One of the biggest decisions homeowners face when planning a remodel is choosing between a traditional general contractor and hiring a design-build firm. Both models can produce excellent results for your dream home, but each comes with its own workflow, communication style, and best-fit project types.

This guide explains the differences, when each option makes sense, and how Amplified Renovations operates as a flexible design-build general contractor to support both paths.

Finding the right home remodeling company in Portland can be the difference between a seamless renovation and a stressful, costly project. With hundreds of contractors across the metro area, it helps to know what separates a reliable, high-quality remodeling company from the rest.

This guide walks you through what to look for, how to compare remodeling bids, and how to choose the right partner for your project in Portland, Oregon.

This guide breaks everything down into simple, homeowner-friendly terms so you can evaluate your basement before meeting with a contractor. And don’t worry, almost every basement has issues at first. Low ceilings, narrow stairs, small windows, and moisture are common in older PNW homes. There are usually fixes, work-arounds, or design solutions that help bring spaces up to code.

Thinking about a kitchen addition for your Portland or Vancouver home? If your current kitchen feels cramped, outdated, or simply not functional for the way you live today, adding square footage can be one of the smartest and highest-ROI improvements you can make. Unlike a traditional kitchen remodel that works within your existing footprint, a kitchen addition expands your home’s usable space, creating room for a larger layout, better storage, improved flow, and modern features that older Northwest homes often lack.

Whether you're hoping to finish an attic, create a legal bedroom, add a bathroom, or bring more natural light into your home, understanding the full cost of a dormer addition is essential. This guide breaks down the true cost of dormer additions in the Pacific Northwest, including structural work, interior finishing, permits, engineering, long-term maintenance, and return on investment.

Dormers play a crucial role in how PNW homeowners expand existing homes without increasing the footprint, a major advantage in neighborhoods where lot sizes, zoning restrictions, and historic overlays limit traditional additions. When designed well, a dormer can transform an attic or half-story into a bright, functional bedroom, bathroom, office, or bonus room, dramatically increasing a home’s livability and resale value.

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.