October 11

10 Portland Home Remodeling Myths

As contractors we know there’s a lot of misconceptions out there about remodeling that not only lead to bad decisions but also keep homeowners from living in the home of their dreams. With this in mind we decided to share some common home remodeling myths, along with facts to help debunk this misleading information.

10 Common Portland Home Remodeling Myths

  1. All Remodeling Investments Increase My Home’s Value

Although it would be nice if this were true, the reality is some remodeling projects see much higher returns than others. In fact, some projects can actually reduce your home’s value, such as removing a bedroom to create a large primary suite, or installing a pool in your backyard. 

portland home remodeling myths - all remodeling investments increase my home's value

Unless this is your forever home, it’s smarter to invest in the right types of remodeling projects that will see the best ROI. Myths about home remodeling ROI are misleading and shouldn’t be trusted without input from your contractor or real estate agent.

  1. My DIY Work Is Just As Good As A Contractor
A person in a flannel shirt operates a circular saw on wooden beams in a Portland home under construction. Various tools and materials are scattered around, embodying the reality of home remodeling beyond the myths.

Although there are some smaller projects that may be manageable for the average DIYer, like painting, when it comes to Portland home remodeling, the work is far too detailed to tackle on your own. Whole home remodeling myths often circle around homeowners trying to save money. However, knocking out walls, dealing with electrical challenges, and common plumbing issues are all tasks best left to the professionals. This will help prevent unexpected issues down the road that can result from DIY attempts, including serious things like electrical fires or your upper floor collapsing!

  1. High-End Materials Appeal To The Average Buyer
portland home remodeling myths - high end materials appeal to the average buyer

Here’s the thing about high-end materials. First, they can be a little too style-specific which can turn the average buyer off. Second, it depends on your neighborhood. If you live in Southwest Hills for example, and invest in the highest quality marble, chandeliers, statement tubs, custom vanities, etc. for your bathroom remodel, you’re more likely to see a payoff because luxury is expected in this area. Do the same in Montavilla or Parkrose on the other hand, and you’ll likely cost yourself out and end up losing money on your investment.

  1. A Bigger Primary Bedroom Is Better Than Having More Bedrooms
A cozy attic bedroom in Portland features a wooden bed, patterned rug, and three large windows. The neutral walls and slanted ceiling are highlighted by a skylight, transforming the space with natural light—almost mythical in its charm. A small lamp completes this enchanting hideaway.

Nope. Buyers want usable space that offers function in the home. While that single buyer might be interested in a home with a massive primary bedroom, the average home buyer needs several bedrooms to accommodate growing families and things like a home office or a guest room. By removing a bedroom to create a bigger primary suite, you’re draining your pool of buyers, which in turn can mean more days on the market and a lower overall selling price.

  1. Bigger Is Always Better (Square Footage-Wise)
A modern basement remodel in Portland features a TV on a blue wall, an orange cabinet, and a rowing machine. This space even includes a practical laundry area with washer and dryer tucked neatly in the background.

This can be true if that bigger space serves a purpose. A massive addition made for your workshop without any insulation, for example, will not provide functional space for the average buyer. Livable (up to code) square footage with purpose like a remodeled basement will sell, while space that isn’t livable becomes a burden. Another example would be creating an unusually large kitchen in a smaller home where having an additional bathroom, bedroom, laundry room, or more storage would have made more sense.

  1. Exterior Remodels Are A Waste of Money
Front porch in Portland featuring two red chairs, a small table, and a pumpkin. Yellow and blue trim adorns the house, with trees and street visible in the background—ideal inspiration for home remodeling projects that break traditional myths.

Not so. An aging home with poor-functioning windows, a leaky roof, or noticeably outdated exteriors can negatively impact curb appeal, which is a turn-off for home buyers. Also, you have to remember exterior upgrades and replacements are necessary to protect your home’s structural integrity, energy efficiency, and overall value. So, depending on the condition of your home’s exterior, the exterior remodel could not only be a smart investment but a necessary one.

  1. Home Remodeling In Portland Requires Lots Of Permits And Paperwork
The entrance to the permit center buzzes with activity, as people seated inside discuss Portland's latest home remodeling trends. A counter on the left awaits inquiries, while a welcome sign beckons overhead.

You know what? This one is actually true, except for one thing: The Field Issuance Remodel (FIR) program. As members of the FIR program, we are linked with a dedicated inspector for all of our jobs so we can get started on projects via email. No waiting in line at the Permit Center or worrying about whether the work completed will be up to code. Everything is done by the book, and pre-planned without all the red tape.

  1. Always Add A Bathroom Over A Bedroom
Modern bathroom in a Portland home, featuring dual sinks, large mirrors, overhead lights, and shelves with plants. A freestanding bathtub adds elegance to the neutral decor, perfect for those looking to dispel myths about stylish home remodeling.

The rooms you add are always relevant to your existing floor plan. If you have three bedrooms and only one bathroom, adding an extra bathroom makes sense. If you have two bathrooms but only two bedrooms, the opposite is true. It’s all about balance and what space is likely to be more useful to an average homeowner.

  1. What Lies Beneath Isn’t Important
A person kneels on the wooden floor, measuring with a tool near exposed wall framing. With pipes and a ladder nearby, this Portland home remodeling project debunks common home remodeling myths with its precision and expertise.

Of all the Portland home remodeling myths we’ve heard, this one is the most dangerous. So many homeowners are willing to overlook serious issues like structural problems, mold, and plumbing woes in order to get their dream remodel. They figure they can just close up the issue behind freshly painted walls and under newly-laid wood flooring, and no one will be the wiser. Unfortunately, this doesn’t change the fact that with serious problems like these, your home is dangerous and not structurally sound. Fixing what lies beneath always trumps cosmetic changes in remodeling projects and there’s no getting around it.

  1. The Lowest Bid Is The Best

Absolutely not! Low bidding is a common strategy used by less experienced or, in some cases, underhanded contractors. They figure you’ll choose them because you think you’ll be getting more bang for your buck. The problem with the lowest bid is these quotes typically fail to include contingencies based on common issues related to the age of your home, the type of renovations you are planning, and even the location of your property. Although you could get lucky and find a contractor who is well-connected and has sources for the best material costs, you need to consider each bid and look for red flags like:

  • Not getting something in writing
  • Bids that come in tens of thousands of dollars lower than the rest
  • Vaguely written quotes that don’t list items line by line
Two people in a room under construction in Portland stand discussing home remodeling plans. The man gestures towards the wall while the woman listens attentively. Insulation and tools are scattered in the background, quietly dispelling myths of effortless renovations.

These red flags help weed out the scammers and less experienced contractors who don’t yet understand true costs. By avoiding the lowest bid, you also avoid the risk of shoddy workmanship and tens of thousands of dollars in hidden and unexpected costs.

These myths and facts about home remodeling in Portland have hopefully clarified your misconceptions and helped you see the potential dangers these myths can present. Use them to keep things in perspective so you go into the remodeling process armed with the truth.

To start your Portland home remodel project off on the right foot, call us today at 503-939-9782 or click here to submit your remodeling project details.


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portland home remodeling myths, remodeling in Portland Oregon


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