Being new to the process of home remodeling in Beaverton or the surrounding area of Portland, you likely have questions about how much a remodel will cost, how long it will take, how to best prepare your routine for the disruptions that can come with such a project, and how to select a reliable remodeling company. We've provided a breakdown of the essentials of home remodeling in Beaverton below.

Costs of a Remodel

Depending on the scope and scale of your project, home remodeling, and the Portland metro area can vary dramatically. For instance, one homeowner may choose to refresh their kitchen, while another may want their kitchen completely gutted and rebuilt. Bathrooms are the same way, just on a smaller scale. However, there are hidden costs that homeowners often overlook. When remodeling older homes built before the 1980s, many discover structural or systems issues that weren't readily apparent during the design phase, which can greatly increase a project's cost. 

In addition, permits, which are required for most projects in Washington County, can significantly increase the cost of a project. Getting a detailed estimate is a far better option than asking for a rough, general cost estimate, as it helps clarify exactly where your money is going and where there may be room to trim the budget.

Timeline of a Project

While timelines will vary by the scope and scale of your project, most remodels tend to fall within the following general time frame:

• 6-12 weeks: Kitchen remodels (major or minor)

• 3-6 weeks: Bathroom remodels (major or minor)

• 3-6+ months: Full home remodels/additions

In addition to the scope and scale of your project, weather can also play a factor, especially when it comes to exterior work. As it's the Pacific Northwest, rainy days are a frequent occurrence, and while your contractor can try to limit the impact of rain on your project, it's a good idea to plan projects around the time of year. Another factor that can impact timelines is material lead times.  

Planning Your Daily Life Around Your Remodel

One of the most overlooked aspects of remodeling is how it may impact your day-to-day life. If your kitchen will be completely torn down for two months, do you have another option for cooking or eating? Can you eat at a friend's or your local restaurant more often? Will you have another functional bathroom if yours is being gutted? If it's a full-scale remodel, will you have to relocate temporarily while your home is being renovated? When planning your remodeling project, it's important to consider these questions, and if needed, the options for answering them. Some remodeling companies can help with temporary living arrangements if the project requires them. It's also important to have an honest conversation with your contractor, as a solid project plan can go a long way to limiting the impact on your day-to-day life.

Understanding the Role of Your Contractor

It's important to remember that remodeling companies can differ drastically, so it's crucial to ask the right questions when hiring one. A good contractor should be licensed and insured, provide a detailed contract, and walk you through the timeline of your project and any potential issues that may arise, as it's nearly inevitable that one will. While asking for references and checking online reviews is a good start, it's also important to see samples of work and, if possible, view completed projects in person to ensure quality. Your contractor should also be honest with you about potential complications unique to your project.

Having a Contingency Budget

While you may have an excellent, detailed estimate from your contractor, it's important to budget an additional 10-20% in case any problems are not accounted for in your original estimate. This is commonly referred to as a contingency budget, and it's used to cover unexpected costs, such as unforeseen structural or system issues. Homeowners who don't set aside this additional money tend to be stuck with difficult choices between limiting the project's scope or budget and paying for unexpected expenses.

Permits and Requirements

Depending on the type of work being done, permits may be necessary for your remodeling project in Beaverton and Washington County. This tends to be the case most often when structural or electrical work is being done, but not usually for strictly cosmetic projects. It's always best to ask your contractor which permits and inspections may be necessary for your project.

The Value of a Good Remodel

While the value a remodel adds to your home will vary widely based on your location, property, and project goals, in general, home remodeling can be a great investment. Especially in the competitive Portland area, a kitchen or bathroom remodel can add significantly to the resale value of your home, which, in turn, helps your return on investment. Regarding your goals, it's important to balance them with your budget to ensure you're making the most sensible decision that fits your budget and schedule. It's also important to choose a contractor who is willing to communicate openly throughout the project, rather than only at the beginning and end.

While home remodeling can be stressful, a good contractor and proper planning can make it go smoothly. Lazy Susan Design & Remodeling has the expertise and local knowledge to help you get the remodeling project of your dreams completed on time and within budget for homeowners in Beaverton and the surrounding Portland area.