An ADU builder in Bend is a licensed contractor who designs and constructs accessory dwelling units — detached backyard units, garage conversions, attached additions, and junior ADUs (JADUs). Because an ADU is a complete second dwelling, the builder coordinates foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work and pulls it through Bend's permit process and utility connections. Not every general contractor has built one, so the right builder is one with ADU-specific experience in Oregon.
What ADU Builders Cost in Bend [11][12]
Based on our Bend cost data, expect the following ranges from local ADU builders. Quotes for the same scope typically vary 20-40% between contractors, so getting at least three bids is the single best way to control cost.
| New Detached ADU (all-in) | $225,000-$350,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $280-$440 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$150,000 |
| Prefab / Modular ADU (installed) | $180,000-$280,000 |
| City Permit & Plan Review | Roughly $3,000-$4,000 for a 600-800 sq ft ADU at FY2025-26 rates: building permit $1,212.58 for the first $100,000 of valuation + $7.00 per extra $1,000, plan review 65%, 12% state surcharge, 0.33% affordable-housing fee, plus trade permits. The City emails project estimates. |
| Impact Fees | City SDC schedule FY2025-26 (effective July 1, 2025): an ADU pays a $1,086 transportation SDC; the City's water and sewer SDCs are listed 'not applicable' for the ADU category (versus $11,890 for a new house under 600 sq ft). Rates are indexed every July 1. The Bend Park & Recreation District charges its own parks SDC on top; an SDC deferral program is available (development@bendoregon.gov). |
For a full line-item breakdown, see our Bend ADU cost guide. To confirm what you're allowed to build before you hire, review the Bend ADU rules (max detached size: 800 sq ft floor area for a single ADU; where two ADUs are built, one may be up to 800 sq ft and the other up to 500 sq ft (BDC 3.6.200(B)(3)(a)). Floor area is measured inside the exterior walls, stairs count once, and space under a ceiling lower than 5 ft is excluded (B)(3)(b). An attached garage or storage room does not count if it has no interior access to the ADU or provides the ADU's parking space (B)(3)(d). A unit over 800 sq ft is reviewed as a duplex, not an ADU.; owner-occupancy: Not required. BDC 3.6.200(B) has no owner-occupancy rule and ORS 197A.425 prohibits one (short-term-rental use excepted - see Bend's STR permit rules).).
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How to Vet an ADU Builder in Bend
- License: Confirm a current contractor's license in Oregon and that it's in good standing. Ask for the license number and verify it with the state board.
- ADU-specific experience: Ask how many ADUs they've completed in or near Bend and request addresses or photos. ADU permitting and setbacks differ from a kitchen remodel.
- Portfolio & references: Get references from recent ADU clients and, if possible, visit a finished unit.
- Insurance: Verify general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- Written, detailed bid: Insist on an itemized, fixed-price or clearly-scoped bid — not a verbal estimate. It should state whether permits (Roughly $3,000-$4,000 for a 600-800 sq ft ADU at FY2025-26 rates: building permit $1,212.58 for the first $100,000 of valuation + $7.00 per extra $1,000, plan review 65%, 12% state surcharge, 0.33% affordable-housing fee, plus trade permits. The City emails project estimates.), plan check (Included in the 4-8 week building-permit review; the plan-review fee is 65% of the building permit fee. Drawings must label which rooms belong to the ADU and which to the main house.), and impact fees (City SDC schedule FY2025-26 (effective July 1, 2025): an ADU pays a $1,086 transportation SDC; the City's water and sewer SDCs are listed 'not applicable' for the ADU category (versus $11,890 for a new house under 600 sq ft). Rates are indexed every July 1. The Bend Park & Recreation District charges its own parks SDC on top; an SDC deferral program is available (development@bendoregon.gov).) are included.
- Permit handling: Confirm they manage Bend's permit process ("By right. One building permit application in the City's CityView online permit portal covers both Planning and Building Safety review; no Minimum Development Standards Review or land-use application is needed (City ADU Zoning Quick Reference Guide). Properties on septic must first file a Septic Authorization Form with Private Development Engineering.", typically The City's published estimate is 4-8 weeks of building-permit review, depending on application completeness and how fast you answer plan-review comments (City ADU Resource Hub).) and who is responsible if revisions are required.
- Payment schedule: Avoid large upfront payments. A reasonable schedule ties payments to completed milestones.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- How many ADUs have you built in Bend in the last two years?
- Is your bid fixed-price, and what would trigger a change order?
- Are permits, plan check, and utility connection fees included?
- What's a realistic timeline, including permit review (The City's published estimate is 4-8 weeks of building-permit review, depending on application completeness and how fast you answer plan-review comments (City ADU Resource Hub).) and construction?
- Who is my point of contact and how are delays communicated?
- What warranty do you provide on workmanship?
- Can you share three recent Oregon ADU client references?
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