Let’s get one thing straight: I love my home. It’s where I unwind, host friends, and build memories. But I always knew the kitchen was a project I’d have to tackle sooner rather than later. Let’s just say my kitchen was… let’s call it a functional nightmare. Narrow prep space, awkward corners, and that peninsula—don’t even get me started. Not to mention that it was disintegrating before my eyes. Only one burner on the stove worked, the oven was spotty at best, there were holes in the floor, and so on. So, after waiting four years, I was finally ready to make the change. A big one.
Renovating a kitchen might sound exciting (and it is!), but let me tell you: living through it is a whole different beast. I’ve sold houses and walked countless clients through renovations, but nothing prepares you for the chaos of doing it yourself. Spoiler: spreadsheets, community, and a really good team saved my sanity.
If you’re a Portland homeowner dreaming about renovations, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to bring that vision to life—dust, disasters, and all.
When Chaos Becomes Your New Normal
Picture this: my dining room piled high with construction supplies, my office torn apart to make way for attic access, and my poor dogs (bless their hearts) barking at strangers traipsing through the house daily. I was living in a construction zone for almost four months.
Now, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, but let me tell you—remodeling is a test of endurance. There’s a reason why they say renovations are a top cause of divorce! Between managing contractors, juggling dogs, and keeping myself emotionally intact, it was… a lot.
And then there was the hardwood floor refinishing incident. Imagine walking into your home, expecting progress, only to be hit with fumes so toxic you can’t breathe. Cue me crying in my car and scrambling to book a hotel. Pro tip: If you’re refinishing hardwoods, plan to be out of the house for a few days. Don’t wing it like I did.
The Power of Planning (and Spreadsheets)
Here’s the thing about renovations: you can’t over-plan. I spent six months lining up contractors, ordering materials, and fine-tuning every detail before the first hammer swung. My best advice? Order everything ahead of time, so it is waiting on site. Trust me, the last thing you want is a construction delay because your tile is back-ordered.
Spreadsheets became my best friend. I tracked every cost, material, and timeline down to the last nail. And it worked! Despite the chaos, I came in on budget. That’s practically unheard of, and I credit it to overestimating costs in some areas (like appliances) and balancing them with savings elsewhere.
Lean on Your People
If there’s one thing that kept me sane, it was my community. My friends (who I’m sure were sick of hearing about my kitchen) listened patiently to every meltdown and design dilemma. My group texts—one for fellow realtors and one for my besties—were lifelines. And then there was my friend Korinne, an interior designer who offered endless advice and inspiration.
Pro tip: Find your people. Whether it’s a trusted designer, a contractor you can count on, or a group of friends willing to lend an ear (or a case of tuna as payment for advice), having a support system makes all the difference.
Why I GC’d the Renovation Myself
As a realtor, I’ve built strong relationships with some of Portland’s best contractors over the years. So when it came time to tackle my own kitchen renovation, I decided to general contract (GC) the project myself. It wasn’t an easy decision—GC’ing is not for the faint of heart—but knowing I had a reliable network of skilled professionals made all the difference.
Here’s who made this project happen:
- Kent Tran, American Hardwoods: Kent took on the task of seamlessly installing hardwood floors throughout my home. He handled everything from removing asbestos-laden linoleum to ensuring the floors flowed perfectly from room to room.
- Andrew, Phoenix Rising Demolition: Andrew and his team were demolition magicians, removing the old materials with care and tackling the asbestos issues like pros.
- Jeff Dallaire, Handyman Extraordinaire: Jeff was my right-hand man, stepping in to handle everything between the major contractors. From small fixes to critical adjustments, he kept the project moving smoothly.
- Bella Vista Painting and Drywall: They gave my walls and ceilings the smooth, flawless finish they deserve.
- Kate Blairstone and Manolo Walls: Kate designed the gorgeous wallpaper that added personality to the space, and Manolo Walls stocked it—a rarity for wallpaper suppliers, which made the process so much easier.
- Korinne James, Before and After Designs: Korinne, a longtime friend and interior designer, gave me invaluable advice throughout the process. Her expertise and encouragement were everything.
Each of these professionals brought something unique to the table, and their dedication—even when things went sideways—made all the difference. They worked with me collaboratively, respecting my knowledge of the process while offering solutions and support when unexpected challenges arose.
That said, GC’ing isn’t for everyone. If you’re considering taking on this role, ask yourself:
- Do I have the time to manage a renovation?
- Am I comfortable communicating with contractors daily?
- Can I handle the inevitable curveballs with patience and a clear head?
- Do I understand construction deeply?
If you answered “no” to any of these, save yourself the stress and hire a professional GC. I may have pulled it off, but it’s not something I’d recommend for everyone!
Making It All Worth It
Now that the dust has finally settled (literally), my kitchen is everything I dreamed of—and then some. The awkward peninsula that used to block the flow of the space? Gone. In its place is a gorgeous island that doubles as a prep station and the ultimate gathering spot where friends and family can hang out while I cook or pour a glass of wine.
The transformation isn’t just aesthetic—it’s functional. Cooking feels effortless, and the thoughtful organization has taken things to the next level. Huge shoutout to Bright Hive Organizing (@brighthivepdx) for stepping in after the renovation to help me put it all together. From my now-flawless spice drawer to the perfectly streamlined storage, everything has a place—and that place just makes sense.
But the real magic? Hosting. I had friends over for Christmas, and, as if on cue, everyone gravitated to the kitchen. It’s warm, functional, and uniquely me—exactly the space I envisioned.
Curious about the full transformation? Check out the before-and-after on my Instagram and see the magic for yourself!
Don’t Wait Too Long
Here’s something I tell my clients all the time: don’t wait 15 years to do your homework for you. I’ve seen too many people renovate just before selling, only to realize they’ve missed out on years of joy in a space that finally feels right.
If you’re unsure about what’s worth the investment, call your realtor (hi, that’s me!). Whether you need advice on where to start, contractors’ referrals, or someone to vent to, Team Goché has you covered.
Follow us on Instagram (@laurengoche, @housewitchpdx, @hanhstayshome) for more behind-the-scenes peeks, client stories, and home inspiration. And if you’re ready to make your Portland home a better fit for your life, let’s talk.
