Refresh
New Finishes, Same Bones.
You want to replace most surfaces, but a few big things are staying. No layout changes, no structural work. Best for: When the layout already works and some things are still in solid condition.
Your whole home. One plan. No headaches.
Most people spend years adjusting to their home. A whole house remodel is the point where the home adjusts to you. We'll give you straight answers on cost, sequencing, and timeline before you commit to a single decision.
How Much Do You Want to Change?
Whole-house remodels vary more in scope than any other project type. These three levels help define what you're actually taking on and give you a framework for thinking about budget before the details are worked out.
Replace
Same Footprint, Brand New Interior.
New cabinets, appliances, flooring, and more, while keeping the existing layout intact. Includes light plumping and electrical updates. Best for: When everything must go and you want a completely fresh interior without changing the layout.
Reimagine
Floor Plan Changes, Fresh Materials.
Adjustments to the floor plan may involve moving walls, relocating plumbing or electrical and rebuilding some spaces from the ground up. Best for: When the home no longer works for your family, but moving is not an option.
Six phases. No headaches.
Every Neil Kelly remodeling project moves through six phases. The process is built so you know what's happening, what's coming next, and what you need to decide — before you have to decide it.
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01
In-Home Design Consultation
A Neil Kelly designer will come to your home for free 60-to-90-minute discussion. We'll talk through your goals, your constraints, and what's actually possible in your home. No commitment required — and no need to tidy up first.
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02
Schematic Design
Floor plan options, materials direction, scope confirmation. You'll see alternatives, have your questions answered, and further shape the direction before any detailed drawings are made.
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03
Design Development
Full plans, full specs, every material selected. This is where your concept becomes a clear direction and pricing gets finalized.
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04
Fixed-Price Contract
The number you see is the number you pay. Permits filed, materials ordered, schedule set. No surprises when construction starts.
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05
Construction
Construction by Neil Kelly's in-house craftspeople. A dedicated project manager handles the trades, the schedule, and the daily details. Weekly updates, no guesswork.
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06
Punch List + Warranty
Final walkthrough. Anything that's not right gets fixed before you sign off. Five-year warranty coverage starts on completion.
How Much Will it Cost?
These four things drive cost more than anything else in a whole-house remodel. The sooner you understand them, the better your early decisions will be.
Scope of Structural Work
In a whole-house remodel, structural decisions don't happen in isolation. Moving walls, relocating plumbing, and rerouting electrical across multiple rooms compounds quickly. Staying close to your existing layout where you can is one of the most effective ways to control the overall budget.
Materials & Finishes
Every selection sits on a spectrum from durable and budget-conscious to fully custom, and in a whole-house remodel you're making that call dozens of times over. A designer can help you build a finish strategy that holds the budget without flattening the result.
Your Home's Existing Conditions
At whole-house scale, existing conditions have more room to show up. We evaluate your home carefully before pricing so dry rot, outdated systems, and structural wear are part of the plan from day one.
Your Location
Taxes and labor costs vary across Bend, Eugene, Portland, and Seattle, as do permitting fees and inspection requirements.
What we run into. What we do about it.
When you're remodeling in the Pacific Northwest, certain things come with the territory. These are the conditions we encounter most and how we deal with them.
Permit Timelines
Permitting a whole-house remodel often takes longer than most people expect. We file early, follow up actively, and make sure the timeline in your contract reflects reality.
Weather and Moisture
Moisture is a fact of life in PNW homes. We've spent 80 years learning where to find it and how to build against it, with proper venting, moisture-rated materials, and detailing that holds up to local conditions.
Aging Home Conditions
Most of the homes we remodel were built 50–100 years ago. At whole-house scale, aging systems and worn materials aren't a possibility—they're an expectation. We build that into our planning and communicate clearly when something needs to change.
Structural Surprises
Load-bearing walls, hidden beams, and structural elements that don't match the original drawings are common finds once work begins. Our designers and project managers work through the structure early so surprises become plan adjustments, not add-ons.
Whole House Remodeling Questions, Answered.
How much does a whole home remodel cost?
The cost of a whole home remodel varies widely depending on the size of your home, the primary areas being remodeled, your home location and current condition, and the materials used. The best way to learn specifics is to contact one of Neil Kelly designers.
How long does a whole home remodel take?
Smaller homes or partial remodels may take 7-10 months, while larger or full-scale remodels can take a year or longer, especially if there are structural changes.
Can I live in my home during a whole home remodel?
Moving out is often recommended because the work can be extensive, noisy, and disruptive to daily life. Living in your home during a full remodel is possible if we can approach the project in phases, but temporary relocation is usually safer and more practical.
Do I need a permit for a whole home remodel?
Yes, a whole-home remodel almost always requires obtaining the correct permits. Any work involving structural changes, electrical, plumbing, or major mechanical systems needs approval by your local building department. When you work with Neil Kelly, permits are taken care of by your dedicated project manager.
What does a whole home remodel typically include?
We typically consider it a whole home project when we're remodeling three rooms or more. This often includes the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring, windows, and sometimes structural changes. Unlike a single-room renovation, it can transform the entire layout, design, and functionality, and may include major system updates like plumbing, electrical, or HVAC.
How do I prioritize which rooms to remodel first?
Planning a whole home remodel involves defining your goals and budget, working with a designer, obtaining permits, and creating a design and construction timeline. Neil Kelly recommends starting with the spaces that will have the most impact on daily life. Your Neil Kelly designer will help you build a logical sequence.
What is the difference between a whole home remodel and a renovation?
A whole home remodel involves transforming most or all areas of a property and may include structural changes, new layouts, and major system updates. A renovation typically focuses on restoring or updating existing elements without structural changes. Neil Kelly does both.
Can Neil Kelly phase a whole home remodel over time?
Yes. Neil Kelly offers phased whole home remodeling. Each phase can be planned and priced separately while keeping the overall vision in mind. Your designer helps ensure decisions made in Phase 1 do not create problems or extra cost in later phases.
How should I sequence rooms in a phased whole home remodel?
Generally, structural and systems work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) should happen before cosmetic finishes. Kitchens and bathrooms first is often recommended since they are most disruptive. Your Neil Kelly designer will help build a logical sequence.
How do I manage budget across a multi-phase whole home project?
Each phase should be planned and priced separately, while keeping the overall vision in mind so decisions in Phase 1 do not create problems or extra cost in later phases. Neil Kelly helps clients plan phased projects holistically.
Working with Neil Kelly in Your Area.
Ready to talk about your specific project? Connect with the Neil Kelly team in your area. Each location has its own designers, project managers, and design center.
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Oregon Portland Neil Kelly's flagship home remodeling team, serving Portland since 1947. Original design center on Alberta Street. Get Started in Portland
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Washington Seattle Award-winning home remodelers serving greater Seattle and King County. Get Started in Seattle
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Oregon Eugene Full-service home remodeling for Eugene, Springfield, and the South Willamette Valley.
Get Started in Eugene -
Oregon Bend Central Oregon's home remodeling specialists. Mountain and high-desert homes. Get Started in Bend
Start With a Conversation.
Bring your questions to a Neil Kelly designer and walk away with a clearer picture of what's possible, what it costs, and where to begin.