Category: Basement
-
Case Study: What Happens When You Hire an Unqualified Contractor?
We’ve all heard the horror stories of unqualified contractors. Perhaps you’ve even experienced it yourself. Whether the result is poor craftsmanship, budget overruns, or a project that lasts months longer than expected, nobody wants to end up with a contractor who lacks the skills or experience to do the job well. At Lamont Bros. Design…
-
Can I Raise The Ceiling Height In My Basement? Yes. Here’s How.
Raising the ceiling in your basement is a complex undertaking requiring careful consideration of structural requirements, local building codes, and foundation work. It is, however, achievable with the right approach. Because the average cost of this type of project falls between $300,000 and $400,000 it might make more sense to expand up or out with…
-
Basement Remodel Cost Breakdown
A basement remodel can be an exciting step for homeowners looking to expand their living space or add a unique touch to their home. Yet, for many, the most pressing question is not about the design or the end result, but rather, “How much will this remodel cost?” Understanding the cost breakdown of a basement…
-
Irvington Basement Remodel
This 1908 Irvington basement was remodeled to transform the laundry room into a more functional and welcoming space, create a family-friendly movie theater room, add a bathroom, and establish a bedroom to double as a “man cave” for the husband’s records and collectibles.
-
Northeast Portland Basement Remodel
project photos Basement Conversion to Home Office & Media Room After 20 years of living in this 1913 craftsman-style home in Northeast Portland, the homeowners decided it was time to remodel their basement. They knew that they wanted to increase the living space in their home to accommodate for changes in their lifestyle, and the…
-
How to Add a Bar to Your Basement
For as long as basements have existed, people have been drinking in them. But what makes the difference between an unrefined weeknight bottom-shelf tequila bender and a sophisticated socialite’s respectable evening cocktail? Many would say it’s all about the setting, which is why the best way to elevate your subterranean drinking experience is to add…
-
Does my Portland Home need a Seismic Retrofit?
You’ve probably heard that the Portland metro area is at high risk for earthquakes. But did you know that in spite of this, not every home in Portland is built to withstand a major seismic event? If you’re concerned that your home may be at risk during an earthquake, don’t panic. A seismic retrofit can…
-
How to Waterproof Your Basement
Whether used for storage or living space, a basement can be a useful feature to any home. However, due to being located below ground, they can also be prone to water intrusion. For this reason, it’s a good idea to waterproof your basement and keep your home safe from water damage. As one of Oregon’s…
-
How and Why To Add An Egress Window To Your Basement
You want to have your basement legally designated as a living space, but to do that, fire safety code requires that you have means of egress in specific areas. Fortunately, adding an egress window or door to an existing basement is a simple and relatively common project. Our team at Lamont Bros. has worked with…
-
How To Convert A Crawl Space Into A Basement
Converting a crawl space into a basement can significantly expand your home’s living space. While this transformation requires careful planning and expertise, it can be a practical solution for adding square footage to your existing home. As a Portland design build firm, Lamont Bros. has guided numerous homeowners through the crawl space conversion process. This…
-
When to repair the foundation of a historic Portland home
Many of Portland’s historic homes face a common challenge: aging foundations. Homes built before the 1960s often need foundation repairs due to deterioration, poor initial construction, or changing soil conditions. Our experience with historic home renovations shows that foundation issues, while serious, can be addressed with proper planning and expertise. Understanding your options is the…
-
Portland Styles Guide: Current Interior Design Trends
With home prices on the rise, many homeowners are choosing to remodel their current homes rather than buy a new one. Here in the Portland Metro Area, where rich history meets all things innovative and trendy, we’ve noticed a distinctly diverse interior remodel style emerge over the last few years. At Lamont Bros., our design…
-
How do the holidays affect remodel construction?
The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and if you’re in the process of a big remodel project (or considering one), you might have some questions about how the holidays could affect your construction timeline. At Lamont Bros, we get a lot of questions about the holidays, and with good…
-
How 3D modeling can help you design your remodel
Homeowners often feel like they’re taking a gamble when they remodel their house. They have an image in their head of how they want their home to look. The problem is, the vision is difficult to capture on design blueprints. What if something doesn’t look the way you envisioned? If only there were a way to…
-
How to get remodel permits in Portland
You’re ready to get to work on the next big home improvement project. You set aside some money, even had some plans drawn up for the work you want done. But now comes the step that everyone loves to hate: permits. But the truth is, getting remodel permits in Portland doesn’t need to be intimidating…
-
When to Replace Insulation in Your Home
Proper insulation can not only keep your home comfortable, it can also save you money on energy bills. But how do you know when to replace insulation in your home? Here are some telltale signs to look out for. The past decade was the warmest on record, and we’ve certainly been feeling the heat this…
-
Planning a Home Renovation: 5 Key Questions to Ask
A home remodel can be a significant undertaking, both in terms of time and budget. Before you dive into your renovation project, asking the right questions can help ensure you’re making wise investments and setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re updating a bathroom, remodeling your kitchen, or tackling a whole-house renovation, these five essential…
-
How Much Does a Basement Remodel Cost in Portland?
A basement remodel can add valuable living space to your Portland home. Whether you’re finishing an unfinished space or completely redesigning your basement, understanding costs is essential for planning your project. As a remodeling firm, Lamont Bros. has managed Portland basement remodels ranging from basic finishing to complex structural renovations. This guide will help you…