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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects in Portland, Oregon, and a smart way to increase home value during a home renovation Portland homeowners can be proud of. Whether you're dreaming of a modern spa-like retreat or just want to refresh your outdated guest bath, understanding the average price and cost of a bathroom remodel in Portland is essential to planning your project—and your budget—effectively.