A Beginner’s Guide to Home Conversions in Portland

Buying and selling in today’s housing market can be stressful at best and risky at worst. The better option is to make your current situation more ideal for your family with a home conversion to transform some of your underutilized space into a comfortable, usable living area. 

Different types of home conversions in Portland

Garage conversions

Thanks to Portland’s generally mild climate, garages aren’t really necessary to keep your vehicles protected, making the space fair game for a conversion! Whether it’s simply adding a bathroom to the garage or converting the garage into a living space, the possibilities are endless.

Basement conversions

Not all homes in Portland have basements, but if yours does, then you have an opportunity to create an additional living area with a basement conversion. Or a home office or gym if that’s better suited to your lifestyle. One thing to be mindful of during a basement conversion is moisture ingress. 

Attic conversions

Reclaiming the musty, vacant space at the top of your home is a great way to create an additional level of living without having to expand. A widely accepted rule of thumb regarding attic conversions is the “7x7 rule”, which refers to the amount of space that’s needed to move comfortably. For best results, it’s recommended to have the lowest point of the ceiling and the narrowest width of the room both measure at least seven feet. While official regulations vary across Oregon, it’s a pretty good guideline to follow. 

ADU Conversions

If you’re looking to profit from your home conversion, an ADU is the way to go. Also known as in-law units, in-law apartments, or rental units, you can recoup a lot of costs by converting a garage, basic, or attic into an ADU, whether it’s through increased resale value or generating rental income. However, ADUs do come with a unique set of zoning standards and restrictions, so don’t forget to do your homework before committing. 

Planning a home conversion project

Getting started

Planning will make or break your project. If you dive in head first without a plan, your home conversion will be one headache after another, and you’ll probably end up spending double what you should have. But don’t worry, that outcome is easily avoidable. Spend time in the early stages ironing out details like budget, timeline, goals, designs, and who you want to work with. 

Permits

Whether you’re converting your attic, garage, or basement, you’re going to need a building permit. Depending on the scope of your conversion, you could also need a trade permit (electrical, plumbing, or mechanical), a residential addition or upper floor permit, or ADU permit too. 

Your team

Working with a professional team like Refresh alleviates the stress of having to find individual contractors and suppliers yourself. If you choose the DIY route, prepare to do some research. Read reviews, ask for referrals, meet with contractors, and shop around. The best professionals are also the most sought after, so we recommend getting this done early, as most teams that are worth their weight in gold will be booked out in advance. 

How much does a garage conversion cost in Portland?

Between $10,000-$30,000 is typical for a garage conversion in Portland. However, every project is unique and materials, labor, plumbing and electrical, and permits all impact the final cost. Most professional garage conversion builders offer free consultations and estimates though, so you can get a better gauge on how much you could end up spending. 

Could you use more living space in your home?

Optimize your living space with an expertly executed home conversion. From attics to basements and everywhere in between, our renovation experts are here to help bring your vision to life. Just get in touch with a local Portland Remodeling Consultant to arrange a free initial consultation.