Last updated: September 24, 2026
What affects the price
Building an ADU involves several moving parts that shape your total investment. The final figure depends heavily on whether you choose a prefab unit or a custom build from the ground up. Site conditions are another major factor; if your property requires extensive grading, utility trenching, or foundation work, costs will climb. You also have to consider your choice of finishes, like high-end appliances or custom cabinetry. Navigating local permit fees and impact assessments also adds to the total.
About this service
The final cost of your ADU is influenced by factors like utility trenching, site excavation, and the complexity of the architectural design. Larger units or those requiring extensive foundation work will naturally cost more than simple interior conversions or small studios. We help you prioritize your budget items to get the most value out of your square footage. Exact pricing confirmed free on the call.
Frequently asked in Portland
What are the disadvantages of ADUs?
Adding an ADU involves navigating Portland's complex permit process and meeting strict design standards. You might face limitations on parking or unit size depending on your specific zoning district. Managing a secondary rental space requires ongoing maintenance and landlord responsibilities. Consult with a professional to weigh these considerations against the potential benefits for your property value and long-term utility in Portland.
How much does an ADU cost in Massachusetts?
What are the rules for ADUs in California?
California regulations do not govern the construction of ADUs in Portland. You must adhere to the city of Portland's specific zoning codes and residential infill project rules. These local laws dictate everything from maximum unit size to setbacks. Always check with a local specialist to ensure your project complies with current Portland municipal requirements rather than out-of-state legislation.
Is ADU allowed in Maryland?
Maryland state rules do not apply to your property located in Portland. You are subject to Oregon state building codes and local city ordinances regarding secondary dwellings. Building an ADU in Portland requires following city-specific guidelines for safety and land use. Reach out to us today to get expert advice on the requirements for your specific site and project.
What are the rules for ADU in California?
The rules for California ADUs do not apply to your home in Portland. Our city has its own unique set of regulations regarding secondary units and accessory structures. It is important to focus on Portland-specific codes to ensure your project moves forward without legal issues. Call us to speak with a professional who knows the local Portland building landscape inside out.
Also serving nearby: Vancouver · Beaverton · Gresham · Hillsboro · Salem
More on this: HUD ADU resources — ADU policy and financing research.
Service area details
Serving all of Portland — population 630,498; about 4,723 residents per square mile across 133.5 sq mi. ZIP codes covered include 97201, 97202, 97203, 97204, 97205, 97206, 97207, 97208.
Neighborhoods served in Portland: Hawthorne, Alberta, Pearl District, Sellwood, Nob Hill, St. Johns — and every surrounding area.
Areas we serve
Browse by state, then city.
Alabama (4)
All of Alabama · Birmingham · Huntsville · Mobile · Montgomery
Alaska (1)
Arizona (9)
All of Arizona · Chandler · Gilbert · Glendale · Mesa · Peoria · Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tempe · Tucson
Arkansas (1)
California (32)
All of California · Anaheim · Bakersfield · Chula Vista · Elk Grove · Fontana · Fremont · Fresno · Garden Grove · Glendale · Huntington Beach · Irvine · Lancaster · Long Beach · Los Angeles · Modesto · Moreno Valley · Oakland · Oceanside · Ontario · Oxnard · Palmdale · Rancho Cucamonga · Riverside · Sacramento · San Bernardino · San Diego · San Francisco · San Jose · Santa Ana · Santa Clarita · Santa Rosa · Stockton
Colorado (4)
All of Colorado · Aurora · Colorado Springs · Denver · Fort Collins
District of Columbia (1)
Florida (11)
All of Florida · Cape Coral · Fort Lauderdale · Hialeah · Jacksonville · Miami · Orlando · Pembroke Pines · Port St. Lucie · St. Petersburg · Tallahassee · Tampa
Georgia (3)
All of Georgia · Atlanta · Augusta-Richmond County · Columbus
Hawaii (1)
Idaho (1)
Illinois (2)
Indiana (1)
Iowa (1)
Kansas (2)
Kentucky (2)
All of Kentucky · Lexington-Fayette · Louisville/Jefferson County
Louisiana (3)
Massachusetts (2)
Michigan (2)
Minnesota (2)
Missouri (3)
Nebraska (2)
Nevada (3)
New Jersey (2)
New Mexico (1)
New York (3)
North Carolina (4)
All of North Carolina · Cary · Fayetteville · Raleigh · Winston-Salem
Ohio (5)
All of Ohio · Akron · Cincinnati · Cleveland · Columbus · Toledo
Oklahoma (2)
Oregon (2)
All of Oregon · Eugene · Salem
Pennsylvania (2)
Rhode Island (1)
South Dakota (1)
Tennessee (5)
All of Tennessee · Chattanooga · Clarksville · Knoxville · Murfreesboro · Nashville-Davidson metropolitan government (balance)
Texas (17)
All of Texas · Amarillo · Arlington · Austin · Brownsville · Corpus Christi · Dallas · El Paso · Frisco · Garland · Grand Prairie · Houston · Irving · Laredo · Lubbock · McKinney · Plano · San Antonio
Utah (1)
Virginia (5)
All of Virginia · Chesapeake · Newport News · Norfolk · Richmond · Virginia Beach
