The unique design demands on this project did not prevent our company from delivering a timely and beautiful finished home to our customers. Different to sitting across the table from a homeowner during the design process, our team created a design from another country and time zone!

Our homeowners, living abroad, made the design process exclusively different. While uncommon, this was not impossible. They had a clear date of return to the US, and a desire to move into their home immediately. Collaboration occurred through Skype, email, and phone and with the help of our subcontractors and design team that were eager to create a beautiful home. Finish decisions were made along the way by long distance.

Once the design process started, it was clear that there was very little in this 1980 era home that would change. The vaulted ceiling in the family room with exposed beams is the only original feature remaining. Our team added beams reclaimed from a barn constructed a hundred years earlier to the living space and game room. This addition creates rustic flair and an easy flow between spaces once cut off from one another.

The kitchen was dark and cramped for space in a very awkward layout. The new design possesses classic elements with a smart layout. Accentuating custom cabinets, quartz countertops, a marble island with styling lighting, and top of the line appliances making this is a gourmet family’s dream come true.

The master bath shows off its new classical design with heated tile floors replacing carpet, a large soaking tub replacing the sunken garden tub, a new spacious tile shower, and custom cabinets.

A spacious porch with a modern-day cover replaced the outdated and rotting arbor. Structural changes to the exterior walls made customizing window arrangements to allow maximum light indoors possible. Re-siding and fresh paint brings the home up to date.

Modern technology and quality people made this project a showstopper. New rooms, new ideas, from hardwood to hardware, this home is an impeccable example of what can happen when a homeowner trusts Leitner Construction with their home.

2017 promises to be a great year for home values in the Portland market, and many homeowners are taking advantage of tentatively low mortgage rates to look at refinance-remodel options for their existing homes.   This year presents a unique opportunity with rates expected to rise, and the timing is great as this year we’re seeing some exciting trends in the remodeling industry.  As a premier Portland remodeling contractor, Leitner Construction is poised to help homeowners maximize the benefits of a 2017 remodeling project.

Consumer Reports, in a recent article, noted some of these technology-driven trends are being pushed by changing consumer interests and needs.  High-tech urban gardening is taking off in some areas, and some homeowners are taking advantage of new built-in hydroponic growing units for herbs and greens as well as food recycling units that can convert raw food waste into fertilizer.  A plethora of new startup companies has, in recent years, increased the availability of smart devices that can optimize energy savings for hot water, heating/cooling systems, outdoor sprinklers and more.  Whole home automation is becoming affordable enough to be a mainstream option.

Many homeowners are opting for smarter, more flexible floor plans redesigns, instead of pushing the boundaries of square footage.  Energy-saving appliances, high quality materials and finishes are becoming more important than space.  One material that is becoming more popular is black stainless steel, an example of a trend toward more matte finishes instead of shiny stainless steel, chrome or granite.  Added to that, induction ovens are becoming more affordable and many are choosing to move away from traditional or gas cooktops for the the higher degree of control available.  And, finally, topping the list of most interesting new bathroom remodel options is the self-cleaning toilet, which uses UV light and electrolyzed water to maintain a high standard of sanitation.

In Portland’s remodeling market, look for these and other fascinating new options to start appearing in homes this year.  If this is the year for you to finally take that big step, talk to our design team for ideas to incorporate the latest in new technology into your plan for the home you’ve always dreamed of.  Contact us for more information!

A trend in home remodeling Portland, Oregon that isn’t discussed regularly is a movement of baby boomers toward aging in place, instead of moving to retirement living options. The desire to remain connected to home and community has many homeowners age 50 and above opting to retrofit their homes for better accessibility instead of moving. The cost of remodeling a home to better suit aging occupants is often comparable or cheaper than assisted living or nursing home costs.

The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University recently conducted a study that found fewer than 25% of homeowners older than 55 years old have a bedroom and full bathroom on the first floor of their homes and access to their homes without steps. This means that 75% of aging homeowners are facing physical decline in homes ill equipped for safety and comfort. Considering that 70% of seniors spend the rest of their lives in the home where they celebrate their 65th birthday, developing a plan to create a risk and hazard free, easy to navigate home environment is critical.

“Aging In Place”, according to Seniorresource.com, refers to “living where you have lived for many years, or to living in a non-healthcare environment, and using products, services and conveniences to enable you to not have to move as circumstances change.” More recently “Aging in place” is a term used in marketing by those in the rapidly evolving senior housing industry, and in the home remodeling Portland specialization, this refers to remodel contractors with training and certification in retro-fitting or amending the interior of existing homes to allow aging occupants to remain in the home.

In Oregon’s home remodeling market, Leitner Construction is one of a few top home remodeling Portland contractors with an Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS) award and a positive track record in working with aging clients to build in safety and accessibility features. We love helping people make the best of their homes, and with our commitment to building relationships and being good stewards of the responsibility of managing home remodeling projects, we can make the process simple and positive.

Some Aging in Place modifications that are commonly made in our home remodeling Portland experience include: first floor living re-design or elevator installation, widened doorways, no-step entryways, changing out pocket doors, installing stair glides, walk-in tubs and showers with seating, brighter lighting upgrades, hardwood flooring and more.

Whether you are considering a whole home renovation, a new accessible kitchen or bath, or a ground floor bedroom and bath addition, you can trust your home remodeling Portland area project to the experienced, professionals at Leitner Construction, Inc.