1. The “Portland Special”: Dealing with the Stack

In many older Portland homes, the main plumbing stack is a massive cast-iron pipe that runs right through the corner of the bathroom.

• The Trap: Moving this stack can cost $5,000–$10,000 alone.
• The Fix: Work with the bump-out. Instead of trying to hide it, use that vertical chase to install recessed “niche” shelving for towels or toiletries. If you have to have a wall there anyway, make it functional.

2. Squeeze the Fixtures, Not the Style

Standard modern vanities are 21 inches deep, which can turn a narrow Portland bathroom into a hallway.

• The “Side-Mount” Faucet: One clever trick used by local designers is to pick a slightly narrower vanity but mount the faucet on the side of the sink rather than the back. This saves 3-4 inches of depth—enough to actually open the bathroom door all the way.
• Wall-Hung Toilets: If your budget allows, a wall-mounted toilet (with the tank hidden in the wall) can save up to 10 inches of floor space. In a 5×5 powder room, that is a life-changer.

3. The “Simple Bathroom Permit” Shortcut

The City of Portland (BDS) has a specific Simple Bathroom Permit program that is a godsend for older homes.

• How it works: If you aren’t moving walls or adding new windows, you can often skip the long plan-review process. It’s a “trade-only” permit path that can shave weeks off your timeline.
• Warning: This only applies if you stay within the existing footprint. If you’re trying to steal a few feet from a closet next door, you’ll have to go the standard permit route.

4. Ventilation: The Anti-Mold Mandate

Portland is damp. Older homes were designed to “breathe” through drafty windows, but once you seal everything up with new tile and insulation, you’ve created a steam room.

• Don’t rely on the window: Code might allow a window to count as ventilation, but in a Portland winter, you aren’t going to open it.
• The 2026 Standard: Install a fan with a built-in humidity sensor. It will automatically kick on when you shower and stay on until the air is dry, protecting your expensive new wallpaper or paint from peeling.

5. Aesthetic: Modern vs. Historic

You don’t have to do a “period-correct” museum restoration, but going too modern can look jarring in a classic Craftsman.

• The Compromise: Use Hex or Penny tiles on the floor—they are historically accurate and the extra grout lines provide excellent slip resistance.
• The 2026 Trend: Instead of stark white subway tile, look for zellige-style tiles in earthy tones like “Universal Khaki” or muted moss greens. They have an irregular, handmade look that feels right at home next to original wood trim.

One Final Tip: Check Your Subfloor

Old Portland bathrooms often had “mud-set” tile floors—a 2-inch thick slab of concrete poured right onto the wood joists. When you rip this out, your floor height will drop significantly. Make sure your contractor plans for this, or you’ll end up with a weird “step up” or “step down” at the doorway.