Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit on Your Property in Portland, Oregon
On Demand Class
I offer a special deal for locals in the Portland metro area.
Instead of the live class, you can take my comprehensive online Building an ADU web course (regularly priced at $299). If you buy a copy of my book, Backdoor Revolution- The Definitive Guide to ADU Development (regularly priced at $25), then you can use the special payment link below to knock off 45% of the course cost, and pay only $165.
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The class is the best option if you want a thorough overview of the whole development and construction process. Read full class description below.
One-on-one fee ADU consultations
A consult is a good option if you want expert advice to ensure that you can build an ADU on your property before jumping into the design development process, have highly unusual site considerations, are considering several major accessory dwelling options on your site or sites, or have many specific questions around legality, financing, building code requirements, or site constraints. I'll provide personalized financing advice, ADU design considerations for your site, and guide you to your next steps in the ADU development process. I can also provide tailored guidance related to building science, rebates, property tax impacts of ADUs, the new Accessory Structure Zoning Code, timelines etc.
Rates
$250 for the consultation and a copy of Backdoor Revolution- The Definitive Guide to ADU Development. Consultations typically last 1.5-2 hours.
I only provide consultations in the City of Portland. Contact me at kol@accessorydwellingstrategies.com if you'd like to set up an on-site consultation.
I only provide consultations in the City of Portland. Contact me at kol@accessorydwellingstrategies.com if you'd like to set up an on-site consultation.
In this past year since COVID began, many important changes have occurred to Portland's zoning regulations, which we will cover. I will also cover HB 2001 changes to ADU codes for those who are located in Oregon, but outside of the City of Portland. These changes are all VERY exciting and offer a range of new development opportunities for homeowners.
The ADU Class:
This class is intended for homeowners interested in building an ADU on their property. For most homeowners, building an ADU is not simple or straightforward--it’s essentially the job of being a land developer--- a job that most of us have ever done, or will likely ever do again.Think of this class as an on-ramp to the process of designing and building an ADU. This class will open your eyes to the spectrum of content that you'll execute and manage in the course of designing and building and ADU. It is intended to make the whole process and project better by helping you understand the ADU design, management, and building process.
The class is intended to help you understand, and be prepared for, the ADU design, permit, management, and building process. The class will help you save time and money. And the class will help you build a better product--an ADU that will work well for your particular situation.
In the process of designing and building my ADU, I have become passionate about ADUs generally. I am not a general contractor nor an architect trying to pitch my services to you. I am an ADU advocate, educator, and consultant with a lot of practical information to share about them. The class is full of extremely high-value information that you can't find anywhere else.
There are regularly attendees from out of town, including from Seattle, Eugene, Bend, and cities across California and Hawaii. Attendees from other jurisdictions find the class valuable and worthwhile. Though the class if Portland focused, roughly 2/3rds of the information is applicable to any jurisdiction.
As of May, 2016, I've taught this full day class to over 2,000 homeowners. 2/3rds of the attendees of this class go on to build an ADU.
There are regularly attendees from out of town, including from Seattle, Eugene, Bend, and cities across California and Hawaii. Attendees from other jurisdictions find the class valuable and worthwhile. Though the class if Portland focused, roughly 2/3rds of the information is applicable to any jurisdiction.
As of May, 2016, I've taught this full day class to over 2,000 homeowners. 2/3rds of the attendees of this class go on to build an ADU.
You’ll Walk Away from the Class Understanding…
- The design, permitting, and building process
- Relevant green building concepts, approaches, and certifications
- Financing, property taxes, rebates, incentives, cost-saving design/build measures, contracts
- Resources, references and contacts to help you design and build your ADU (including ADU regulations, local building material sourcing recommendations, a budget sample, contract types and more)
You’ll be able to ask (and answer) questions and network with other local homeowners who are considering building an ADU.
Here's a one minute sample of the class:
Logistics
- The class size is limited.
- The course cost is normally $165.
- The course will be from 9am to 5pm with a short lunch break. The class is going to be a fast-paced course that will cover lots of material. Be prepared with questions and be ready to take notes. I will have some handouts.
- We will tour two ADUs during this class following lunch.
- Oregon Real Estate Agency: 7 CEUs (Topic: Real estate property evaluation, appraisal, or valuation).
Instructor Qualifications
- Built a new construction ADU and basement/garage conversion in NE Portland
- Run the City-wide ADU Tour
- Authored the book, Backdoor Revolution- The Definitive Guide to ADU Development
- Managing editor of AccessoryDwellings.org
- Owner of Caravan- The Tiny House Hotel.
- Master in Design and the Environment from the Harvard Graduate School of Design
- Seven years working at the US Environmental Protection agency
- Sustainable Home Professional certification from the Earth Advantage.
- Extensive ADU teaching and presentation experience for a range of audiences, including All About ADUs - A Primer Course for Brokers, a course at Earth Advantage.
- Instructor for Earth Advantage's ADU Specialist Designation courses for realtors
- Own an ADU consulting company, Accessory Dwellings Strategies LLC.
Here's what previous participants had to say of her experience in a class.
Dear Kol,
It was a real treat meeting you and taking your Saturday seminar. I am so critical of these types of events and yours was truly superb. Perhaps the most informative, well-organized day-long conference I've ever been to. Thank you!
Now, when can you come for a consult?
Warm Regards,
Tiffany
Sample of Responses to the Question: Which section of the class was the most useful?
I have a better understanding of the whole process, and now feel more comfortable with the idea.
I love the list of steps to build the ADU. The packet is great. I like the discussion re: design/build vs architects. Information regarding costs is very useful.
Seeing the houses. Talking to builders/owners/architects.
All of this class was useful, but most useful would be the part giving the particulars around regulations for parking space, height of space, and distances from the property lines
Definition of ADU vs detached bedroom. Understanding the building codes. Seeing some ADUs in process.
I'm in the beginning stages, so all of this information was invaluable ---to answer questions I have, and to bring up questions that I didn't know I should have.
Knowing the time frame of potential project phases. True cost of permits and the amount of work that goes into them.
So much good info! I definitely learned more than I expected to.
Everything. I appreciate the info on budgeting, permitting, design, construction.
Incredible class. Very great information. I feel like I can thoroughly explain process to my clients.
Sample of Responses to the Question: Which section of the class was the most useful?
I have a better understanding of the whole process, and now feel more comfortable with the idea.
I love the list of steps to build the ADU. The packet is great. I like the discussion re: design/build vs architects. Information regarding costs is very useful.
Seeing the houses. Talking to builders/owners/architects.
All of this class was useful, but most useful would be the part giving the particulars around regulations for parking space, height of space, and distances from the property lines
Definition of ADU vs detached bedroom. Understanding the building codes. Seeing some ADUs in process.
I'm in the beginning stages, so all of this information was invaluable ---to answer questions I have, and to bring up questions that I didn't know I should have.
Knowing the time frame of potential project phases. True cost of permits and the amount of work that goes into them.
So much good info! I definitely learned more than I expected to.
Everything. I appreciate the info on budgeting, permitting, design, construction.
Incredible class. Very great information. I feel like I can thoroughly explain process to my clients.
