Bungalow Home Remodel Guide
Bungalows captivate us with their cozy dimensions, handcrafted details, and unpretentious charm. These beloved homes welcome with their signature front porches, showcase beautiful woodwork, and offer efficient use of space through built-ins and thoughtful layouts. Their warm character and human scale create an instant sense of home that continues to draw admirers more than a century after their heyday.
At Lamont Bros, we remodel homes all over the Pacific Northwest, including many cherished bungalows. Learn more about Portland Home Remodeling services. As a design-build firm, we bring comprehensive insight into both the aesthetic and structural aspects of bungalow renovations. Our experience has shown us that while these homes offer timeless appeal, they also present unique considerations when updating for modern living.
Unique Bungalow Remodel Details
Most bungalows were built between 1900 and 1930, with a major boom in the 1910s and 1920s. Remodeling these homes involves honoring their historical charm while improving functionality. Here's a quick snapshot of what makes bungalow remodeling unique:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Home Age | 90–120 years |
| Common Remodel Projects | Kitchen and bathroom updates, attic conversions, basement finishing, floor plan modifications |
| Architectural Details to Preserve | Exposed rafter tails, built-ins, wood windows, wide front porches |
| Design Challenges | Small footprint, compartmentalized layout, aging infrastructure |
| Portland-Specific Concerns | Moisture control, historic district rules, proper insulation |
Common Bungalow Remodeling Projects
Kitchen Updates
Original bungalow kitchens were designed as functional workspaces rather than gathering areas. Today’s homeowners typically seek to transform these spaces while honoring the home’s craftsmanship.
Popular Kitchen Updates:
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Opening kitchen to dining room while preserving original archways
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Creating more counter space and storage
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Adding islands where space permits
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Installing period-appropriate cabinetry with modern functionality
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Incorporating vintage-inspired fixtures and lighting
Design Tip: Inset cabinet doors, furniture-style toe kicks, and traditional bin pulls maintain period authenticity while allowing for modern conveniences like dishwashers and microwaves concealed behind paneled fronts.
People often remodel the kitchen in their bungalow home. To learn more about what your kitchen remodel might cost, visit our Kitchen Remodeling Cost Calculator.
View this Portland Bungalow Kitchen Remodel portfolio
Bathroom Renovations
Bungalows typically had just one modest bathroom with basic fixtures, presenting challenges for modern families.
Popular Bathroom Updates:
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Adding a second bathroom (often by converting a small bedroom or closet)
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Expanding existing bathrooms
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Installing period-appropriate fixtures and tile
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Adding modern conveniences like heated floors
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Creating master bathrooms in homes with shared baths
Design Tip: Hexagonal floor tile, subway wall tile, pedestal sinks, and fixtures with cross handles all honor bungalow heritage while providing modern performance.
People often remodel the bathroom in their bungalow home. For project costs, visit our Bathroom Remodeling Cost Calculator.
Space Optimization
The compact footprint of bungalows often necessitates creative solutions for gaining space.
Popular Space-Gaining Projects:
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Finishing basements to add living area
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Converting attics to bedrooms or bonus rooms
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Adding dormers to create more headroom in upper levels
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Creating built-in storage solutions throughout
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Thoughtful additions that respect the original architecture
Design Tip: When planning additions, consider extending off the back to preserve the classic front façade that gives bungalows their street appeal.
Explore costs using our Basement Remodel Cost Calculator and Addition Cost Calculator.
View this bathroom addition Portfolio
Opening Up Floor Plans
Modern living often demands more openness than bungalows originally offered, but this must be balanced with preserving character.
Popular Floor Plan Updates:
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Removing walls between kitchen and dining rooms
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Creating sight lines through public spaces while maintaining some room definition
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Widening doorways between rooms
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Improving flow without sacrificing the bungalow’s inherent coziness
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Strategically removing walls while preserving built-ins and wood details
Design Tip: Rather than creating completely open concept spaces (which can feel at odds with bungalow architecture), consider defined but connected rooms using cased openings, columns, or partial walls.
Foundation & Structural Improvements
Many bungalows need foundational work due to their age and original construction methods.
Common Structural Projects:
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Foundation repair or replacement
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Seismic retrofitting for earthquake resilience
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Floor leveling and joist reinforcement
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Addressing settlement issues
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Repairing water or pest damage to framing
Design Tip: Foundation work provides an opportunity to increase basement ceiling height and improve drainage around the perimeter of your home.
Learn about repairing the foundation in your historic Portland home.
System Updates
The mechanical systems in century-old bungalows typically need comprehensive updating.
Common System Projects:
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Replacing knob-and-tube wiring with modern electrical
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Upgrading electrical panel capacity
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Replacing old plumbing pipes
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Installing energy-efficient HVAC systems
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Adding proper insulation without damaging original walls
Design Tip: Preserve original elements when possible—like insulating behind plaster or weatherstripping windows rather than replacing them.
Exterior Character Preservation
Preserving the exterior character is essential to maintaining a bungalow’s curb appeal and architectural value.
Exterior Priorities:
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Roof repairs or replacements for low-pitched designs
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Restoring porch columns, railings, and detailing
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Repairing decorative brackets and exposed rafters
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Preserving or restoring original wood siding and windows
These features are often defining characteristics in Portland’s historic neighborhoods.
Aging in Place in Bungalows
Bungalows’ single-story layouts and accessible entries make them ideal candidates for aging-in-place upgrades.
Popular Aging-in-Place Features:
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Main-level bathroom upgrades with curbless showers
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Widened doorways and hallways
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Lever handles and touchless faucets
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Slip-resistant flooring
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Voice-activated lighting and climate control
With thoughtful upgrades, a bungalow can remain comfortable and functional for decades.
Cost Considerations for Bungalow Remodels
Remodeling costs for bungalows in Portland vary by scope but are shaped by common age-related repairs and historical preservation.
Foundation & Structural Work
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Foundation repairs: $5,000–$25,000
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Seismic retrofitting: $3,000–$10,000
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Floor joist reinforcement: $2,000–$8,000
System Modernization
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Electrical system replacement: $8,000–$15,000
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Plumbing system updates: $5,000–$15,000
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HVAC installation: $10,000–$20,000
Character Preservation
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Restoring original woodwork: $5,000–$15,000
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Repairing decorative elements: $3,000–$10,000
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Matching period materials: Often 20–30% more expensive
Popular Remodel Costs in Portland
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Bathroom renovation: $15,000–$35,000
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Basement remodel: $35,000–$75,000
Considerations for Portland Homeowners
Historic Designations
Many Portland bungalows are in designated historic districts or conservation zones. Before remodeling, check your home’s status in the Portland Historic Resources Inventory.
Climate-Specific Considerations
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Ensure proper flashing around dormers and penetrations
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Waterproof basements before finishing
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Proper attic ventilation and insulation
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Maintain original wood elements against moisture
Local Resources
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Portland design-build firms with bungalow experience
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Salvage yards like Rebuilding Center for matching materials
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Historic preservation support via Restore Oregon
Permit Requirements
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Building permits for remodels and structural work
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Trade permits for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems
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Design review in designated districts
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Energy code compliance
Wrapping Up
Bungalow remodeling requires balancing the charm of historic architecture with modern livability. When done well, these projects celebrate original craftsmanship, improve function, and extend the life of one of Portland’s most cherished housing styles.
Would you like to discuss how to approach your specific bungalow remodel? Schedule a conversation with our team to explore possibilities tailored to your home’s unique character.
FAQs: What Bungalow Homeowners Also Ask
Q1: How do I know if my bungalow has historic protections or restrictions?
Start by checking the Portland Historic Resources Inventory or speaking with a local design review specialist.
Q2: What are the best ways to add natural light without altering the façade?
Consider interior transoms, solar tubes, or period-appropriate skylights. Interior paint and flooring choices can also enhance natural light.
Q3: Can I blend modern interior styles with a vintage bungalow?
Absolutely. Scandinavian and minimalist influences can pair well with original wood details—balance is key.
Q4: Are there grants or tax credits for restoring historic bungalows in Portland?
Yes—look into Restore Oregon, local preservation incentives, and the Oregon SHPO for opportunities.
Q5: What are the biggest mistakes in bungalow remodeling?
Over-modernizing floor plans, removing original millwork, or installing incompatible materials like vinyl windows are common pitfalls.
