Business Details
Your Trusted Custom Home Builder in Portland
Hartwell Homes has specialized in custom home construction and remodeling for over 30 years, serving clients across Washington, Oregon, and California. Our founder, John Hartwell, brings 33 years of hands-on experience and leads every project personally, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and uncompromising quality. We maintain long-term partnerships with experienced local subcontractors to deliver exceptional craftsmanship and timely execution. Our commitment extends beyond construction - we prioritize open communication, personalized project management, and transparent processes to create a seamless building experience.Whether crafting affordable residences or luxury estates, we treat each project as if it were our own home, upholding values of integrity, quality, and trust. Our Portland-based team leverages regional expertise and premium materials to meet exacting standards while respecting client budgets and timelines. Customer satisfaction remains our highest priority, evidenced by enduring relationships with both subcontractors and clients who return for multiple projects.
Services
Custom Home Building
Remodeling Services
Addition Construction
Design/Build Projects
Home Renovations
Highlights and features
- We offer 33 years of hands-on home building experience across multiple states
- Our owner personally leads every project from initial consultation through completion
- Guaranteed quality through rigorously vetted, long-term subcontractor partnerships
- Transparent communication and budget management throughout the building process
- Proven track record of repeat clients from previous successful projects
Associations and certifications
- Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB)
What people say
Dream home realization
Exceeding expectations
Knowledgeable guidance
Timely completion
Transparent communication
Services
Custom Home Building
We specialize in creating custom-designed homes tailored to individual preferences and site requirements. Our owner-led approach ensures direct oversight of every construction phase, from foundation to finish. With 30+ years of experience building luxury estates and affordable residences, we maintain strict quality control through trusted local subcontractors. Our process emphasizes transparent budgeting, realistic timelines, and personalized adjustments throughout construction to match client expectations.
Remodeling Services
Our remodeling expertise transforms existing spaces while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic coherence. Owner John Hartwell works directly with clients to reconfigure layouts, modernize finishes, and enhance functionality. We coordinate specialized tradespeople for kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, and whole-house transformations. Our systematic approach ensures minimal disruption to daily living while achieving improved spatial efficiency and contemporary design elements that increase property value.
Addition Construction
We design and build functional home additions that seamlessly integrate with existing architecture. Services include second-story expansions, basement conversions, and room additions maintaining original structural character. Our team handles zoning requirements, load-bearing modifications, and material matching to ensure cohesive aesthetics. The process combines architectural precision with practical space planning to create expanded living areas that meet evolving family needs while preserving property value.
Design/Build Projects
Our coordinated design/build methodology streamlines custom home creation through unified project management. We collaborate with architects and designers while maintaining direct construction oversight, eliminating communication gaps between design and implementation. This approach allows immediate cost evaluations during planning and facilitates real-time adjustments without compromising quality. Clients benefit from simplified decision-making and guaranteed adherence to design specifications through our hands-on building expertise.
Home Renovations
Comprehensive renovation services address both cosmetic updates and structural improvements across residential properties. We execute interior modernizations, exterior facelifts, and system upgrades while preserving original architectural character. Our experienced team implements energy-efficient solutions, code-compliant modifications, and material replacements that enhance comfort and functionality. Every project maintains strict attention to detail while delivering improved aesthetics and practical living enhancements that align with contemporary lifestyle needs.
People
John Hartwell
Founder / Owner
With 33 years of hands-on home building experience, John personally oversees every project. He maintains direct client relationships and coordinates expert subcontractors across Washington, Oregon, and California. His approach emphasizes quality craftsmanship, transparent communication, and budget integrity through all construction phases.
Questions
How does Hartwell Homes differ from national home builders?
We provide direct owner involvement in every project, maintaining local subcontractor relationships spanning 20+ years, rather than relying on rotating regional teams.
What construction phases require client involvement?
Clients participate in material selections, major design decisions, and periodic progress reviews while we manage day-to-day operations.
How are project timelines maintained?
We implement detailed scheduling with buffer periods, coordinate trades efficiently, and proactively address potential delays through our experienced team.
What quality control measures are applied?
Owner-led inspections occur at critical stages, with multiple subcontractor quality checks and final walkthroughs before client handover.
Can modifications be made during construction?
Yes, we accommodate reasonable changes with updated cost analysis while maintaining budget transparency and schedule feasibility.
What post-construction support is available?
We address punch list items promptly and remain accessible for minor adjustments after final project completion.
Reviews (1)
Brad Graff
Dec 07, 2018
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John built our last 2 homes in Portland and did an amazing job. He is extremely honest and very experienced. The first home wa a spec house which we bought when we moved here, and the 2nd home was custom. We lived in both for 7+ years, and the quality of the construction is amazing. He is great to work with - highly recommended!!
