If you’ve been thinking about an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), you’re in the right place. GreenSavers is an ADU contractor based in Bend, Oregon. Since 2007, we’ve completed more than 1,000 home construction projects. Give us a call at 541.330.8767 or send a message to get a free ADU Feasibility Assessment for your home (sample).
The ADU Feasibility Assessment is an easy, risk free first step.
The assessment includes an overview of your ADU site footprint; an assessment of access, terrain, trees, utilities and more; as well as recommendations for next steps (sample).
Looking for inspiration? Check out our design gallery below. You’ll find a few of our most popular ADU designs with installation notes and examples of completed ADUs in Bend. For even more inspiration, pleasure peruse the concept designs from our partner, Charles Sax Architect.
An 800 square foot ADU with 600 feet of multifunctional garage/storage. Modern design with a sloped roof. The design features two bedrooms, two baths, lots of glass and nice elevated deck. This project anticipates a future lot division.
At 800 square feet this project is designed for use by the owner to rent the primary primary dwelling. Two bedrooms upstairs with 400 feet downstairs for living and kitchen. A large closed accessed from the exterior provides useful storage.
This backyard project designed for primary use by the property owners is intended to accommodate their lifestyle and hobbies. It features a separate glass studio, large garge for outdoor todays and a big western facing deck to enjoy the afternoon sun.
An 800 square foot project designed for use by the owner has one bedroom, a large kitchen/living space plus office and garage. A large deck faces westward. The placement is prepared for a possible future lot division.
An 800 square foot one story “shotgun” style ADU. This design was challenged by limited space between the existing house and property line. The clients desire for a high pitch roof was limited by the solar setbacks. The result a cute and roomy ADU for rental.
An 800 square foot ADU with tight setbacks. Designed as a part time home for the parent of the owner of the primary residence, the design accommodated office space, a shared back yard and special considerations for pets.
This 800 square foot ADU designed for parents of the primary resident is on a large lot, but challenged by slope and a lot that was narrowing at the building site. The design offers an open two-story living area, two bedrooms, a large storage area and views toward the forest.
The clients wanted an ADU added to the top of a relatively new garage. The 440 square foot design was straight forward, but significant engineering was required to qualify the existing structure to accept the new living space above.
The original objective of this project was to add an ADU over a separate garage. Permitting proved not possible on septic. We were successful in getting the project approved as a garage bedroom addition.
The Essential House design was originally developed in cooperation with Multnomah County as a super-efficient ADU design. At 324’ it is a small one bedroom, perfect for a rental or family use. This design has been constructed several times in Portland and Bend.
A fantastic location in the heart of the Galveston corridor, the challenge with this project was to place an ADU on top of an old garage that did not comply with current setbacks. Ultimately the rear setback was allowed, but the top floor needed to set back two additional feet from the side. Water service needed to come 60’ from the front of the existing house along a 3’ access. Now in service as a medium term rental.
A fantastic location in the heart of the Galveston corridor, the challenge with this project was to place an ADU on top of an old garage that did not comply with current setbacks. Ultimately the rear setback was allowed, but the top floor needed to set back two additional feet from the side. Water service needed to come 60’ from the front of the existing house along a 3’ access. Now in service as a medium term rental.
GreenSavers was hired to permit an older existing structure as an ADU. This ultimately required raising the unit 6’ to replace the foundation. Along the way we needed to accommodate plumbing changes, insulation, electrical and fire resistance measures to meet code. Finally re-siding and adding a deck. Now in service as a popular short-term rental.
The client had an ideal lot to place an ADU to the side of the main house for use by an aging parent. The result is a nice 600 square foot one-bedroom unit sharing a big back yard with separation privacy for the parent.
A challenging design with only 12’ of allowable space. This two level 800 square foot design based on a concept by Charles Sax provides separate living and kitchen space down and two bedrooms up.
Here’s an example of a typical interior finish for an ADU built by GreenSavers in Central Oregon.
Here’s an example of a typical interior finish for an ADU built by GreenSavers in Central Oregon.
Here’s an example of a typical interior finish for an ADU built by GreenSavers in Central Oregon.
If you already have an ADU design, we’re happy to work with your design to finance and build the ADU of your dreams.
QUALIFICATIONS
Founded in 2007, GreenSavers helps homeowners in Central Oregon improve the function, comfort and efficiency of their homes. We’ve been designing and building ADUs since 2019 and are one of the most active firms specifically focused on ADUs in the region.
So what’s it like to work with GreenSavers? Our clients in Central Oregon give us a contractor rating of 5 out of 5 stars on Google, 4.8 out of 5 stars on HomeAdvisor, and an overall A rating on Angie’s List.
Certifications, Licenses and Awards
Earth Advantage Certified ADU Specialist
Earth Advantage Certified Sustainable Homes Professional
EBBA Zero Energy Professional
Earth Advantage Builder
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year
Certified B Corporation
Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Partner
Oregon CCB Licensed
Oregon’s largest Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump Dealer
SMART DESIGN
With our focus on ADUs, we have the design experience to make the most of small spaces. We use smart space design principles to create ADUs that are both beautiful and functional for our clients.
Whether you plan to live in your ADU or rent it out, you need a space that works. Here’s how the principles guide our ADU design and construction:
Right Size Rooms – Space decisions are a function of total square footage and use cases. We find that our clients want realistic kitchens, generally small bedrooms and basic bathrooms. Space is focused on the multi-use kitchen/dining/living spaces
Make multi use spaces and built-ins - Designing multi-use spaces allows you to get the most out of every square foot. For example we like to include kitchen islands to provide food prep, dining and flex workspace.
Use natural lighting and vaulted ceilings - Natural lighting brings the outdoors in, giving the ADU a larger sense of space. Vaulted or 9’ ceilings serve the same purpose. With room above your head and plenty of light through the windows, you'll more easily relax and find refuge in your tiny home.
Provide realistic storage - To make a tiny house livable, storage is important. We always want to consider outdoor storage for bikes and gear to enjoy the great Central Oregon outdoors. We will help design your ADU for your own lifestyle.
Plan functional outdoor space – Given smaller interior spaces we always want to plan for useful space outdoors. You need a place to enjoy the sun, have a meal or practice yoga. A patio or large deck can add a lot to the design. We also consider how to enhance privacy between dwellings where appropriate.
Choose responsibly sourced, durable materials - The materials that you choose have a huge impact on how your ADU performs over time, especially given the weather conditions in Central Oregon. We always recommend durable materials, sourced locally and with minimal environmental impact whenever possible.
COMFORT + EFFICIENCY
To build a quality ADU, you have to consider efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality. GreenSavers is the number one dealer in Oregon for Mitsubishi’s leading “hyperheat” cold weather heat pumps, We find that these systems perfectly heat and cool ADUs in Central Oregon.
All projects also include heat recovery ventilation, which provides indoor / outdoor air exchange to assure fresh air in the tight construction. Coupled with a provision for air filtration, we help assure a healthy indoor environment even on smoky days.
All projects are certified by either Earth Advantage or Energy Trust of Oregon. This means you get third party verification of high-performance HVAC systems, superior insulation, upgraded windows and low air penetration. You can rest assured that your ADU meets the highest standards of comfort and efficiency.
TRANSPARENCY
GreenSavers is certified as a “B” Corp, one of the few in Central Oregon. This is a high, voluntary standard adopted only by companies committed to pursuing a healthy balance between people, planet and profit.
As a B Corp, GreenSavers is legally required to consider the impact of decisions on our clients, workers, suppliers, community, and the environment. We volunteered to become a B Corp because we’re a mission driven company and because transparency matters.
Our mission is to improve lives, inspire our team, and serve our communities by building in a better, more holistic way.
In many ways this mission brought us into the ADU business as we see it as a way to help our clients improve their homes and benefit the community.
Our commitment to transparency extends to our approach to construction. When you hire GreenSavers to design and build your tiny house in Bend, you know exactly what you’re getting. You get full insight into the costs and profits associated with your project, and you have the ability to cancel your contract at any time.
GUARANTEED
Every year since 2016, the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE chose Bend-based GreenSavers as ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year from more than 1,300 contractors across the country.
We’ve grown to become one of the best contractors in the country by doing work with integrity. If you hire us to design and build your ADU in Bend, you get a satisfaction guarantee.
