Navigating the Remodeling Journey

By Lane Cooper, COOPER Design Build

Finding the ideal Portland dream home is sometimes more elusive than one might think. Whether you’re struggling to find the perfect property while house hunting or realizing your current residence is falling short of its potential, remodeling might be the perfect solution for you. 

Designing and building a bespoke home that addresses your family’s specific needs and wants is a great way to create a space you’ll love for many years to come. As remodelers, one question we are often asked is, “How long will a remodel take?” While there isn’t one definitive answer (each project will have nuances and features that affect the timeline) you can generally estimate that a kitchen or primary suite remodel will spend 3-4 months in construction and additions or full-floor remodels will be in construction for 5-7 months. However, that does not take into account the design and selection phases of the project, which will add, on average, 3-5 months to the schedule.

One approach to remodeling is called design-build. This features a single company handling both the design and construction aspects of the project. With design-build, you have one team seamlessly guiding you from conception through completion. This synergy between disciplines creates a more efficient system that helps keep your project on time and on budget.

Most people think there are simply two parts of the remodeling process: design and construction. However, a more accurate model is broken into 4 phases: design/feasibility, pre-construction/selections, construction, and warranty. Here’s what you can expect in each of the phases.

Design/Feasibility | 6-8 weeks

Embarking on a remodel can feel like stepping into a dizzying swirling of uncertainties around costs and timelines. This phase focuses on answering those questions by getting your ideas on paper and creating design plans. The first step is conducting a thorough assessment of your home to create “as built” plans of the current layout. Your designer then takes the information you’ve shared about the issues you want to solve, as well as your personal style to create preliminary plans. The conceptual design continues to be refined and revised until you love it. Once the design plans are finalized, you’ll have a well-researched and realistic budget and timetable for your remodel.

Pre-Construction/Selections | 8-12 weeks

This is the exciting part where your dreams start emerging into reality! Working with your design team, you’ll select the materials, fixtures, and finishes that pull together your design. From countertops to flooring and paint colors, everything starts adding character and depth to your design. While you’re selecting materials, your conceptual plans are developed into engineered building plans that are submitted for permits. At the end of this phase, you’ll receive a refined, fixed-price construction agreement based on your specific selections.

Construction | 4-9+ months

It’s now time to realize your vision and build the wonderful remodel you’ve envisioned. But, before construction begins, you’ll need to move out of the space. Remodeling can be stressful with the noise, dust, and interruptions that come with construction, so it’s recommended that you completely vacate your home for this phase, especially if you have children, pets, or work from home. Many client who are remodeling a newly purchased home opt to not move in and rather stay in their existing home until construction is complete. Another option is finding a home you can rent on a month-to-month basis. 

After the space is cleared out, demolition begins. You’ll be able to see the progress of the remodel during regularly scheduled on-site team meetings, where you’ll also review the budget, timeline, and any issues that arise.

Warranty

Most people think the remodel ends once the construction is complete. But your design-build company should offer you a warranty with regularly scheduled touchpoints. This ensures your new home functions properly and you can focus on enjoying the new space. 

From meticulous design to expert craftsmanship, the remodeling process is a great solution to create a home that represents your personal style, meets the needs of your family, and provides a sanctuary for relaxing and recharging. With proper planning and partnership, remodeling can be an exciting reinvention, full of possibilities.

Lane Cooper is the Founder & President of COOPER Design Build. With over 30 years of experience, he is a remodeling expert and small business owner who combines architectural talent, business acumen, and dedication to client satisfaction to create exceptional spaces that transform houses into homes. With a personalized approach, seamless integration of design and construction, and a commitment to delivering long-term value, Lanes’ work leaves an indelible mark in the industry, making him a trusted and sought-after remodeling professional.