What will your remodel cost?
Let's talk about it honestly.

At the end of our two step design retainer process we have put together a fixed price contract with all design decisions selected. Due to this thorough process unexpected costs should be minimal to only potential issues that we cannot see once we get behind the walls. To prepare for the chance of those unexpected costs, setting aside an additional 5% of your budget is recommended.

Defining your scope is something we work through together — you don't need to have it figured out before you reach out to us.

It starts with getting clear on the why. What isn't working in your space? What do you love about your home that you want to preserve? How do you use the space day to day, and who uses it? Sharing as much as possible with your Design Consultant early on gives them the foundation they need to start shaping a plan that truly fits your life.

From there, your designer will work with you during the Schematic Design phase to explore what's possible within your home and your budget, producing conceptual design options that clarify the overall direction and investment range. Scope is then refined further during Design Development, where material selections, construction drawings, and a detailed Scope of Work are finalized before anyone picks up a tool.

One thing worth keeping in mind: scope has a natural tendency to grow as a project takes shape. Your Design Consultant will help you evaluate any additions thoughtfully so your project stays aligned with your priorities and your budget.

The four primary cost drivers of remodeling projects are: 1. Scope — How much work is being done and what is the square footage that is being affected. 2. Selections — Material and finish quality (are you selecting good, better or best options). 3. Existing conditions — Determining any complexities to your existing homes conditions can affect the cost of your project. For example this could include outdated electrical, or plumbing locations. 4. The state, city, and county you live in may also have implications in the overall cost to remodel your home. These variables include varying labor costs for larger metropolitan areas, sales tax for Washington vs Oregon, and local permitting and inspection requirements.

These are Neil Kelly three scope tiers: Refresh = cosmetic updates within the existing layout (lowest cost); Replace = replacing major components within roughly the same footprint (mid-range); Reimagine = full reconfiguration with layout changes, moved systems, and custom work (highest investment).

Yes. Before construction begins, we do the work upfront: every new material and fixture is selected, a detailed scope of work is agreed upon, we collect bids from experienced subcontractors, and factor in permitting costs. That process allows us to give you a specific, reliable bottom-line number before anyone picks up a hammer.

Unexpected things can happen on any remodeling project. If we uncover something structural, or if you decide to adjust the scope, we handle those situations through Additional Work Authorizations, communicated clearly and priced transparently before any extra work proceeds.

Neil Kelly fixed-price contract defines the full scope of work, all selected materials and finishes, a project schedule, and a total project cost. It provides certainty and protects the client from unexpected cost increases.

A fixed-price contract is signed after design development is complete and all project details, materials, and costs are fully defined. This typically happens before permit submission and before construction begins.

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.

Good = functional, durable, cost-effective selections. Better = elevated style and quality, mid-range price. Best = premium materials, custom options, highest durability and aesthetics. Your Neil Kelly designer can walk you through examples in each tier.

Founded in 1947 by Neil and Arlene Kelly in Portland, OR with a $100 investment. Today Neil Kelly Company is one of the largest design/build remodeling firms in the country, with more than 30,000 projects completed in Oregon and Washington. The company remains family-owned.

RenoFi is a lending platform that offers renovation loans based on the after-renovation value of your home — not just its current value. This often allows homeowners to borrow significantly more than with a traditional Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

A home equity loan provides a lump sum at a fixed rate — good for a defined project cost. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit — more flexible but with a variable rate. Both are secured by your home equity.

Neil Kelly pioneered the design-build remodeling model: one integrated team handles design, permitting, project management, and construction with a single point of contact. We've been doing this for nearly 80 years as a family-owned company, and we've completed more than 30,000 projects across Oregon and Washington. We hold Certified B Corp status, offer fixed-price contracts so there are no surprise costs, back our work with a 5-year warranty, and have earned dozens of awards across the remodeling industry and beyond.