Embarking on a home remodel in Portland can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With the city’s unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation, there’s much to consider to ensure your renovation is successful.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from initial planning and budgeting to selecting the right contractors and materials. Whether you’re updating a classic Craftsman home or adding a contemporary touch to a mid-century gem, our guide will give you the knowledge and tips you need for a smooth and successful Portland home remodel.
Defining What Success Means To You
If you’re going to have a successful Portland home remodel, it’s important to define what success means to you before you begin. This includes knowing your end goal and deciding why you’re renovating your home in the first place.
Are you thinking of selling and want to raise the resale value? Do you plan on staying here for years and want a new look and feel to your living space? Is there a lot of wear and tear and it’s just time for an update? Knowing your end goal will help you decide how extensively you need to renovate, and which components to prioritize.
Creating A Budget
During the planning process, every successful renovation needs a budget. Once you determine your end goal for the project, it will be easier to create a budget that makes sense.
Remember also that a good home remodeling contractor will guide you through the budgeting process – you will need their expert insight in order to create a realistic budget that you are happy with to move forward on your remodel. Every good budget also includes a contingency fund for unexpected expenses that are sure to come up during your project.
Take The Time To Prep
For most people, a successful home remodel is one that’s as simple and straightforward as possible. An awful lot of potential problems can be mitigated before the real work even begins.
This means taking the time to declutter, moving items that are in the renovation zone, or even getting a storage unit that’s located outside the house or an on-site storage pod to keep your belongings safe during the remodeling process.
If you have kids or pets, this is also a good time to plan safe spaces for them while the reno is taking place. If you are planning a kitchen remodel, you’ll want to keep out frequently used items and small appliances to create a temporary kitchen in another room.
Keep Your Daily Routine In Mind
No Portland home remodel guide would be complete without considering your daily routine. With contractors or subcontractors working inside your house for long hours each day, you’ll want to think about your daily routine to create the least amount of disruption. If you work from home for example, this may include finding an alternate location to set up your “office” while there are workers coming in and out of your home.
Plan Ahead For Outages
Depending on the nature of your remodeling project, you may be looking at both plumbing and electrical outages at various points of the project. If you are having all bathrooms in the home remodeled, talk to your contractor about staggering them in order to maintain access to a toilet and shower during the renovation. If you’ll have to go without electricity, work with your contractor to try and plan outages during times when there isn’t anyone home, or during the daylight hours.
Permits Will Be Necessary
If your Portland home remodeling project is truly to be successful, you’re going to need the necessary permits. Building permits are needed to make sure your project meets structural and fire safety requirements.
The good news? When you work with a reputable company like ReCraft, you won’t have to spend a moment of your own time at the permit office. And neither do we! That’s because we are members of the FIR (Field Issuance Remodel) Program. This means that we have our own dedicated City of Portland inspector for every remodel we undertake from start to finish, who takes care of obtaining the required permits to do the job.
Not only does this save us (and you) hours of waiting in line at the permit center and avoids contractors having to work around a tight window of time when a random inspector will arrive at the jobsite, it results in consistency during a remodel, as we work with the same inspector on all facets of the project. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Designate A Reno-Free Zone
It’s no secret that home renovation projects can be messy and a little chaotic. This is why it’s a good idea to designate a renovation-free zone where your family can gather together and relax away from the construction. If it’s possible to make it a temporary functional space, all the better.
Tips For Choosing A High-Quality Home Remodel Contractor In Portland
Of course, the best way to ensure you have a wonderful experience with your home renovation is to work with a reputable home remodeling contractor in Portland. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Do Your Research: Look for contractors with good reputations. Check online reviews, ratings, and testimonials from previous clients. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors who have had positive experiences with local contractors. And don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Verify Credentials: Make a point of ensuring any contractor you use is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Check to see if they have professional certifications from recognized organizations.
Review Portfolio and Past Projects: Ask to see a portfolio of the contractor’s previous work. This gives you an idea of their style, quality, and experience with similar projects. You may even want to visit completed projects if possible, or ask for references to speak with past clients.
Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain detailed quotes from at least three contractors. This allows you to compare prices, timelines, and the scope of work. But be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as this is a big red flag.
Understand Your Contract: Review the contract carefully before signing. It should include detailed information about the project, costs, timeline, payment schedule, and warranties.
Ask About Subcontractors: Find out if the contractor uses subcontractors and if so, ensure they are qualified and experienced.
Set Clear Expectations: Discuss and agree on the project timeline, work hours, and how changes will be handled. Establish how the work area will be maintained, including cleanup and protection of your property.
Trust Your Instincts: Choose a contractor you feel comfortable with and trust. A good working relationship is essential for a successful remodel project. Be wary of contractors who pressure you to make quick decisions or request large upfront payments.
Let Us Be Part Of Your Successful Remodeling Project
At ReCraft Home Remodeling, we offer a wide range of home remodeling services in the Portland area. We have a deep understanding of “all things Portland” and have worked on every type of home in the area, including Portland Foursquare, American Ranch, Victorian, Colonial, Mid-Century Modern Split-Levels, and Bungalows.
Call us today at 503-939-9782 or click here to submit your remodeling project details.