SERVICES
Central Oregon’s Leading ADU Contractor
At Sierra James Construction, we bring expertise and experience to every Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) project. Our on-staff architect has designed dozens of ADUs that have been built and lived in. If you already have plans, we’re happy to collaborate with your architect to bring your vision to life.
Sierra James is proud to have built the first ADU using the City of Bend’s Pre-Approved Plan. We continue to stay ahead of evolving city and county codes to make the process seamless for our clients.
Whether you need expertly crafted plans or a seasoned team to navigate permits and construction, Sierra James Construction is the partner you can trust to make your ADU project a success.
Let’s build your dream ADU.
AWBREY BUTTE ADU
Larkspur
Pre-Approved ADU
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi condimentum urna at ligula maximus, vel rhoncus augue egestas. Suspendisse eleifend rhoncus nisl sed convallis.
“Not a lot of folks have had as much service from Sierra James as I’ve had. I lost my home to a fire… Every phase of the project was carried out with tremendous transparency, focus, and craftsmanship… I also worked with their remodel and new construction division to complete a separate project on the lot, and every word of praise mentioned above held true with that division.”
Hugh Treinen
Benefits of Building an ADU
Adding an ADU to your property can be a big undertaking, but one that pays off in multiple ways! We’ve seen some unique uses for these dwellings, from home offices and artists’ studios to rental units and mother-in-law suites. The possibilities are endless, and the main benefits are:
Increased property value
More flexible living and working space
Efficient use of land
Potential source of passive income
Private guest accommodations
What to Expect
When you choose Sierra James as your ADU contractor, our team will work to get every detail right—from conception to budget to construction. We pride ourselves on a fully transparent process that includes budgeting and cost data in real-time and a live schedule, so you always know what is happening and with whom.
When working with us for ADU construction, our process is as follows:
1. Initial Phone Call and Visit
After the initial phone call to discuss project scope, we initiate a site visit to meet you and walk through your space. By the end of this visit, we’ll typically give a ballpark estimate on cost and timeline.
2. Design and Costing Agreement
Once this is agreed upon, we’ll enter into a Design and Costing Agreement with deposit.
3. Design Phase
The design phase includes feasibility studies, defining scope, and architectural and interior design.
4. Costing Phase
Once the design is approved, the project enters the costing phase. Our Pre-Construction Manager sends Requests for Proposals, schedules onsite walkthroughs, and assigns allowance amounts. Once compiled, we’ll present the final budget.
5. Permitting and Project Schedule
Upon budget approval, we’ll submit drawings to the planning department for permit (if applicable) and draft the project schedule.
6. Construction
During the construction phase, your project manager’s priority is an open line of communication. During the entire construction process, clients have access to daily costs and schedules.
7. Final Walkthrough
With the last nail in place, it’s time to enjoy your new space! We do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is exactly as it should be.
Understanding the Differences: ADU, Guest House, Accessory Structure, and Addition
When planning to expand your property, it’s essential to understand the terminology. These structures may appear similar but are treated very differently by building codes and zoning laws—even between cities and counties here in Central Oregon. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
- Definition: A self-contained secondary dwelling located on a lot with an existing primary residence.
- Key Feature: Designed for long-term living with all the amenities of a home.
- Must Include: A full kitchen, including a cooktop/stove (this is what classifies it as a dwelling).
- May Be: Attached or detached from the primary home.
- Code Requirements: Requires fire separation from the main house—either a fire-rated wall (if attached) or a minimum of 6 feet of clear space (if detached).
- Separate Entry: Must have its own private entrance.
- Common Uses: Long-term rental, multi-generational housing, or independent living space.
Guest House
- Definition: A structure built for occasional, short-term stays by friends or family.
- Key Limitation: Typically not allowed to have a full kitchen (most jurisdictions prohibit ovens or stovetops); a kitchenette or wet bar is often permitted.
- Not Intended For: Long-term independent living or rental.
- May Include: A bedroom, bathroom, and living space—but usually no cooking facilities beyond a microwave or sink.
Accessory Structure (aka Accessory Non-Dwelling Structure)
- Definition: A non-habitable building that serves a functional or recreational use, but not intended for sleeping.
- Examples: Home office, gym, workshop/studio, game room, or pool house.
- Permitted Features: May include a wet bar and bathroom, but no bedroom or full kitchen.
Addition
- Definition: A direct expansion of the existing primary home, fully integrated into the structure.
- Key Difference from ADU: An addition is internally connected to the main residence and does not function as an independent unit.
- Typical Use: Adding square footage to create a new bedroom, bathroom, office, or expanded kitchen/living area.
HERE ARE SOME CHARTS that highlight the differences between these structures in BEND versus RURAL DESCHUTES COUNTY:
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BUILD?
WHAT IS ALLOWED?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi condimentum urna at ligula maximus, vel rhoncus augue egestas. Suspendisse eleifend rhoncus nisl sed convallis. Suspendisse finibus, arcu et pharetra pretium, ante purus gravida ligula, ut placerat risus dui et risus. Nullam posuere sem in nibh auctor blandit
CENTRAL OREGON RESIDENTIAL INFILL FLOWCHART
BUILDING IN RURAL DESCHUTES COUNTY
BUILDING IN BEND CITY LIMITS
ADU PLANS
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi condimentum urna at ligula maximus, vel rhoncus augue egestas. Suspendisse eleifend rhoncus nisl sed convallis. Suspendisse finibus, arcu et pharetra pretium, ante purus gravida ligula, ut placerat risus dui et risus. Nullam posuere sem in nibh auctor blandit
Why Choose SJC As Your ADU Contractor
Our multi-talented team has decades of experience in their respective specialties. When entrusting us with your ADU construction, we combine our expertise with your goals to create something beautiful, functional, and durable.