Renovating a home can be a rewarding way to improve both function and value—especially in a market like Bend, Oregon, where updated properties attract strong buyer interest and can enhance long-term equity. Whether you're planning a full kitchen remodel, refreshing a primary suite, or reimagining an outdoor living space, thoughtful planning is essential to a smooth and successful renovation.
With the right strategy, team, and timeline, you can achieve your vision while minimizing disruption. These tips are designed to help you move forward with confidence, whether you're upgrading your current Bend residence or preparing a property for future resale.
1. Define Your Scope and Goals
Before choosing finishes or hiring contractors, clarify what you're trying to achieve with your renovation. Decide whether your focus is cosmetic, structural, or functional, and create a list of your top priorities.
For example, are you remodeling to improve flow for your family, update outdated spaces, or increase resale value? A clear scope helps you set expectations, choose the right materials, and avoid scope creep that can delay your project and increase costs.
If you're renovating a home in Bend, consider how your updates align with regional buyer preferences. Many buyers in Central Oregon value open floor plans, energy efficiency, and outdoor entertaining areas that make the most of the landscape.
2. Set a Realistic Budget
Renovations are often more expensive than anticipated, especially once work begins. Set a budget that accounts for both expected costs and a contingency reserve—typically 10 to 20 percent of the total project—for surprises like plumbing updates or structural repairs.
Include labor, permits, materials, taxes, delivery fees, and any temporary living expenses if your project requires you to move out. Keep in mind that high-end finishes and custom work can drive costs up quickly, so be intentional with where you invest.
If resale is part of your plan, a local real estate agent can offer guidance on which updates deliver the strongest return on investment in your neighborhood.
3. Hire the Right Professionals
Even if you're managing the renovation yourself, working with experienced professionals will save you time and stress. The right team can help avoid delays, code violations, and expensive mistakes.
When selecting a contractor:
- Request references and check recent project photos.
- Verify licensing and insurance.
- Ask for a detailed written estimate with a clear breakdown of labor and material costs.
- Agree on a timeline, payment schedule, and communication plan before work begins.
In Bend, where demand for skilled contractors can be high, it's important to book early and ask your real estate agent or neighbors for trusted referrals.
4. Get Necessary Permits
Skipping permits may save time upfront, but can lead to fines, delays, or failed inspections later—especially if you decide to sell your home. Always check with the City of Bend or Deschutes County for permitting requirements related to electrical, plumbing, structural changes, or additions.
Some smaller projects, like replacing cabinets or painting, may not require permits. However, changes to layout, HVAC systems, or anything involving water lines typically do.
Permits also help protect your investment by ensuring that work meets current building codes and safety standards.
5. Respect the Timeline—But Stay Flexible
Home renovation timelines can shift due to weather, material backorders, or labor availability. Create a project calendar with key phases—demolition, framing, plumbing, electrical, inspections, and finishes—but build in extra time for the unexpected.
If you're ordering specialty items like custom cabinetry or imported tile, ask about lead times and availability. Delays on a single component can hold up the entire project.
Communicate regularly with your contractor and be prepared to make timely decisions on materials and design to keep progress moving forward.
6. Choose Durable, Regionally Appropriate Materials
Bend’s high-desert climate can be tough on materials, especially for exteriors. Select products that withstand wide temperature swings, UV exposure, and seasonal moisture.
For interior updates, use finishes that balance style with long-term wear. Quartz countertops, tile flooring, and solid cabinetry hold up well over time and appeal to future buyers. For outdoor spaces, look for composite decking, rust-resistant hardware, and weatherproof finishes that won’t deteriorate during Central Oregon winters.
Design choices should also reflect the home’s architecture and the area’s aesthetic. A modern farmhouse look may feel more at home in Bend than a coastal or urban style.
7. Don’t Overpersonalize
While it’s tempting to customize every inch of your remodel, overly personal design choices can make resale more difficult down the line. If you're remodeling with plans to sell in the next few years, stick with neutral palettes, classic finishes, and layout choices that appeal to a broad range of buyers.
This doesn’t mean your home needs to feel generic—add personality with lighting, art, and furniture rather than permanent fixtures that are expensive to replace later.
8. Protect Your Home During Construction
Construction can be messy, noisy, and disruptive. Take steps to minimize dust and damage to the rest of your home by sealing off work zones, covering floors, and protecting furniture. Communicate with your contractor about safety expectations, especially if you’re living in the home during the renovation.
If children or pets are in the home, create safe areas away from tools, debris, and construction traffic. Even simple measures—like setting up air filters or using daily cleanup protocols—can make a big difference in comfort and cleanliness.
Reach Out to The Ladd Group
The Ladd Group offers expert insight for homeowners planning renovations in Bend and throughout Central Oregon. Their knowledge of buyer preferences, market trends, and investment strategies makes them a valuable partner—whether you’re upgrading to sell or improving your forever home.
They can connect you with vetted contractors, help assess the resale potential of your updates, and provide local guidance every step of the way. Working with The Ladd Group ensures your renovation decisions support both your lifestyle and your long-term real estate goals.
Contact
The Ladd Group today to get started on a renovation plan that adds value, beauty, and comfort to your home.
