Some remodels are defined by one dramatic change. Others are defined by the careful coordination of many moving pieces - each one contributing to a home that feels completely reimagined when the work is done.
For this Chancellor whole-home remodel, the task was to transform a mid-70s split-level home into a more open, inviting, and functional place to live. The project included a full redesign of the kitchen and living room, the addition of a new primary suite, updates to two additional full bathrooms, and finish improvements throughout the home.
Opening Up the Main Living Spaces
The existing home had the bones of a good house, but the layout reflected its era. Partition walls separated the main living spaces, the living room was sunken, and the flow from the entry into the kitchen, dining room, and living room felt disconnected.
The goal was to create a more natural progression through the home:
“We raised the sunken living room floor and removed partition walls to create flow from the entry vestibule into the kitchen, dining room and living room, achieving an open-concept entertaining space,” Construction Manager Robby Hottois said.
Rebuilding the Kitchen as the Heart of the Home
The kitchen became one of the central anchors of the remodel.
“The kitchen was completely redesigned and rebuilt with custom appointments throughout, including rift-sawn oak casework,” Robby said. “We resurfaced the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and added a custom oak mantel. New oak flooring was installed throughout the main level to anchor the shared spaces. A large sliding glass door was added to the dining room, opening the space to the back patio.”
Together, those updates helped the main level feel warmer, more connected, and more naturally suited for gathering.
Creating a New Primary Suite
At the rear of the home, Conrad Construction added square footage to create a new primary suite. What had once been a small bedroom and cramped bathroom became a more generous retreat with a full bath, large walk-in closet, and bedroom windows overlooking the backyard.
“Ample square footage was added to the back of the home, transforming a small bedroom and cramped bathroom into a luxurious primary suite with a generous full bath and a large walk-in closet,” Robby said. “The bedroom has large windows opening onto the private, wooded backyard.”
Updating the Bathrooms with Purpose
The additional bathrooms were updated with the same balance of beauty and practicality. On the main level, the full bathroom received a complete facelift.
“The main level full bathroom received a complete facelift, complete with a soaking tub with a tiled surround, and a custom rift-sawn oak vanity,” Robby said.
In the basement, the team took a more budget-conscious approach.
“A small bathroom in the basement was updated with a new alcove shower, LVT flooring and a simple vanity,” Robby said. “This allowed for clean, updated finishes while keeping the budget for this utility space low.”.jpg)
Balancing High-End Finishes with a Restrained Budget
That balance between design goals and budget became one of the defining challenges of the remodel.
“Our clients desired high end finishes on this project,” Robby said. “We worked very hard to find ways to accommodate their budget, while still providing finished results that satisfied their aesthetic goals.”
Schedule was another critical factor. Because the clients were living in a temporary rental during construction, those rental costs were drawn from the same overall project budget. The longer construction took, the more pressure it placed on the financial side of the remodel.
“The timeline needed to be condensed because the clients' temporary rental costs during production were drawn from the overall project budget,” Robby said. “Therefore, maintaining the project schedule was paramount.”
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Letting in More Light
Throughout the home, smaller details helped elevate the final result. One of those changes was at the stairwell, where Conrad Construction removed a drywall-wrapped pony wall and replaced it with a custom open banister.
“We removed a drywall-wrapped pony wall and added a custom open banister to allow light into the previously dark stairwell leading to the basement level,” Robby said. “New carpeting was installed on the stairs and in the basement family room.”
The arrival experience was updated as well.
“New custom French doors welcome guests when they arrive,” Robby said. “All of the rooms throughout the home received new, solid wood doors and updated hardware.”
Bringing the Homeowner’s Vision to Life
The finished design direction was shaped by the homeowners’ clear vision - especially one of the homeowners, who had previously owned a home staging business.
“Our clients focused heavily on the finishes at the Chancellor Project,” Robby said. “Before retiring, she owned a home staging business and had a cemented vision for all of the newly finished spaces entering the design phase. This focus was maintained through the production phase and successfully achieved upon project completion.”
That clarity helped guide the finished home: a soft white base, warm oak details, clean lines, and carefully selected finishes that made the remodeled spaces feel cohesive from room to room.
“A crisp palette was provided to work from, and warm oak touches combined with a soft white base to create a comforting updated home for our clients to share with loved ones,” Robby said.
Collaboration Through Constraints
As with many remodeling projects, part of the work happened beyond the jobsite itself - in the communication, decision-making, and trust required to align aesthetic expectations with the realities of budget and construction.
“Our client had very specific design needs, and we wanted to make sure we met those in every way we could.” Robby said.
For Robby and the Conrad Construction team, the key was finding a path that respected the client’s vision while staying grounded in the project’s constraints.
“The client and I found a way to work together to achieve a successful final result that we are all very proud of.”
A Thoughtful Whole-Home Transformation
In the end, the Chancellor remodel became more than a series of updates. It turned a segmented mid-century split-level into a bright, open, highly personal home - one that better supports the way the homeowners live, entertain, and share time with the people they love.
Planning a Whole-Home Remodel in Portland?
Whether you’re hoping to open up a dated floor plan, create a more functional kitchen, add a primary suite, or update older bathrooms, Conrad Construction helps Portland homeowners approach complex remodels with thoughtful planning, clear communication, and careful craftsmanship.
From single-room remodeling and whole-home renovations to kitchen remodeling, bathrooms, additions, and custom finish work, the Conrad Construction team helps homeowners reimagine what their existing homes can become.
Ready to start your own remodeling project? Contact Conrad Construction to schedule a consultation with the team.
