Hammer & Hand is a general contractor. We oversee and manage your build from start to finish, including hiring subcontractors, obtaining permits, purchasing materials, and ensuring the work is completed on time and within budget. Hammer & Hand works with designers, architects, and clients on a variety of projects including commercial construction, new homes, remodels, and high performance buildings in both Portland and Seattle.
We opened our doors in 1995 and have been running strong since. Many of our craftspeople have been in the carpentry industry for their entire careers, and we are very selective in our hiring process. That way you can be sure that your project is being worked on by some of the best in the industry.
At Hammer & Hand, we are built upon the core principles of Service, Craft, and Science.
Our commitment to excellence starts with providing exceptional Service to our clients, employees, and community. We believe in building lasting relationships by providing personalized experiences and addressing our clients’ unique needs and aspirations throughout every project. Our philosophy of transparency and open communication ensures that you can trust us to deliver your project with care and integrity. We attract the top talent by offering competitive wages, great benefits, and a solid work-life balance because we know that the best work is done when people are happy and healthy. We care about hiring talent from a diverse pool, empowering women and minorities in our industry, and giving back to our Portland and Seattle communities in tangible ways. Read more about our Hiring practices and Community Involvement here.
Composed of a variety of different artists and artisans, our crew brings a diverse range of expertise and talent to every project. Craft is at the heart of our core values, and we view each undertaking as an opportunity to showcase the mastery of our skills. From intricate woodwork to precision detailing, we pour our passion and dedication into every aspect of our work, ensuring that each project we build meets or exceeds the client’s expectations. With a relentless pursuit of perfection, we go above and beyond, leaving a durable and lasting mark of excellence in every corner of our craftsmanship. To view our work, take a look at our Portfolio.
Staying up-to-date with (and in some cases pushing) the Science of building has been part of Hammer & Hand’s DNA from the beginning. Embracing the forefront of innovation, we lead the industry with our expertise in net-zero building technologies. By blending traditional craft with cutting-edge science, we create sustainable and energy-efficient projects, contributing to a greener future. In the spirit of cooperation, we provide our Best Practices Manual online, free for all. Check out our High Performance Building page to learn more!
We know there are many good builders out there, but only at Hammer & Hand will you find the unwavering commitment to Service, Craft, and Science that ensures exceptional results time after time!
You will need an architect to design your custom-built house. If you do not have an architect, we can put you in touch with one. If you already found an architect, we will collaborate with them in order to make your new build a reality.
This entirely depends on the kind of home, size of home, season during which the construction takes place, and many other factors. Contact us today to discuss your needs and we can give you a more accurate timeline.
Yes, remodeling historic homes is one of our specialties! Our expert remodelers can help with all aspects of historic remodels, whether you are looking to match hand-crafted finishes or update your home with modern touches. Contact us today to learn more.
We care about our impact on the environment. We make every effort to be environmentally-conscious during our builds. We also specialize in high performance building, which is more energy efficient and eco-friendly than traditional building methods.
While we primarily operate in Portland, Seattle, and their respective metro areas, we occasionally accept jobs outside of these locations. Contact us today to see if we can help with your project.
Hammer & Hand does not have an in-house team of designers or architects. Rather, we partner with a diverse and talented array of independent designers and architects from all across the Pacific Northwest. This gives us the flexibility to pair each client with a design team that is uniquely suited to their specific project!
If you are still searching for someone to help design and create your home, we can connect you with our network of highly talented architects and designers in the Portland and Seattle areas.
Choices on materials and finishes are made by clients and their architects, often in consultation with our team. Sometimes, custom, hand-made finishes may be built by our Woodshop upon request. However, the feasibility of producing custom elements is on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on the project budget, availability of materials, the timeline of the project, and the resources of our team.
For more information on custom materials and finish requests when building a new home with Hammer & Hand, contact us today.
Because every home build is different, there is no definitive answer to how long it will take. The length of time it takes to build your home depends on many factors including, but not limited to:
Our expert team has built a multitude of homes, and rarely are two homes alike in style. One of the benefits of not having our own in-house designers is that we are not locked into a limited choice of styles. Whatever your aesthetic, our project supervisors can help pair you with a local architect or designer that perfectly suits your needs and particular style.
We’ve helped homeowners all throughout Portland and Seattle build the homes of their dreams. Here’s a look at our portfolio of past home builds.
Not typically. We serve the Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington regions, including NW Oregon and the I-5 corridor up through Everett. We have, on extremely rare occasions and for singular projects, worked outside our states.
No, we no longer offer out-of-state consulting. Our Best Practices manual along with our many Videos are open source and provide a lot of instruction on high performance building; The best source for building a high-performance or net zero home in your area is to work with someone familiar with your particular climate. Check out the PHIUS website to find a Passive House certified architect, builder, and consultant in your area.
No. All the new homes we build are all custom-designed and built on site.
No, we do not. The plans for the homes on our site belong to the owner who paid the architect or designer for those unique plans who created them.
We liken the cost of building a home to the price of a bag of groceries: It all depends on what’s inside. There are so many factors that go into a home, so many diverse goals, designs, and challenges, that costs can vary significantly from project to project. As with most things, the higher total square footage, the lower the per-square-foot cost. We rely on detailed cost analyses when looking at potential projects, as each architect-driven project is different. But there are some often changing ballpark square footage prices for projects that we would be happy to share once we know more about your project. Because those ranges are ever changing, we don’t post them in this FAQ. Contact us here with detailed info about your project to start a conversation about general budgets in the current construction climate.
The costs for building a new Passive House vary based on factors such as material selection, design, and site. Generally a Passive House costs 10-20% more than standard construction. However, keep in mind that much (sometimes all) of this extra cost is offset by energy savings over time.
Because kitchen remodels can have minimal work or be very intricately designed, it’s hard to pinpoint a price without knowing the scope of your unique project.
Factors that contribute to the cost of a kitchen remodel include:
For a general estimate, contact our team today. We will be able to give you a more exact quote once we have plans, designs, schematics, and specifications from a designer or architect.
Seattle and Portland kitchen remodels and renovations generally take between six to eight weeks. For more complex or full kitchen remodels, the timeline can range anywhere from 10 weeks to 5 months.
When considering a kitchen remodel, it is important to keep in mind that permits are required to get started on any construction project. Obtaining these permits may contribute to the timeline of your kitchen remodel.
Searching for the best contractors in the area can feel overwhelming — is there a way to ensure you’re getting the best contractor for your needs?
We recommend taking several steps to find the best contractor for your kitchen remodel, including:
At Hammer & Hand, we put our clients’ wants and needs at the top of our priority list. As one of the top contractors in the Portland and Seattle area, we are committed to maintaining our reputation for completing projects with thoughtfulness and precision.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide a price tag without understanding the scope of the remodel. Factors that contribute to the price of a bathroom remodel include:
Similar to the price of a bathroom remodel, the time it takes will vary based on several factors. Full bathroom remodels can take anywhere from 7 to 10 weeks (on average) to complete.
Permits are required to get started on a bathroom remodel, and oftentimes, our project times are based on when these permits are received.
It can feel difficult to find the right contractor for the job – how can you be sure you have the best contractor to get the job done?
Because we hold ourselves to these same standards, we believe a reliable contractor should have:
Maybe you’ve already asked your friends for referrals, you’ve read reviews of different contractors in town, or you’ve even checked contractors’ credentials to ensure they are licensed in your area. Even after extensive research, you may still be wondering which contractor to choose.
When it comes to high-craft remodels and home building, Hammer & Hand stands above the rest.
We won’t be right for everyone’s budget, but for those looking for a hand-crafted home built by highly trained experts, the craftspeople at Hammer & Hand have widely been considered the best in the business for over a quarter of a century.
Basement remodels can vary greatly in cost, which makes it hard for us to provide a general cost without knowing the scope of the project. Factors that contribute to the cost of a basement remodel include:
For a more precise estimate, contact our team today and we can compile the information we need to give you an estimate on your basement remodel.
Absolutely!
Not only could a finished basement increase your property’s value significantly, but it also gives your family and friends a bonus area to build memories in for years to come.
To find the best basement remodeling contractors in Portland or Seattle, we recommend:
At Hammer & Hand, we’re committed to creating luxury spaces that our clients’ can create memories in for decades to come. As one of the top contractors in Portland and Seattle, we have a reputation for completing projects with thoughtfulness and precision.
We’ve hired and trained experts in the industry — and as the top contractors in the Portland and Seattle areas, we’re committed to standing out above the rest for decades to come.
Contact us today to find out more about how we can assist with your basement remodel in the Portland and Seattle areas.
Hammer & Hand general contractors serve the Portland, OR and Seattle, WA areas — including NW Oregon and the I-5 corridor through Everett.
Generally, homeowner associations (HOAs) are in charge of managing condo communities.
Because these associations have tight control over establishing rules for unit owners to follow, it is critical that you thoroughly examine your HOA’s remodel and renovation rules and regulations to ensure the changes you plan to make are permissible.
Condo remodels come with many benefits, one of the biggest being that they give you the ability to maximize your property’s worth.
Real estate experts say that kitchen and bathroom remodels are some of the most significant upgrades owners can make to increase their property’s value.
Please note that Hammer & Hand usually only agrees to complete bathroom remodels if they are part of a larger, more extensive project — like a condo remodel.
Hammer & Hand’s team of condo remodeling contractors can help you optimize the outcome of your condo renovations.
Save yourself the time and stress associated with home improvement projects by teaming up with our experienced, trusted, and highly-trained contractors for your condo remodel.
Unsure if a condo remodel is worth the investment? One of our property managers will happily visit your condo and help you assess its remodel potential. From there, the property manager will prepare a report detailing:
The cost of this service ranges from $250 – $500 for the first assessment, depending on the scope and location of the project. If you decide to complete a condo remodel with us, this fee will be credited back to you.
Contact us today for more information on our assessments and the steps to complete a condo remodel in Portland or Seattle with Hammer & Hand.
Hammer & Hand general contractors serve the Portland, OR and Seattle, WA areas — including NW Oregon and the I-5 corridor through Everett.
Maybe you’ve heard the term “granny flat” before — and you probably think of outdated, uniformly-styled quarters connected to your home.
When you hire Hammer & Hand as your ADU builders you can expect a modern, uniquely crafted ADU that is beautifully and sustainably designed and feels like home for anyone who walks in the door.
The answer to this depends on many factors, such as:
To help you get a clearer picture on the breakdown of how much it costs to build an ADU in Portland or Seattle, we’ve created a guide that breaks down each of these factors.
Building an ADU without the expertise of an ADU builder can become extremely costly and time-consuming. Hiring contractors with experience — specifically, the craftspeople at Hammer & Hand — in building ADUs offers many benefits, including:
Just like a home, the cost per square foot for an ADU depends on a variety of factors such as size, site considerations, and your design choices. The larger the total square footage, the smaller the per-square-foot costs. People are often surprised by the cost of an ADU. However, bear in mind that an ADU is essentially a small home, requiring all the same components of a larger house. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most costly elements of a home, and while the footprint of an ADU may be smaller, there’s only so small a toilet or sink can get. The best way to get up-to-date pricing is to contact our team.
Passive house doors provide the insulation levels and airtightness necessary for a passive home to meet the “Passive House Standard.” They are exterior doors designed to help homeowners pass the Passive House standard for thermal performance and energy efficiency.
Think of your passive house door as a vault door.
Thick, full of gaskets, latches, and locks, to ensure that every crack is sealed when the door is closed — so much so that you can hear a sealing sound as you shut the door.
Hammer & Hand’s Passive House Doors meet the International Passive House Standard, meaning they have state-of-the-art energy efficiency features such as:
Insufficient insulation is one of the number one factors for increased energy costs in homes. Another major contributor?
Air leaks around doors and windows in your home.
You might not know that heat loss can also occur through heat transfer mechanisms.
This means that heat moves through the solid part of your home’s doors — the panels, rails, jambs, and sill — with conduction; This is due to air movement through the small open spaces between your exterior door and the door frame.
That transfer stops here — at Hammer & Hand — where we are committed to creating Passive House Doors that not only meet the “Passive House Standard,” but help you save on your utility bill and aren’t an eyesore on the house you’ve invested so much time and money into.
Insufficient insulation is one of the number one factors for increased energy costs in homes. Another major contributor? Air leaks around the doors and windows in your home. Most common doors and windows have air leaks, however passive house standards aim to solve this problem by installing airtight silicone gasketing.
You might not know that heat loss can also occur through heat transfer mechanisms and thermal bridging. This means that heat moves through the solid part of your home’s doors — the panels, rails, jambs, and sill — with conduction; This is due to air movement through the small open spaces between your exterior door and the door frame.
Passive house doors offer better insulation than your average door, which is great news for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and live in a sustainable home.
We work on a variety of commercial project types including, but not limited to: offices, restaurants, breweries, boutiques, mixed use, multi-family, clinics, and retail stores.
Our woodshop has crafted many pieces for businesses around Portland and Seattle including reclaimed barnwood tables for a restaurant, a custom elm bar for a local brewery, a built-in faux teardrop trailer for a retail space’s dressing room, and many more. Whether or not we’re building the rest of the project, we’re happy to come on board for unique, handcrafted finishing touches that will make your business environment sing.
For general contracting, we are structured to be most cost effective at projects starting at the full tenant improvement/remodel scale on up to multistory TIs and new buildings. For custom millwork projects, smaller or one-off pieces are right up our alley.
If you’re looking for help with little tasks like installing hardware or patching a roof, connecting with a handyman or smaller contractor may be your best bet.
Due to the specialized nature of commercial projects, one size (or in this case, cost per square foot) does not fit all. After an initial discussion about the project scope, schedule, and other details we should be able provide a very rough assessment of cost. The accuracy of any cost discussion is directly proportionate to the amount of detail that can be provided. A phone call is generally enough to provide a wide range square foot cost.
For information on the process of building and opening a restaurant check out this post.
Not typically. We serve the Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington metro regions, including NW Oregon and the I-5 corridor up through Everett.
Project time frames depend on the project type and construction schedule. While we can give a preliminary timeline, the complete schedule only becomes clear once the project design is nearing completion. We are dedicated to working with our commercial clients on a timeline that works for them and their business.
Our position in the construction world does sometimes allow insight into real estate opportunities. We are happy to pass these along to potential clients we know are seeking similar opportunities, especially if we can be a part of the project team! We can also provide information about a space that might be helpful in the real estate negotiation process. That being said, we are not a licensed real estate agent and generally do not actively search for land/spaces with clients.
Hammer & Hand is a general contractor that works with designers, architects, and clients on a variety of projects including commercial construction, new homes, remodels, and high performance buildings. We are dedicated to better building through service, craft, and science.
No, as traditional builders we do not have in-house designers or architects. We’re focused on being the best general contractor we can be and don’t want to limit your choice of design team down to a handful of staff members. Instead, we collaborate with a diverse array of architectural firms in Portland and Seattle, allowing us to match you with a designer whose expertise, style, and personality best serves you and your project. We’re happy to provide recommendations; or, if you already have a designer selected, we’re happy to work with them as well! Visit our page Partnering with Architects to read more about how we collaborate with architects and clients on all of our projects.
Yes. We need architectural drawings and specifications to guide our installations, so the services of a design professional will be necessary. Even for small projects that don’t require additional design input, plans are necessary to efficiently and accurately communicate project expectations to our skilled craftspeople and subcontractors. They are also necessary to secure permits. The scope of projects we normally undertake requires a design professional to be attached.
Yes, for large remodels and new homes, and if we are working on a larger project we can look at smaller additions, kitchens etc. in that area. For logistical reasons, it is infeasible to do smaller projects on the coast.
Our woodshop is 3000sf with 2-3 shop carpenters. We can generally take on up to 5 projects at a time.
Prices vary. A few factors that impact cost are wood species, design, finish selection, and whether or not you would like H&H to do the installation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve seen prices continue to rise, so it’s difficult to give a definitive answer in this time of flux. The best way to get a general idea of costs is to contact our team. The more information you can provide us about what you’re looking for (ie. pictures of the space, dimensions, inspiration photos, etc.), the more quickly and accurately we can produce an initial estimate for you.
We are a custom fabrication shop, and we specialize in creating bespoke, historically accurate, and high-performance windows and doors by hand. Our unique, personal touch and techniques, as well as our dedication to handcrafting each of our pieces, are a major factor in our prices. Because of this, people can often be a bit surprised by the cost of our products.
We are happy to direct you to outside resources that will assist you with your project.
Generally speaking, most photos of completed projects are owned by the photographer and merely licensed to us for our use alone. To use professional photos, you would need to obtain a license from the photographer. Please contact our team so we can point you toward the right person. All reproduced photos must be licensed and list Hammer & Hand as the builder, as well as the architect and/or designer, and photographer.
Yes, we offer warranties on our workmanship to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. The standard warranty is 1 year.
We do not offer standalone handyman services, though we do perform repairs and handyman work for our existing clients following the completion of a project as part of ongoing maintenance plans.
We use a cloud-based project management tool to support our schedule management. This tool allows us to easily share schedules and other project details with you and your architect. The schedule will be updated at least once a week, but is typically updated daily. Our site supervisors use a 3-week look ahead schedule to ensure that we address immediate concerns and near-future scheduling conflicts.
Yes! We have shipped custom work all over the US, and Canada. As one of the few custom shops capable of building fully customizable, all-wood windows and doors to passive house standards, it is not uncommon for someone on the east coast to place orders with our team.
No problem! Submitting through the Start Project form does not commit you to anything, nor does it put you on a mailing list. Reach out, we will try to provide you with the information you need to decide if you’d like to move forward or not. If you’re interested in possibly moving forward after receiving this information, we will put you in touch with a project supervisor to discuss further. If not, no problem! We know what it’s like to get an inbox full of junk mail and we aren’t going to do that to you!
Along with Value Engineering, utilizing a phased approach is a common tactic to making a project feasible, either for cash flow or logistical reasons. It will always impact the cost of a project to demobilize and remobilize, so that has to be weighed in a decision to phase a project.
Construction costs for any new build or remodeling project can vary significantly. In addition to the level of finish desired, many other factors are at play. This could include the ability for us to access the space:
With answers to these questions, as well as a keen eye for finding efficiencies, we can zero in on a budget that meets the goals of the project.
We pride ourselves on our Value Engineering (VE), which means identifying ways to make significant changes to the construction budget without negatively impacting the project goals. Our job in VE is to find ways to best achieve the vision for the project while minimizing costs. We are both proactive and efficient in updating pricing based on new options or selections made by the project team. VE demands creative problem solving and often results not only in a more cost-effective design, but a stronger one as well. Our long-term experience with varied project typologies gives us an unparalleled ability to suggest alternatives when appropriate. Strong relationships with our subcontractors and suppliers can also be a great benefit in this process, as they are always willing to share ideas for cost savings, even at initial pricing.
Depending on the needs of the project and mutual agreement, either a semi-weekly or once-monthly payment schedule is most typical.
Yes, a dedicated project manager will be assigned to your project, serving as the main point of contact throughout the entire building process. You will also have a Site Supervisor who will remain on-site during the build.
