A comprehensive, agent-focused guide to understanding PNW home construction, common issues, remodel timelines, permitting, ADUs, and high-ROI upgrades. Designed for Portland and Vancouver real estate professionals who want clearer insights, better client conversations, and reliable local data.

Planning a bathroom remodel is exciting,  but finding the right bathroom remodeling services in Portland can make or break your project. Between vintage plumbing, moisture-heavy Northwest weather, and tight permit timelines, Portland homes present unique remodeling project challenges for general contractors.

Before you sign a contract or hand over a deposit, asking the right questions helps you choose a contractor who’s qualified, transparent, and aligned with your vision.

The kitchen work triangle is a time-tested design principle that defines the most efficient relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator, the three most-used points in any kitchen, therefore creating a triangle in the kitchen.

While both an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and a home addition expand your living space, they serve different purposes. In Portland, the decision often comes down to how you want to use the space: multigenerational living, rental income, or simply a larger home for yourself.

Your kitchen is the heart of your home. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings, meal prepping during the week, or just enjoying your morning coffee, it’s a space you use every day. A kitchen renovation is more than a facelift; it’s an investment in comfort, function, and long-term value.

Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are famous for their lush greenery, mild summers, and… wet, chilly winters. But anyone who has lived through a January ice storm in the West Hills, watched sleet blow across Mt. Tabor, or felt the bitter winds sweeping through Camas knows the Pacific Northwest can deliver sudden cold snaps that put your home at risk. 

Winters in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA are no joke. Heavy rain, melting snow, and sudden cold snaps can expose even well-maintained homes to costly water damage. In 2024 alone, Oregon saw $47.6 million in property damage from winter weather events, with an arctic blast causing $72 million in damage across 16 counties. Washington ranks among the top 10 states for expensive winter weather damage, underscoring the need for proactive preparation.

For many homeowners in Portland and Vancouver, the kitchen isn’t just a place to cook; it’s where family life happens, where guests gather, and where design choices set the tone for the rest of the home. But not every kitchen is designed to keep up with today’s lifestyle. Older Craftsman homes often have narrow galley kitchens, while suburban ranches may feel closed off from the rest of the living space or dining area. 

Starting a home renovation, addition, or new build in Portland? You’ll likely need one or more permits before you begin. The City of Portland oversees permitting to ensure safety, compliance, and quality. Thanks to online tools, it’s easier than ever to transition from planning to approval.

Choosing the “best” kitchen sink isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. The right choice depends on your priorities, durability (wear and tear), maintenance needs, noise control, sink installation style, aesthetic appeal, counter space, and budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of different sink materials, styles, and gauges, plus share our local insights from the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA areas.

Historic home remodeling can be challenging. The goal is to integrate modern conveniences without losing the craftsmanship and charm that make these properties unique. For homeowners in Portland, Vancouver, and other Pacific Northwest communities, this means creating a home that functions like new while keeping the timeless details that define its character.

A finished basement is one of the most effective ways to expand your home’s usable living space without building an addition. For homeowners in Vancouver, WA, basement remodeling offers the chance to transform your basement by adding a guest suite, home office, media room, gym, or income-producing rental unit.

If you're planning a home remodel in Camas, WA, it's crucial to pay attention to detail and understand the local permitting process before construction begins. Whether you're revamping your kitchen, building a new addition, starting a bathroom remodel, or finishing a basement, permits play a central role in giving you peace of mind and keeping your project safe, legal, and on schedule. In this guide, we'll walk you through how permitting works in Camas, which authority handles your specific property, and what to expect in terms of costs, timelines, and local insights.

But before you break ground, it's important to understand how zoning rules, permitting steps, design constraints, and utility logistics all shape your timeline and budget. This guide focuses specifically on non-ADU home additions in the Vancouver and Clark County area, giving you clear, locally relevant information to plan your project with confidence.

Whether you're opening up your layout, upgrading worn materials with high-quality ones, or preparing your home for resale, a well-planned kitchen remodel adds serious value. In this guide, we’ll walk you through remodeling contractor tips tailored to Camas homes, provide important local permitting insights, and recommend materials that perform well in our Pacific Northwest climate.

If you live in a classic Portland bungalow or craftsman home, chances are your bathroom is on the smaller side. That’s no surprise, as many of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods, such as Sellwood-Moreland, Alameda, and Mt. Tabor, are filled with early 20th-century homes that weren’t exactly designed with modern bathrooms in mind. In this post, we’ll cover smart remodeling ideas tailored to Portland homes, including layout tips, storage hacks, and locally inspired design touches that pack a big punch, even in the smallest spaces.

Exterior home painting is one of the most transformative improvements you can make to your Portland property. It enhances curb appeal, protects your siding from the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate, and adds value to your home. But how much should you expect to spend?

The cost of exterior painting in Portland, OR can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size and condition of your home, the materials used, and whether you hire professionals or go the DIY route. In this guide, we’ll break down what affects pricing and what you can expect to pay in 2025.

Portland's unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation makes kitchen design and remodeling both exciting and nuanced. The region's distinctive architecture, ranging from 1920s Craftsman bungalows and mid-century ranches to modern ADUs, means homeowners must consider how their cabinet choices fit the overall character of the home.

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically enhance your home's curb appeal and protect its surfaces from the elements. But before you open that first can of exterior paint, proper preparation is key. Without adequate preparation, even the best-quality paint can peel, blister, or fade prematurely. 

In the Pacific Northwest, where the weather can shift from rainy to sunny within hours, thorough surface preparation becomes even more crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of properly preparing your Vancouver or Portland-area home for exterior painting.

Thinking about adding more space to your existing home? Whether you're accommodating a growing family or just looking to enhance your property value, a home expansion in Portland is a major investment that requires expert guidance. In Portland, where space is often limited and building codes are strict, finding the right home addition contractor is crucial to a successful project.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before starting your home addition project in Portland, from common types of additions to pricing, permitting, and choosing the right contractor.