News Update : How Seattle’s Minimum Wage Impacts The Construction Industry

Victor K • January 24, 2024

A woman in a black top and black pants is walking down a sidewalk.

Seattle has been one of the first cities to put forward the minimum wage into a legal and national debate. This was done to create economic harmony across all residents of Seattle and its workforce. As the city adapts to the new change, many industries are affected by this, especially the construction industry.

In 2014, the city of Seattle initiated a minimum wage of $15 which brought large implications for all service-based sectors, especially the construction sector. The construction industry in Seattle which plays a huge role in Seattle’s development as well as economic growth has since faced some challenges which are discussed in detail after research by experts at United Seattle.

Cost Increase

The most obvious hindrance in the construction industry is the increase in cost in all sectors. From labor to raw materials to site costs, every cost takes a bump due to increased wages everywhere. This has not only increased the overall cost but reduced the profit margins for all stakeholders.

A roll of money is sitting next to a stack of coins.

Project Delays Due To Cost Escalation

An additional problem in the construction industry in Seattle is in the form of delays due to overall price hikes. Several construction companies have expressed challenges in adhering to project schedules because they must allocate additional resources to meet the newly established wage standards. This has triggered a ripple effect, impacting the timelines for project completion, and potentially discouraging potential investors.

Workforce Impediments

Skilled labor is already on the downfall in the construction industry. With wage standards being set, more skilled workers are asking for raises to compensate for the skill difference. This has urged construction companies to reconsider their compensation structures, further adding to the industry's overall wage bill.

However, the minimum wage has not only brought several challenges to the table but significant improvements as well. Some of the advantages of setting minimum wage in the construction sector include:-

Skilled Labor Holding

The skilled labor of tomorrow is the unskilled labor of today. With minimum wage being decided, many people are turning towards the construction industry building a bigger pool for the developers and contractors to choose from. Not only will this increase the skilled labor in the future but also allow for more retention of the current and new skilled labor by all stakeholders.

Increased Consumer Spending

With low-level workers seeing a rise in their monthly wages, their spending powers increase. This creates a positive ripple effect as they have more to spend injecting more cash into Seattle's economic cycle.

A dollar bill is hanging on a clothes line.

Long Term Advantages

As companies deal with the changes in paying higher minimum wages, the construction industry is starting to adjust. Some companies are doing things more efficiently, using technology, and changing how they work to balance out the extra money they're paying workers. In the long run, these changes could make the construction industry in Seattle stronger and better able to handle challenges.

The Way Forward

As a result, the increase in minimum wage in Seattle has brought both positives and negatives for the construction industry and its workers. However, with time the advantages will take over the disadvantages making the move a smart one. Moreover, all stakeholders in the industry are looking for innovative ways to turn this extra cost into an advantage for the years to come.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Green Building Strategies for DADUs: Sustainable Options in Fashion

By Victor K • July 2, 2025

Green and sustainable construction has become the latest buzzword in the Seattle construction industry. Any commercial subcontractor Seattle will tell you that this is the way forward and if a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle is not offering these services, the projects will dry up quickly, especially the ones associated with ADUs and DADUs. By becoming a trusted name as a building subcontractor Washington who offers green DADU building services, not only do you get more projects but free marketing as well. There are a number of advantages on offer for general contractors as well as homeowners making your commercial construction project management Seattle company an instant hit in a competitive Seattle market. We look at some of the advantages that you instantly gain and offer to your clients as a commercial subcontractor Seattle. The importance of Green DADU The first and foremost thing you should know is that people who are building DADUs in their already completed structures think differently. It is their forward-thinking approach that makes them contact a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle to add a structure to their house. The latest wave of green requirements has taken the Seattle market by storm and any building subcontractor Washington should become an expert before the bandwidth is choked. For subcontractors, this means that simply meeting the code is no longer enough. Clients want DADUs that are net-zero-ready, energy-efficient, and environmentally sound from the ground up. Builders and general contractors are increasingly looking for subs who understand these goals and can contribute solutions, not just labor.

Permitting Process for ADUs in Seattle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Construction Management Subcontractor

By Victor K • June 24, 2025

Before contracting for an ADU in Seattle, it is important to know the different kinds of permits and the processes involved. Since it is usually a legal battle, it becomes a struggle costing you money, time, and reputation in the market. You must also fully understand what constitutes an ADU and its differences from a DADU. Many instances in the past have involved the wrong permit process initiation because of how the state defines an ADU and how your client does it. Let us dive into some of the steps you must take as a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle to ensure that your legal aspect is as good as your construction practice. ADU vs DADU Zoning Laws Seattle/s zoning laws allow the construction of ADU and DADU on most single-family homes. Generically, the difference is between the square footage and setback rules. As a general code, the commercial project management Seattle should additionally check for Lot zones and overlays like environment, public buildings and critical zones, etc. Proper Assessment Pre-planned site assessment is a special art that leads to better end results for any construction management subcontractor. It goes the same for any construction project but specially for an ADU since this is constructed in an already built property . The zone and code violations usually come into play at the end of the project and therefore extreme care should be exercised at the very start. Some of the important aspects to be checked are local zoning laws, lot size, slope, utility access and setbacks. Encourage clients to get a Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV) from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) if the site has complexity.

How Metal Framing Supports Modern Commercial Architecture

By Victor K • June 10, 2025

In today’s fast-paced construction environment, commercial buildings are no longer just boxes built for function—they’re thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect brand identity, sustainability goals, and future adaptability. As a result, modern commercial architecture has evolved dramatically, and so has the way buildings are framed. At the heart of this evolution is metal framing, a construction method that supports design flexibility, structural integrity, and long-term efficiency. From sleek office towers to expansive retail centers, commercial metal framing has become a cornerstone of commercial building design. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways metal framing enhances modern commercial architecture and why it continues to be the preferred choice for architects, engineers, and contractors alike.

We Offer All the Services You Need in One Place! We Will Save You Time and Money!

Call Us at (425) 521-7916 Now to Get a Free Estimate or a Free Consultation for Any of Our Services!