Backyard Blueprint: ADU Builder Serving Portland, OR
Backyard Blueprint is a family-owned ADU contractor based in Portland, Oregon, serving the surrounding areas. Their in-house construction team brings over 20 years of experience building homes and multi-generational housing options throughout the region. The company is a member of the Home Building Association of Greater Portland and the National Association of Home Builders.
Their general manager spent 28 years working in tech before transitioning to construction, motivated by a desire for more personal connection to his work. Several team members are family, and others are colleagues who share a commitment to improving housing options in the Portland area. This background shapes how Backyard Blueprint approaches each project — with an emphasis on understanding the specific circumstances of each household before recommending a path forward.
Services Offered
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Backyard Blueprint designs and builds detached ADUs as stand-alone structures separate from the main home. These accessory dwelling units can serve as rental units, guest houses, in-law suites, or home offices. They offer a catalog of 15+ pre-designed floor plans — including studio and one-bedroom options ranging from 240 to 436 square feet — as well as fully custom layouts developed in collaboration with their in-house design team.
Some examples from their pre-designed catalog include:
- Ankeny Studio – 240 sq ft
- Ankeny Studio – 384 sq ft
- Burnside 1 Bed – 384 sq ft
- Burnside 1 Bed – 436 sq ft
All ADUs are constructed using quality materials backed by manufacturer warranties, and Backyard Blueprint offers a project warranty on all completed work.
Garage Conversion
For properties with limited yard space, Backyard Blueprint offers garage conversion services. Whether the garage is attached or detached, their team can transform the existing structure into a functional living space. This is a practical option for homeowners looking to create an accessory dwelling unit without expanding their property's footprint.
Additions and Remodels
In addition to detached ADU construction and garage conversions, Backyard Blueprint handles home additions and remodels. These projects can add usable living space for a variety of purposes, including extra bedrooms, home offices, or rental income opportunities.
The Build Process
Backyard Blueprint manages the entire project from start to finish. Their process includes the following stages:
- Property Analysis – An initial site visit and estimate proposal from their ADU specialists.
- Design – Clients can choose from pre-designed floor plans or work with the design team on a fully custom layout.
- Permitting – The team handles the permitting process on behalf of the client.
- Construction – Their in-house crew manages the build from groundbreaking to key handover, typically completed within 4 to 6 months.
- Styles and Finishes – Clients select interior and exterior finishes from a style guide, allowing for personalization throughout the project.
Backyard Blueprint also has a team member who is a certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS), which reflects their focus on multigenerational housing solutions — including granny flats, casitas, and in-law suites designed to support aging family members living on the same property.
Their pricing is described as transparent, and they work with clients to explore financing options where applicable. The company has been featured on KOIN6 News in connection with a project that helped a homeowner rebuild after losing her home, highlighting the practical role ADUs can play in housing recovery and aging in place.
