Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Portland, Oregon, is a fantastic opportunity for homeowners. It offers additional living space and the potential for rental income, among other benefits like increased asset value. Knowing your options and deciding between a Custom ADU or a Predesigned ADU can be challenging. Each option has its own timeline and budget implications. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision.
Custom ADUs provide personalized design options tailored to specific needs. They allow for unique architectural features and seamless integration with existing property aesthetics. However, they require more time for design and permitting, which can extend the overall project timeline. They typically cost more for design and construction due to their unique nature.
Predesigned ADUs offer a faster design, permitting, and construction timeline. They use pre-approved plans and standardized designs developed from successfully completed projects. This can streamline the permitting process and make budgeting more predictable.
In this article, we will compare the timeline and budget considerations for both Custom and Predesigned ADUs. Our goal is to help you choose the best option for your property.
Understanding ADU Options in Portland
Portland’s demand for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) has grown due to housing shortages. ADUs offer an affordable housing solution without major developments, and can be affordable and achievable for many Portland homeowners. They also provide flexible living options for our increasingly complex lives.
The two ADU options we are examining today are: Custom and Predesigned.
SQFT Studios does not offer Prefabricated ADUs, made off-site
Here are the primary features of each ADU type:
- Custom ADUs:
- Personalized design tailored to your site, tastes, needs, and budget
- Longer timeline for design, permitting, and typically, construction
- A higher-end product, and potentially higher cost
- Predesigned ADUs:
- Standardized plans with customizable finishes
- Shorter timeline for design, permitting, and construction
- Highly predictable budget
Portland’s zoning laws and regulations affect both ADU types. It’s important to consider these aspects while deciding. As ADU experts, we have deep experience and knowledge of Portland’s specific requirements and will help you get through these nuances to find the best solution for you and your home.
What is a Custom ADU?
A Custom ADU is a home designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of a client and an existing location. It offers homeowners the chance to create a unique space that reflects their style and requirements. From architecture to materials, every aspect is personalized.
Building a custom home is an involved process that takes time, vision, and thoughtfulness, and it is something we love to do. It involves collaborating with skilled professionals and experts. It is an iterative process that ensures the final product aligns with your vision. There is no set timeline, as our goal is to ensure your confidence that the design is just right for you (in your current, next, and future visions) and your home. This means it can take a while, and that it should be fun.
Key features of a Custom ADU include:
- Unique design and architecture
- Flexible solutions for your current needs, future visions, and other phases
- A valuable asset that will increase your wealth and lifestyle
While offering creativity, Custom ADUs may come with variable costs. Factors like design complexity and materials influence the budget significantly. They are ideal for those prioritizing personalized spaces over quick timelines.
What is a Predesigned ADU?
A Predesigned ADU offers a streamlined and standardized approach to accessory dwelling units. These homes are based on pre-approved plans that facilitate faster design and permitting processes. The design choices are limited, but they are tested, practical, and efficient.
Predesigned ADUs are ideal for those seeking quick solutions and lower/known costs. Their standardized designs result in faster construction timelines. Our predesigned ADUs benefit from economies of scale, reducing both material and labor expenses.
Key advantages of Predesigned ADUs:
- Quick design approval and construction
- Lower, more predictable costs
- Efficient and proven designs
While customization is limited, Predesigned ADUs provide a cost-effective way to add living space. This makes them appealing to budget-conscious homeowners in need of additional housing.
Timeline Comparison: Custom ADU vs Predesigned ADU
Building a Custom ADU involves several elements that can extend the timeline. The initial design and planning phase takes time, and more complex projects may require additional collaboration with other experts like engineers, arborists, designers, and more. Custom ADUs often end up with more advanced elements like custom cabinetry, full tile bathrooms, and showers (or steam showers and saunas), higher-end doors and windows (like Nanawalls or all wood construction), or more detailed finishes. All of these elements add time to design, document, coordinate, and install.
Predesigned ADUs, however, tend to have a more compressed timeline. Their standardized designs and pre-approved plans often simplify the permitting process. This efficiency allows for quicker transitions from planning to construction. Predesigned ADUs have a limited range of customization in the colors and finishes, from a set range of options, products, or choices. This greatly speeds up the process and allows the complete design and build of an ADU with much less time commitment from homeowners. It is a great way to not have to do as much while still adding tremendous value to your property.
Custom ADUs may also face more scrutiny during the permitting phase. With a unique design, navigating Portland’s process can take longer. Predesigned ADUs typically avoid these delays with their approved plans.
Typical timeline considerations include:
- Design and planning duration
- Permit approval times
- Estimation times and complexity
- Construction phase length
Ultimately, the choice between a Custom and Predesigned ADU affects the overall timeline. A Custom ADU offers personalization but may require patience. Conversely, a Predesigned ADU suits those wanting a quicker, standardized approach. Choosing the right option depends on priorities and urgency.
Budget Comparison: Custom ADU vs Predesigned ADU
Understanding the budget for building an ADU is crucial. Custom ADUs offer a more personalized approach, but at a cost. Design complexity, high-end materials, and unique elements can drive expenses upwards.
There are often harder to understand costs with doing something unique, new, or custom, such as increased design time, communication time with trade experts to estimate or bid custom designs, or more challenging sourcing of materials or components to create a custom solution. That is one of the reasons we offer our Predesigned ADUs – to give homeowners the option to keep it simple and known.
Predesigned ADUs provide a more predictable budget. Their standardized nature allows us to better estimate costs. Our Predesigned ADUs have a fixed cost range and a set list of customizations. Other changes or alterations to our pre-designed units are possible, but can push the project towards a custom range. If you are curious about one of our models, with or without some modifications, the easiest way to find answers is by getting in touch with us. We are always happy to talk about options and help you find the best path forward for your ADU or other residential work.
Key budget considerations include:
- Design and planning costs
- Material choices and upgrades
- Labor and construction fees
Selecting between a Custom or Predesigned ADU involves weighing the financial implications against personal preferences. A Custom ADU might increase property value with its uniqueness. Meanwhile, a Predesigned ADU could meet budget constraints, making it a feasible solution for many. The right decision depends on your unique circumstances and project goals.
Key Factors Impacting Timeline and Budget in Portland
Several factors can affect the timeline and budget of an ADU in Portland. One key element is local zoning laws. Compliance with these regulations is essential, but it can delay approval.
Another factor is Portland’s unique building code requirements. Understanding these regulations can prevent unforeseen project delays and additional costs. As local Portland ADU experts, we facilitate smoother processes from start to finish.
Experience plus careful planning and research help to navigate these challenges, ensuring an efficient ADU project.
Which ADU is Right for You?
Choosing between a Custom ADU and a Predesigned ADU depends on several personal considerations. Think about your budget and timeline constraints and how much you value personalized design features.
A Custom ADU is ideal for those who prefer a tailored space reflecting their unique tastes. Predesigned ADUs offer a more predictable timeline and budget.
Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Property
Deciding between a Custom ADU and a Predesigned ADU comes down to personal priorities and property goals. Each has distinct benefits and challenges.
Evaluate your needs, budget, and timeline to find your best fit. With thorough consideration, you’ll enhance your property and living experience. When you are ready, fill out our contact form, and we can help you navigate these complexities and find the solution that is right for you now, with flexibility for your future, and to increase the incredible asset you already have in your home.
Download our ADU Quickstart Guide and learn about the features and benefits and ADU can provide to your existing property.