Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are booming across Oregon—and Central Oregon homeowners are using them to create rental income, bring family closer, and add long-term property value. In Bend, the City has streamlined permits, expanded options, and even offers pre-approved ADU plans to speed things up.( City of Bend)

Below is a clear, Central Oregon–specific guide to help you decide if an ADU is right for you—and how Total Home Solutions can design and build one that fits your lot, budget, and goals.

What counts as an ADU?

An ADU is a secondary, self-contained home on the same lot as your primary residence. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, living area, and entrance. ADUs can be detached (a backyard cottage), attached (sharing a wall with your home), or internal (like a converted garage or basement with a separate entry). Oregon law requires most cities and counties to allow at least one ADU on residential lots, with clear and objective standards. ( Oregon Legislative Information System+2Oregon+2 )

Why ADUs are taking off — especially here

Rental demand + affordability: Smaller homes close to jobs and schools rent quickly in Bend, Redmond, and Sisters. A national Freddie Mac study found ~1.4M listings highlighting ADUs years ago, and the trend line has only accelerated since. 

Aging parents & multigenerational living: Keep loved ones close without sacrificing privacy; ADUs are a humane, cost-savvy alternative to assisted living.

Flexible space for remote work: A quiet, detached office or studio that can later convert to guest or rental space.

Smaller footprint, greener living: ADUs use fewer materials and require less energy than full-size houses, supporting infill and walkable neighborhoods.

Local policy support: Bend has simplified ADU rules, increased allowable size, and removed some parking/sidewalk requirements to encourage more units. The City also offers pre-approved plans to shorten review time. Bend Bulletin+1

What’s new in Bend & Central Oregon (2025)

Bend at a glance: The City’s ADU Resource Hub explains code basics and links to pre-approved plan sets designed to speed permits. Current rules allow an ADU up to 800 sq ft with standards detailed in the Bend Development Code. City of Bend

Recent code streamlining: Bend removed several barriers over the past few years (e.g., certain parking requirements), increased ADU size to 800 sq ft, and has continued to refine the code in 2025 to expand housing options. Bend Bulletin+1

Fees & timing: Bend’s System Development Charges (SDCs) can sometimes be deferred to later in the process, easing upfront costs. Ask us to model cash flow with and without deferral. City of Bend

Wildfire readiness (county areas): If you’re building outside city limits, Deschutes County is advancing wildfire-resiliency standards (defensible space & fire-resistant materials) that can affect siting and design. We incorporate these early so there are no surprises. Deschutes County

Note: Rules can vary by jurisdiction (Bend, Redmond, Sisters, and unincorporated Deschutes County). For example, Redmond’s zoning has its own ADU standards and is in the middle of broader housing updates. We’ll verify specifics for your property during feasibility. Redmond Municipal Code+1

Is an ADU right for your property?

Great use cases we see locally:

Long-term rental to offset a Bend or Redmond mortgage

Guest house for family or seasonal visitors

Aging-in-place plan (today’s office becomes tomorrow’s accessible suite)

Workshop or studio with plumbing, heat, and storage that can later convert to rental

Key fit questions:

Lot capacity & setbacks: Can we meet Bend’s separation and setback rules and still fit a comfortable layout? (We’ll check your exact zoning and utilities.) Bend Municipal Codes

Access & parking: Even when parking minimums are relaxed, safe access and site circulation still matter for livability. Bend Bulletin

Utilities & SDCs: We’ll confirm service availability and create a cost model that includes SDCs, potential deferrals, and trenching distances. City of Bend

Wildfire & energy: For county lots or WUI areas, we plan for defensible space, Class A roofing, ember-resistant details, and efficient envelopes. Deschutes County

Ballpark costs in 2025 (and what drives them)

Costs vary by design, site work, finishes, and utility distance. In Central Oregon, detached units typically cost more than attached or internal conversions due to foundations, separate utilities, and exterior finishes. We provide a fixed-scope estimate after feasibility so you can choose between good/better/best packages and understand ROI (rent comps vs. monthly cost). Local rent and build prices fluctuate—ask us for a current snapshot when we review your address.

How Total Home Solutions makes ADUs simpler

We’re a local design-build team—which means one accountable partner from concept to keys:

Free phone consult + address check — Zoning screen, likely size, and feasibility notes.

On-site feasibility — Measure setbacks, look at grade, utilities, and access; flag wildfire/energy items if relevant.

Concept & budget — We’ll propose two to three plan options (including City of Bend pre-approved options if you’re in city limits) and a transparent budget range. City of Bend

Permit-ready drawings — Structural, energy, and code details aligned with Bend/Redmond/Deschutes requirements. City of Bend

Permitting — We submit and shepherd your application; if SDC deferral applies, we coordinate the paperwork. City of Bend

Build — Local craftspeople, clean sites, on-time milestones, and a punch-list you can track.

Handoff — Final inspections, O&M binder, and warranty.

Design tips for Central Oregon ADUs

Aim for 600–800 sq ft: This sweet spot keeps costs in check and aligns with Bend’s common maximums while feeling livable. City of Bend

Stack smart storage: Tall pantry + under-stair cabinets, built-ins, and a gear closet for bikes/skis are local must-haves.

Right-size mechanicals: Heat pumps with dedicated ventilation (ERV) keep operating costs low in our climate.

Daylight & privacy: Place windows to capture sun while keeping sightlines comfortable for both homes.

Wildfire-wise detailing (as needed): Noncombustible siding, 1/8"-mesh vents, boxed eaves, and Class A roofs. Deschutes County

FAQs we get all the time

How big can my ADU be?

In Bend, up to 800 sq ft (jurisdiction-specific; we’ll confirm for your lot). City of Bend

Can I rent it long-term?

Most ADUs are intended for standard residential use. Short-term rental rules are separate and location-specific; we’ll review what’s allowed on your parcel.

How long does permitting take?

With complete drawings—especially if using a pre-approved plan—reviews are typically faster. We’ll give you a realistic schedule after feasibility. City of Bend

Are there fee breaks?

Bend offers SDC deferrals that move some upfront costs later in the process; availability depends on program rules at the time you apply. City of Bend

Ready to explore your ADU?

Whether you’re in Bend, Redmond, Sisters, or unincorporated Deschutes County, Total Home Solutions will handle the maze—zoning, design, permits, utilities, wildfire/energy details—and deliver a beautiful, durable ADU that pencils.

Let’s start with your address.

Call: (541) 408-0637

Contact: mytotalhomesolutions.com (Contact form)

We’ll provide a feasibility snapshot and two concept paths (attached vs. detached) with a budget range and timeline—so you can move forward confidently.

Sources & local references

City of Bend ADU Resource Hub and pre-approved plans; Bend Development Code updates and common standards; SDC deferral information; Deschutes County wildfire proposals; Oregon ADU law background; and national ADU trend data. The MortgagePoint -+8City of Bend+8Bend Bulletin+8

P.S. Want an apples-to-apples look at attached vs. detached costs on your lot? Tell us your address and we’ll run a quick scenario with rent comps, utilities, and fee assumptions.