Ever since Bend changed its zoning laws in 2019 to allow the building of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on personal properties, the demand for them has skyrocketed. These self-contained living spaces are usually found in backyards as separate edifices, but ADUs can also be constructed in garages, on top of garages or as additions to homes. They are often designed to match the style of the existing home, so they blend in seamlessly.
Of course, it’s important that the contractor constructing the ADU be familiar with all local zoning laws. For example, Bend has recently approved the construction of two ADUs per site, with the first being a maximum of 800 feet and the second being a maximum of 500 feet.
While the majority of these units are used as rental properties, others may be designated for visiting family and friends, multigenerational living, or simply as an extra space for families to hang out, work, or enjoy hobbies.
Ryan Freitas, owner and founder of Total Home Solutions in Bend, not only builds ADUs, but also has one on his personal property. With his team of skilled tradespeople and subcontractors, along with talented local architects, Freitas says this ADU was built as a kind of showpiece to give people an idea of what they can do. “It's pretty extreme, and the finishes are fabulous.”
Completed in 2022, the unit features multiple large windows to let in plenty of natural light. “Light is one of the most important things in an ADU build because it helps it feel larger than it is,” explains Freitas. “Plus, in Central Oregon, we have a lot of beautiful things to look at.”
Inside, there’s lovely custom cabinetry with one-of-a-kind custom concrete countertops. “Our concrete contractor Coalesce Concrete used locally sourced obsidian flakes to cast into the mix, which was a first of its kind and was a way to really tap into local resources!”
One of his masons created a custom brick wall, while a drywaller did all Venetian plaster finishes throughout the house.
In addition to a kitchen and living area, the modern structure includes one bedroom and one bathroom, which is the most common floorplan, plus a rooftop deck with a fire pit, and a garage below. “The majority of the ones we build have a garage because the garage does not count in the square footage since it’s not livable space,” Freitas states.
This ADU is a real statement piece and looks much bigger than 800 feet. “When you design it correctly, it doesn't feel small,” he emphasizes. “One of the main points of designing an ADU is designing with intention and really knowing how to design a smaller space, so it does not feel small. The minute it does, means there's a design flaw.”
To avoid any flaws, Freitas and his team meticulously plan every step along the way. “We can do the whole process from start to finish because how many people who buy a home would even know how to start building an ADU? Between meeting with an architect, meeting with an engineer, figuring out your design, and then, once that's figured out, submitting to the city, all of that is so much work up front. And, if you don't do that work right, the rest of the project doesn't flow. So, it's very important to get that pre-construction part correct, and you can only do that with experience.”
These units are quick to rent out and can provide a great way to supplement college tuition, a retirement fund, or a mortgage payment. “Trying to buy a house today is just overwhelming, and the ADU makes it more manageable because you have that instant income.”
Another reason for their popularity, he says, is that Bend is densely populated and running out of room for housing. In addition, because ADUs are smaller, they’re more affordable to rent.
“Bend's gotten to such a price point that it's becoming tough for folks to live here, and so we needed to find a happy medium on housing costs,” Freitas states. “One of those happy mediums is an ADU. It may be a smaller dwelling, but the ones we build are beautiful, laid out correctly, and extremely livable. You may be giving up some space, but do you really need it? Everyone says Bend is our backyard.”
Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Total Home Solutions is part of this flourishing Bend backyard. It has grown from a one-man operation into a 15-employee business supported by a network of highly experienced, skilled tradespeople who have helped it evolve greatly over the years. In addition to ADU design and construction, the company specializes in kitchen, bath and whole home remodels.
“We branched out from remodeling to a steel fabrication department,” Freitas remarks. “We have a crew that does nothing but high-end appliance installation who are known throughout the community as the ‘white glove guys’. We built this company on the right principles—integrity and honesty.”
His goal is, and always has been, for Total Home Solutions to become a household name in Bend. “We're not looking for a customer one time; we want a customer for life, because things always come up around the house. And, it’s great to know there is a contractor you can always rely on.”
A true entrepreneur, Freitas also founded another company three years ago called Ember Saunas, which offers handcrafts cedar barrel saunas. It all started when a friend of his requested one as a gift for his 50th birthday. When people saw it, they wanted one too. As of June, the company has sold over 93 of these handcrafted saunas. Today, their new 11,000 square foot facility in Bend encompasses the remodeling business, design, custom metal fabrication and sauna construction under one roof.
Both businesses focus on providing durable products created with high-quality, experienced craftsmanship that can be enjoyed for many years to come. Total Home Solutions is committed to building new, long-lasting relationships with their clients, bringing dreams and visions to life in the community they call home.
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"Light is one of the most important things in an ADU build because it helps it feel larger than it is."
— Ryan Freitas, Total Home Solutions owner/founder
"When you design it (ADU) correctly, it doesn't feel small."
— Ryan Freitas, Total Home Solutions owner/founder