Should You Remodel Before Selling? Oregon Homeowner Guide

Jan 29, 2026 | Home Remodeling

Should You Remodel Before Selling?

Many Oregon homeowners wonder whether they should remodel before listing — especially in competitive markets like Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Wilsonville.

The truth: It depends on your goals, timeline, and the condition of your home.

Remodel Before Selling If…

  • Your kitchen or bathrooms are significantly outdated. Are we looking at 15 years since they have been touched?
  • You need to compete with newer homes. With new construction all the incentives they are offering do you offset that  advantage?
  • Repairs are needed for inspection. Take a step back and look at the home as if you walk into it for the first time. What do you see? Is there some dry rot trim around the windows? Do cabinets not fully work? Cracks in tiles?
  • Small upgrades would lift your sale price. Let is lead you through what will get you the best return on your money when you are going to sell. 

 

Don’t Remodel If…

  • You’re selling as-is: If your plan is “price it accordingly and move on,” a remodel usually just adds stress and timeline without changing the end result. In that case, your best move is putting money into presentation (cleaning, decluttering, yard polish) so buyers see potential without you sinking cash into construction.
  • You don’t have time for renovations: Renovations rarely run perfectly on schedule—permits, backorders, and surprise repairs happen. If you’re on a tight deadline, you can burn weeks and still miss the market window that matters most, which can cost more than the remodel ever would.
  • The ROI won’t match your investment: Not every upgrade pays you back, especially if you over-improve for the neighborhood or choose finishes that buyers won’t value. If the numbers don’t clearly work, you’re better off doing strategic, low-cost wins (paint touch-ups, lighting swaps, curb appeal) and keeping your profit where it belongs—in your pocket.

High-ROI Updates Before Selling

  • Paint all one color

  • Lighting updates

  • Minor bathroom refreshes

  • Replacing worn flooring

  • Fixing moisture issues

  • Modernizing hardware

 

How The Build Well Process Helps Sellers

Our real estate side (Simply Northwest brokered by REAL) gives you both renovation AND market insight — rare in this industry.

Want to maximize your home’s value? Let’s build your plan! Contact us now.