Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered. Filter or browse by category to find the right answer — fast.
About Neil Kelly
Services & Remodeling Projects
Design-Build Remodeling — General
- What is design-build remodeling?
- How is design-build different from hiring a contractor and architect separately?
- What types of projects does Neil Kelly take on?
- Can Neil Kelly remodel a condo?
- What is the difference between remodeling and renovation?
- Does Neil Kelly handle permits?
- Do you offer a warranty?
Kitchens
- How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
- How long does a kitchen remodel take?
- Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
- Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel?
- What is included in a kitchen remodel?
- How do I choose the right kitchen layout?
- What countertop materials do you work with?
- Can you remodel an older home kitchen?
- What is a Level 1 (Refresh) kitchen remodel?
- What is a Level 2 (Replace) kitchen remodel?
- What is a Level 3 (Reimagine) kitchen remodel?
Bathrooms
- How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
- How long does a bathroom remodel take?
- Do I need a permit for a bathroom remodel?
- Should I replace or refinish my bathtub and shower?
- What bathroom layout works best?
- How much lighting will my bathroom need?
- How can I make my bathroom more accessible?
- Do I need a plumber for a bathroom remodel?
- What are the most cost-effective bathroom upgrades?
- How do I prepare my home for a bathroom remodel?
- What are the scope levels for a bathroom remodel (Refresh/Replace/Reimagine)?
- Can I add a bathroom where there was not one before?
- What is the difference between a primary bath, guest bath, and powder room remodel?
Conversions (Attic, Basement, Garage)
- How much does a basement conversion cost?
- How much does a garage conversion cost?
- How much does an attic conversion cost?
- How long does a basement conversion take?
- Do I need a permit for a conversion?
- Can I convert my garage into living space?
- What are the requirements for converting an attic?
- Can I convert my basement into a bedroom?
- What is an egress window and do I need one?
- What are the egress window size requirements in Oregon/Washington?
- What ceiling height is required for a basement conversion?
Whole Home Remodeling
- How much does a whole home remodel cost?
- How long does a whole home remodel take?
- Can I live in my home during a whole home remodel?
- Do I need a permit for a whole home remodel?
- What does a whole home remodel typically include?
- How do I prioritize which rooms to remodel first?
- What is the difference between a whole home remodel and a renovation?
- Can Neil Kelly phase a whole home remodel over time?
- How should I sequence rooms in a phased whole home remodel?
- How do I manage budget across a multi-phase whole home project?
Handyman Services
- What handyman services does Neil Kelly offer?
- How is handyman different from full remodeling?
- Where do I find a Neil Kelly handyman near me?
- Do I need a handyman or a general contractor for my project?
- How much does handyman service cost?
- Why hire a handyman instead of doing it myself?
- Is handyman service hourly or flat rate?
- What is the minimum job size for handyman?
ADUs — Additional Questions
Custom Homes
Exterior Remodeling
- How much does exterior remodeling cost?
- How long does exterior remodeling take?
- What types of exterior remodeling does Neil Kelly offer?
- What siding materials does Neil Kelly work with?
- Do I need a permit for exterior remodeling?
- How do I choose the right roofing material?
- Can Neil Kelly improve my home energy efficiency through exterior remodeling?
- What are the most cost-effective exterior upgrades?
- How do I maintain my home exterior after remodeling?
- What windows and doors does Neil Kelly install?
- What permits are required for roofing or siding in Portland/Seattle?
- What energy efficiency rebates are available for exterior upgrades in OR/WA?
Home Additions
- What types of ADUs does Neil Kelly build?
- What must an ADU include?
- How much does an ADU cost?
- Can I use off-the-shelf plans for an ADU?
- What permits are required to build an ADU?
- Can I rent out my ADU?
- Will an ADU increase my property taxes?
- What are the zoning requirements for an ADU?
- Can I build an ADU before my main house?
- Can I build an ADU on a historic property?
- How much does a room addition or bump-out cost?
- How long does a home addition take?
- What is the difference between a bump-out and a full addition?
- Can I add a second story to my home?
- How does adding square footage affect my home value?
Are You Ready to Remodel?
Financial Commitment
- Is the initial design consultation free?
- What is the Schematic Design Retainer and what does it include?
- How much is the Schematic Design Retainer?
- Is the Schematic Design Retainer fee applied toward my final contract?
- What is the Design Development Retainer?
- When do I sign a fixed-price contract?
- What happens if I do not proceed after the Schematic Design phase?
- What does a fixed-price contract include?
Timeline
- How long does a typical remodel take from start to finish?
- How long does the design phase take?
- How long does permitting take?
- How long does construction typically take?
- What causes remodeling projects to run over schedule?
- How does Neil Kelly prevent delays?
- Should I build buffer time into my project timeline?
- How far in advance should I start planning my remodel?
Financing
Exploring Cost & Budget
- What four factors most affect the cost of a remodel?
- What is the difference between a Refresh, Replace, and Reimagine project?
- How do material choices affect my overall project cost?
- What do Good, Better, and Best material tiers mean in practice?
- How do existing home conditions affect remodeling costs?
- Does it cost more to remodel in Seattle, Washington than in Oregon and SW Washington?
- How do I set a realistic budget for my project?
- How much should I budget for unexpected costs?
Your Vision & Style
- What if I do not know my personal style yet?
- How do I figure out what I actually want from a remodel?
- What is the difference between a want and a need for my project?
- How do I communicate my vision to a designer?
- What if my partner and I have different style preferences?
- How involved can I be in decision-making during the process?
Getting Started
- What happens in a design consultation?
- How do I prepare for my first meeting with a Neil Kelly design consultant?
- Will a designer visit my home before we start?
- What is schematic design and what does it include?
- How do I define the scope of my project?
- What if my budget does not match my wish list?
- How long does the design phase take before construction begins?
- How do I share design inspiration with my Neil Kelly designer?
Getting Ready for Your Project
During Your Project
- Who is my main point of contact during construction?
- How often will I receive project updates?
- What is a change order and when does it happen?
- What if I want to change something mid-project?
- What causes construction delays and how does Neil Kelly handle them?
- What is a punch list?
- How do I know when my project is complete?
After Your Project
Locations
Local Market Knowledge
Permits & Local Process
Service Areas
- What areas does Neil Kelly Portland office serve?
- What areas does Neil Kelly Seattle office serve?
- What areas does Neil Kelly Eugene office serve?
- What areas does Neil Kelly Bend office serve?
- What areas do you offer handyman services in?
- Is Neil Kelly solar available in all four markets?
- Are all services available in all four markets?
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