Email

Salem 503-364-5842

Portland 503-635-7238

191 Kingwood Ave NW, Salem, OR 97304

Contents

When Your Home Feels Behind the Times

Do you ever walk through your home and feel like it no longer reflects your taste, your life, or the way you want to live? Maybe you glance at a dated bathroom tile, an awkward flow of rooms, or peeling paint—and you feel a pang of regret or frustration. You’re not alone.

In the Salem and Portland metro areas, housing stock is aging: nearly half of all homes listed in recent years are more than 30 years old. In Portland itself, the median home age is around 58 years. Many homes throughout Salem and Portland were built decades ago—often in the 1930s through 1960s—and while they carry character, they haven’t always been updated to match today’s expectations for comfort, design, and functionality.

home-remodeling-guide-1

That means many homeowners are living in houses that may have been well-loved, but now feel outdated, inefficient, or even embarrassing when friends and family visit.

Here’s what we often hear:

  • “The finishes feel stuck in another era.” Your living room, kitchen, or bathrooms may be showing their age—colors, layouts, and materials that once felt modern now feel worn and dated.
  • “I’m embarrassed to invite people over.” You want a home that feels warm and beautiful, not a source of stress when company comes.
  • “We want to live here again—with pride.” Your goal is to revitalize your space so it supports daily life, makes entertaining easy, and holds up in Oregon’s rainy climate.
This guide will walk you through the common challenges homeowners face, the temporary fixes many try (and why they don’t work), and a smarter, longer-lasting path to updating your home.

"Kraft Custom Construction (KCC) was selected over other contractors as KCC demonstrated they had the processes in place to control schedules and costs. KCC finished our whole house remodel ahead of schedule, within the budget and provided a high quality product. The Monday morning email with the week’s planned activities was fantastic. What really made the remodel process are the people at KCC. Not only highly professional, but they quickly became friends. Thank you KCC!
- review by Bill R.

Download your personal copy of the eBook - From Outdated to Outstanding: A Home Remodeling Guide to Help You Fall Back in Love with Your House by completing the form to the right.

From Outdated to Outstanding cvr

Download Now
From-outdated-to-outstanding-2

The Common Signs It’s Time for a Change

Every home tells a story, but if yours hasn’t been updated in decades, that story may feel more frustrating than inspiring.

One Salem couple shared how they stopped hosting Thanksgiving because their kitchen was too cramped and outdated. What should have been a joyful holiday turned into a source of stress—and over time, they simply stopped inviting people in.

We hear similar experiences from many homeowners, often centered around:

  • Outdated interiors. Years of wear and tear make rooms feel tired, and a simple “refresh” is no longer enough.
  • Inefficient layouts. Cramped hallways, kitchens cut off from living areas, and awkward flows disrupt daily routines.
  • Disconnected indoor–outdoor living. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, where natural beauty surrounds us, many homes don’t make it easy to step outside or enjoy the views.
  • Water damage and maintenance issues. Oregon’s damp, rainy climate creates opportunities for moisture intrusion through windows, doors, attics, and crawl spaces. Left unaddressed, small issues become bigger, more costly problems.
  • Underused outdoor spaces. Patios, porches, and yards sit empty instead of offering places to relax, cook, or gather.

The result is more than inconvenience. Homeowners begin to feel disconnected from their homes—avoiding hosting, escaping elsewhere, and living with daily frustrations instead of the comfort they deserve.

 

noun-lighting-3073852-792E40STORY SPOTLIGHT: A NEGLECTED EXTERIOR BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE

One West Linn homeowner came to us with a home that had suffered years of neglect and patchwork fixes. The exterior envelope was rotted, and the outdoor spaces were unusable. Through a phased remodel, we rebuilt part of the structure, restored the home’s integrity, and created outdoor living areas that are complemented by the natural beauty of its wooded setting. It resulted in an award-winning project—and even more importantly, renewed the homeowner’s love for their home.

outdated-to-outstanding-3-1
outdated-to-outstanding-4

Quick Fixes vs. True Solutions

When faced with an outdated home, most people start with what feels easy or affordable. However these approaches rarely deliver the transformation they hope for:

  • Cosmetic updates. A homeowner in Portland told us how she repainted her kitchen cabinets twice in five years. It helped at first, but the awkward layout and limited storage never changed—leaving her just as frustrated, and with the added upkeep of chipping paint.
  • DIY fixes. Inspired by YouTube tutorials, some attempt projects themselves. One homeowner rented an excavator to regrade his yard for better drainage. The project dragged on for months, cost more than expected, and left him overwhelmed.
  • Hiring “budget” contractors. Another family hired a cut-rate contractor for a bathroom remodel. They ended up with tile that cracked within a year and plumbing that wasn’t up to code. In the end, it cost more to redo the work than if they had invested properly in the first place, and the whole experience was less than ideal (to put it lightly).
  • Doing nothing. Some homeowners simply freeze. They live with daily frustration, feeling stuck, while maintenance issues grow worse and daily annoyances continue to build.
Each of these paths has the same drawbacks: wasted time, wasted money, and a home that still doesn’t feel right. The good news is, there’s a better way to fall back in love with your home again—starting with a more thoughtful approach to design and remodeling.

noun-lighting-3073852-792E40STORY SPOTLIGHT: A COTTAGE RESTORED WITH CARE

In Salem’s Fairmount Hills neighborhood, we restored a historic cottage where prior updates had been piecemeal and short-sighted. The homeowners told us: “The work you accomplished on my house is a joy to me every day. To this day, I get compliments on the quality of the work you did. I’ll always be grateful to you that you were there for me when I was so inexperienced in remodeling yet so passionate about wanting excellent craftsmanship. This is the perfect home and neighborhood for me, and I credit [Kraft] for making it a reality.” Their words highlight the difference between short-term fixes and a comprehensive remodel that brings lasting satisfaction.

outdated-to-outstanding-5

A Smarter Path to Loving YourHome Again

The alternative to these “quick fixes” is a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to remodeling—one that addresses not just the look of your home, but its function, durability, and connection to the outdoors.

Here’s what that can look like:

COHESIVE INTERIOR UPDATES

Instead of making changes one room at a time, looking at the home as a whole creates a sense of flow and connection. Thoughtful updates blend old with new so your house feels intentional, comfortable, and timeless.

PULL-AND-REPLACE VS. FULL DESIGN

Sometimes a pull-and-replace remodel (like updating cabinetry or countertops) is enough. Other times, a complete redesign unlocks the full potential of a space. The right choice depends on your goals—whether you want a short-term refresh or long-term value that truly changes how you live in your home.

DESIGNING FOR LONGEVITY

Timeless finishes, clean lines, and easy-to-maintain materials ensure your investment lasts. Avoiding fleeting trends means your home will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

EXTENDING OUTDOOR LIVING

Porches, patios, and outdoor kitchens transform underused yards into functional extensions of your home. Designated outdoor areas encourage more time outside, surrounded by nature, and create spaces for hosting and relaxing.

noun-lighting-3073852-792E40STORY SPOTLIGHT: AN OUTDOOR SANCTUARY

This West Salem family dreamed of extending their living space into the outdoors. We designed a mid-century-inspired outdoor sanctuary with a covered kitchen, seating areas, and seamless connections to the home. Rain or shine, it became a place where they can now cook, gather, and enjoy Oregon’s beauty—showing how intentional design turns underused space into a year-round retreat.

outdated-to-outstanding-6
outdated-to-outstanding-7

Choosing the Right Partner Matters

Not all remodeling companies offer the same experience. Some provide only piecemeal solutions; others focus on speed and low cost rather than quality.

When choosing a partner for your remodel, look for:

  • A clear, detailed process. From planning to permitting to construction, you should know what to expect.
  • Communication and trust. Remodeling takes time, and you’ll be spending it with your contractor. Choose someone who listens, respects your home, and keeps you informed.
  • Craftsmanship and integrity. High-quality materials and skilled trades ensure lasting results.
  • Coordination of trade partners. A full-service design-build company handles the complexity, so you don’t have to play general contractor.
  • Advocacy and accountability. The right partner stands behind their work, manages issues when they arise, and makes sure you’re satisfied.

The difference is peace of mind: a remodel that feels like a thoughtful collaboration rather than a chaotic disruption.

"Kraft Custom Construction Inc. is the epitome of a great, professional construction contractor. Their team works with their client to determine what the client wants and works diligently to assure those desires are met. I loved being heard, and having results that exceeded my expectations.
- review by Judy B.

outdated-to-outstanding-9

Fall Back in Love With Your Home

Living in an outdated home is frustrating—but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Many homeowners in Salem and Portland have admitted that, over time, they’ve fallen out of love with their home. With the right plan and partner, you can reclaim your pride, comfort, and enjoyment.

Your home should be more than a place you live. It should be a space you love—one that reflects your lifestyle, supports your routines, and welcomes friends and family with ease.

NEXT STEPS: EXPLORE WHAT’S POSSIBLE

If you’re ready to learn more, start by downloading our eBook What It’s Like to Remodel with Kraft: A Guide to Thoughtful Design, Trusted Craftsmanship, and a Home You’ll Love Living In. It offers a closer look at how our design-build process works and what makes the experience different from other remodeling approaches.

When you’re ready to take the next step, you can also request a Complimentary Home Remodel Consultation to talk through your ideas and see how we might bring your vision to life.

Download your personal copy of the eBook - From Outdated to Outstanding: A Home Remodeling Guide to Help You Fall Back in Love with Your House by completing the form to the right.

From Outdated to Outstanding cvr

Download Now

© 2025 Kraft Custom Construction, Inc. All rights reserved.