Your Resource for Understanding Remodeling Costs
One of the biggest questions we get is "How much will my home remodel cost?" For many homeowners this is the starting point of their remodeling journey. As a Portland home remodeling company that's been in business since 2008, we've answered this question many times. We've created (and structured) this home remodeling cost guide to make it really easy for you to quickly find the information you need. Here are the different chapters in this guide.
Chapter 1: Material Costs in Home Remodeling
Chapter 2: DIY vs Contractor vs Design-Build
Chapter 3: Remodel Cost by Home Style & Project Type
Chapter 4: Budgeting and Financing Your Home Remodel
Chapter 5: Timing Your Remodel — When to Start and What to Expect
Chapter 6: What Drives Remodeling Costs? Final Budget Factors to Consider
How to Use This Guide
Each chapter addresses a specific aspect of remodeling costs. You can move through the guide from start to finish for a comprehensive understanding, or jump directly to the chapters most relevant to your current project phase. Here's a bit more info on each chapter included.
Chapter 1: Material Costs
Understanding what materials actually cost in today's market
Learn what truly drives the cost of everything from lumber to tile to cabinetry in Portland's remodeling market, and why those costs fluctuate over time. Get beyond the sticker shock to understand value-based material selection.
Key Topics:
- Current material cost trends in the Portland market
- Supply chain factors affecting availability and pricing
- Quality tiers and their long-term value implications
- Sustainable and locally-sourced material options
- How to evaluate where to invest and where to save
Read Chapter 1: Material Costs →
Chapter 2: DIY, Contractors or Design Build
Comparing execution models and their cost implications
The professionals you hire significantly impact both cost and outcome. This chapter breaks down the different approaches to executing your remodel in Portland and their respective price points.
Key Topics:
- Design-build firms vs. general contractors vs. DIY approaches
- Cost structures and typical markups for each model
- Hidden costs and budget safeguards
- Portland's contractor landscape and availability challenges
- How to evaluate bids and proposals beyond the bottom line
Read Chapter 2: DIY, Contractors, or Design Build →
Chapter 3: What Type of Home Do You Have?
How your home's architectural style affects your budget
Portland's diverse housing stock ranges from 1890s Victorians to 1950s Ranches to modern infill. This chapter examines how your specific home style impacts remodeling costs and approaches.
Key Topics:
- Remodel consideration by home style (Craftsman, Bungalow, etc.)
- Remodel considerations by project type (Addition, Bathroom, Basement etc.)
Read Chapter 3: What Type of Home Do You Have? →
Chapter 4: Budgeting & Financing
Creating realistic budgets and exploring payment options
Understanding how to build an appropriate budget and secure favorable financing is crucial to a successful remodel. This chapter explores the financial planning aspect of your project.
Key Topics:
- Setting realistic remodeling budgets
- Comparing six financing options
- High interest rate timing
- Long-term ROI investment perspective
Read Chapter 4: Budgeting & Financing →
Chapter 5: Timing Your Remodel
When to schedule your project for optimal cost and availability
Market timing, seasonal factors, and current events all impact remodeling costs and contractor availability in Portland. Learn how to time your project strategically.
Key Topics:
- Seasonal impacts on remodeling costs and timelines
- Current contractor availability and lead times in Portland
- Material price volatility and ordering strategies
- Permitting timeline considerations by neighborhood
- Phasing strategies to manage cash flow and disruption
Read Chapter 5: Timing Your Remodel →
Chapter 6: Will Your Remodel Pay Off? Understanding Your Investment
Calculating true costs and evaluating financial impacts
Beyond the sticker price, understanding the complete financial picture of your remodel requires thoughtful analysis. This chapter provides tools and frameworks for sound decision-making.
Chapter 6: Will Your Remodel Pay Off? Understanding Your Investment →
Have Questions About Your Remodel?
Every project is unique, and general guidelines can only take you so far. If you have specific questions about your remodeling project costs schedule a consultation with our team.
Last updated: May 2025. Portland remodeling costs typically increase 3-5% annually; all figures reflect current market conditions at time of publication.
