:
- Cabinets not fitting
- Bad traffic flow
- Lighting placed incorrectly
- Materials that clash
Contact
(206) 271-0265
Service Areas
Redmond | Bellevue | Seattle
Sammamish | Issaquah | Woodinville
Total Developments 2026