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. 

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.

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.

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.

Many Vancouver, WA homeowners are familiar with the challenges of a small kitchen. Limited space, insufficient storage, and cramped layouts can make cooking and entertaining feel stressful rather than enjoyable. However, even the smallest kitchens hold great potential. With careful kitchen design and smart remodeling, your small kitchen can become a functional, beautiful, and welcoming space. In this blog, we'll explore expert tips, solutions, and ideas specifically made for kitchen remodeling in Vancouver, WA.