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Remodeling resources

frequently asked questions

You have remodeling questions. We've got your answers.

Clients and homeowners ask us all sorts of remodeling questions, such as "What does a bathroom remodel cost", "How long will the remodel take?", "Can I live in my home during a remodel?" and many more.

Find answers to those and other common questions below.

What is a design/build firm?

A Design/Build firm combines design and construction into a single entity to streamline communication, add more accuracy to budgeting, and speed up project timelines. 

It's not uncommon for a project's costs to double during the design process if there is no one other than the homeowner to manage the budget. A Design/Build firm should work with you from the very beginning to help you manage the budget and make sure the work gets done on time.

How much will my remodel cost?

A remodel can be very complex to budget for--especially prior to designs and material selections. However, it's one of the most important parts of the process. Most people need budgeting information in order to make good decisions for their families.

We've developed a budgeting tool based on past projects. We can schedule a time to come to your home and interactively work through a kitchen or bathroom budget so you know exactly what is included in a proposal.

For some averages, check our Project Costs page.

How long will my project take?

Scheduling for your project is important. We'll create a custom schedule for each project that you'll be able to see in your online portal.

To give you a start here are some baselines. Typical bathrooms take anywhere from 5-7 weeks. Typical kitchens take anywhere from 3-4 months. Typical simple additions take anywhere from 3-6 months.

What is the planning process like?

The project planning process starts with a design conversation. We'll help you discover the possibilities and accurately budget for the work on your home. Once we agree on a budget and a design goal, we'll get started with design.

You'll work with our design consultant, designer and project manager to finalize all of the drawings, selections and design details for your project. Before we start, you'll have a fixed-price construction contract for the work to be done.

What is the working day like?

One of the unique aspects of Lamont Bros. is our structure. We assign a Remodeling Superintendent and consistent team to your project start to finish. Almost every single day, the same team will show up and transform your home before your eyes. Because it's the same team each day, they'll customize it to you, your schedule and your needs. Typically we'll start between 7:00 and 8:00 and wrap up between 4:00 and 5:00.

How will you protect my home?

We are committed to respecting you and your home. Our in-house remodeling team will set up dust protection, plastic walls, cardboard or hardboard floor protection and may even run a HEPA filtration system throughout the project. We'll also protect any ducts or returns that are in our work area to help prevent dust from getting inside.

If you are especially concerned about dust or have allergies please discuss the HEPA filtration with your Design Consultant.

How will you clean up at the end of the day?

Part of respecting you and your home is to provide you with a safe environment when we leave for the day. That means a broom-swept floor, caution tape around dangerous areas, and communication with you about what's happening next.

Can I live in my house during the project?

It depends on the type of project. Most isolated kitchen or bathroom remodels are able to be separated from the rest of your living space in a way to allow you to remain in the home. Larger project, like whole home remodels may prevent you from staying in your home during at least part of the time.

If this is important for you, discuss it with your Design Consultant. They'll be able to help you strategize options to enable you to stay in your home as much as possible through the project.

How can I finance my remodel?
Using the equity in your home is a common way to finance a remodel. There are typically three ways to access your equity.
 
Straight refinance 
A refinance could be a good option if you have equity in your house and need to access up to 80% of it. With most lenders you'll be typically limited to 80% loan to value ratio. If interest rates are good, this can be one of the least expensive loans.
 
Second Mortgage
A second mortgage can be a good way to access funds if your current first mortgage is at a really good rate or for some other reason you don't want to change it. These typically will be at a higher interest rate, but more flexible. Most banks will go only up to 80% loan to value, but some can go as high as 100%.
 
Renovation Loan
A renovation loan will give you access to the most funds available. The bank will loan money on the value of your house when the project is completed, not before the project begins. Fewer banks do renovation loans, but the ones that do can often go up to 90% or 95% loan to value on the value of your home when construction is finished.

Send us your remodeling questions!

Do you have a remodeling question you'd like answered? Send it to us!

Need some expert design advice?

Our Design Consultants are the best source of remodeling knowledge in the Portland Metro Area. Drop us a line and speak to one of them personally!