The honest answer on cost
There is no honest "average ADU cost" for Central Oregon — and you should be wary of any contractor or website that gives you one without seeing your property. Two ADUs with the same floor plan can land tens of thousands of dollars apart depending on the lot, the utilities, and the finishes.
What we can give you is a clear picture of what drives the number, so you can plan realistically — and a free, written, line-item estimate for your specific project once we've walked your lot.
The six things that drive ADU cost
1. Size and layout
Square footage is the single biggest factor. A compact studio-style unit costs far less than a two-bedroom layout with a full kitchen, laundry, and separate entrance — even before finishes.
2. Detached vs. attached vs. conversion
Converting an existing garage or basement is usually the simplest path. A detached new-build ADU involves its own foundation, framing, roofing, and utility runs — more work, but also the most flexibility and privacy.
3. Utility connections
How far water, sewer, and electrical have to travel from your main home matters a lot. Long trenching runs, panel upgrades, or a new sewer lateral can move a budget significantly.
4. Site conditions
Slope, soil, access for equipment, and where the unit sits on your lot all affect foundation and site-work costs. Central Oregon lots vary widely — a flat Redmond lot is a different job than a sloped Sunriver parcel.
5. Finishes and fixtures
Cabinetry, counters, flooring, tile, and appliances follow the same rules as any remodel: durable mid-range finishes keep costs down; custom and premium finishes raise them.
6. Permits and design
Design, engineering, and permit fees are a real line item on any ADU. They vary by jurisdiction and project valuation — we cover what's involved below.
Zoning and permits in Redmond, Bend & Sunriver
Most residential lots in Bend, Redmond, and the surrounding Deschutes County communities allow at least one ADU — but the details vary by jurisdiction: setbacks from property lines, maximum unit size, height limits, lot coverage, and parking requirements all differ.
An ADU is a full dwelling unit, so it goes through complete plan review with building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits. Permit and plan-review fees depend on your jurisdiction and the project's valuation. Plan review is usually the longest part of the schedule — often longer than the early construction phases — so starting the design and permit process early is the best way to protect your timeline.
We check your property's zoning, handle the entire permit process, and schedule every inspection as part of your project. Any contractor building an ADU in Oregon must be licensed with the CCB — Almog Construction is CCB #241934, and you can verify any contractor at oregon.gov/ccb.
Design choices that matter
- Match the main home. Rooflines, siding, and window styles that complement your house look better and appraise better.
- Plan for Central Oregon winters. Proper insulation, snow-load-rated roofing, and freeze-protected plumbing aren't optional here.
- Privacy both ways. Window placement, entrances, and outdoor space should work for both the main home and the ADU — especially if you'll rent it.
- Durable finishes for rentals. If the unit will be a rental, choose finishes that handle turnover: hard-surface flooring, solid-surface counters, quality fixtures.
- Think about utilities early. Shared vs. separate meters and where connections run are cheaper to decide on paper than in the ground.
"They walked the lot, explained every option, and the quote matched the final bill."
— Central Oregon homeowner, ADU project
Get a real number for your property
Free on-site estimates in Redmond, Bend, Sunriver, and all of Central Oregon. We'll walk your lot, check what's possible, and give you a written line-item quote — no pressure, no guesswork.