If you’re planning a home remodel in Portland, you’ll probably hear some industry terms that may sound unfamiliar. While contractors use these phrases every day, homeowners might not always know what they mean. Understanding common home remodeling terms can help you feel more confident during your renovation project and make communication with your contractor easier.
Let’s break down some of the home remodeling terms you’re likely to encounter and explain what they mean.
Scope Of Work
The scope of work refers to the complete list of tasks, materials, and services that will be needed for your project. This document outlines everything from demolition to final installations and helps both you and the contractor understand exactly what will be involved in the remodel. It sets expectations and is used to estimate timelines and costs.
For example, if you’re remodeling a bathroom, the scope of work might include removing old fixtures, replacing the tile, installing new plumbing, and updating electrical systems. This comprehensive plan will give you an idea of what will be done at each stage.
Change Order
A change order is a written agreement that modifies the original scope of work. Changes are common during home remodeling, and they might happen if you decide to add an extra feature or if an unexpected issue arises, like finding water damage behind a wall. Change orders are an amendment to the contract to reflect any new work, materials, or timelines.
It’s important to discuss these changes with your contractor right away to avoid misunderstandings about costs and project deadlines. In Portland’s older homes, surprises like outdated wiring or structural issues can lead to necessary change orders during a remodel.
Punch List
The punch list is created near the end of the project and includes any remaining tasks or touch-ups that need to be completed before the remodel is considered finished. It’s basically a to-do list for the contractor to finalize the project. This might include minor things like painting touch-ups, adjusting cabinet doors, or cleaning up construction debris.
Before the contractor wraps up, you’ll walk through your home together and review the punch list to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction.
General Contractor
The general contractor is the main person or company responsible for overseeing your remodel. They coordinate the entire project, manage subcontractors (like electricians and plumbers), and ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
Working with a professional home remodeling company means having a skilled general contractor who understands the unique challenges of Portland homes, from navigating city permits to preserving the architectural integrity of historic buildings.
Subcontractor
A subcontractor is a specialist hired by the general contractor to complete specific parts of the remodel, such as plumbing, electrical work, or painting. Subcontractors are experts in their fields and work alongside the general contractor to bring your project to life.
In Portland, where homes may have older systems that need to be updated, subcontractors play a key role in making sure that everything from plumbing to electrical work is done according to modern standards while respecting the home’s original design.
Permitting
Permitting refers to the process of obtaining official permission from the city to perform certain types of construction or remodeling work. Depending on the scope of your remodel, you may need permits for structural changes, electrical updates, or plumbing modifications. In Portland, strict building codes are in place to ensure that all construction meets safety and environmental standards.
Your contractor will handle the permitting process, but it’s important to be aware that certain projects may take longer if the city requires inspections or approvals. This is particularly important in Portland, where preserving the character of historic homes often involves navigating specific regulations.
Demo (Demolition)
Demo, short for demolition, refers to the process of tearing down parts of your home to make way for the remodel. This might include removing old walls, flooring, cabinets, or fixtures. While it can be exciting to see the old space cleared out, the demo is an important part of the remodel that requires care and precision, especially in older homes with delicate structures or outdated materials like lead paint.
Open Concept
An open-concept design is popular in modern home remodeling. It involves removing walls or barriers between rooms to create a more open, airy space. For example, you might open up the kitchen and living room to make one large, multipurpose area.
While open-concept designs are common in many newer homes, Portland’s older homes often have smaller, more compartmentalized rooms. A professional contractor will help you decide whether an open-concept design makes sense for your home while preserving its unique architectural features.
Floor Plan
A floor plan is a scaled diagram of the layout of your home, showing the arrangement of rooms, walls, doors, and windows. It helps you and your contractor visualize the space and plan changes during the remodel.
If you’re remodeling an older Portland home, understanding the floor plan can help you decide which areas to open up, expand, or reconfigure to better suit your needs.
ADA-Compliant
ADA-compliant refers to home modifications that meet the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These standards make spaces more accessible for individuals with disabilities. In home remodeling, this might include widening doorways, adding ramps, or installing grab bars in bathrooms.
If you’re planning to remodel your home with aging-in-place features in mind, or you have specific accessibility needs, your contractor can help make your home ADA-compliant.
Retrofit
A retrofit involves updating or modifying an existing structure to make it more modern or functional without completely rebuilding it. This is especially common in older Portland homes, where retrofitting can improve energy efficiency, update plumbing and electrical systems, or enhance safety features.
Retrofits allow you to preserve the original charm and character of your home while bringing it up to modern standards.
Fixture
A fixture is a permanent part of your home that is attached to the structure, such as sinks, toilets, and light fixtures. When remodeling, you may choose to update or replace fixtures to match your new design and improve functionality. Choosing the right fixtures is an important part of the remodeling process, as they contribute to both the style and usability of the space.
Understanding these common home remodeling terms can help you feel more prepared and confident as you embark on your remodeling journey. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian home, updating a Mid-Century Modern kitchen, or adding a bathroom to a Portland Foursquare, being familiar with the language of remodeling makes the process much smoother for everyone.
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