Shelter Solutions ADU Builders
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Shelter Solutions is a Portland-based ADU design-build firm that has spent nearly three decades perfecting the craft of residential infill construction. Since their founding in 1997, the company has completed over 275 accessory dwelling units across the Portland metropolitan area, making them one of the region's most experienced builders in the category. Their work spans multiple unit types: detached cottages, two-level designs, garage conversions, and aging-in-place configurations. The team handles every step from initial design through final move-in, offering clients a single point of accountability throughout the process.
The firm distinguishes itself through a dual approach that balances standardization with customization. Shelter Solutions maintains four pre-designed model ADUs, the Montgomery, Remington, Willow, and Evie, that clients can adapt to their needs. The Montgomery, their most affordable option, starts at $205,000 for a fully finished unit. It's a 468-square-foot one-bedroom layout with modern finishes including a vaulted ceiling, mini-split heating and cooling, stainless appliances, quartz countertops, and an energy recovery ventilation system. The Evie, their premium model, starts at $280,000 and incorporates a combined garage and shop space beneath a one-bedroom unit. The Remington draws on Pacific Northwest Craftsman styling, while the Willow offers a two-level design with 18-foot vaulted ceilings. Beyond these models, the company also builds fully custom units tailored to individual sites and preferences, which allows for flexibility in scale, layout, and finishes. This combination of proven models and bespoke options helps clients avoid the cost overruns and design paralysis that often plague entirely custom builds.
Shelter Solutions' construction method is straightforward site-built framing on a concrete foundation, avoiding the factory-built or kit approach. Their Montgomery model includes standard features like 30-year fiber cement roofing, brand-name vinyl windows, soft-close cabinet hardware, and laminate or luxury vinyl plank flooring. Clients can upgrade to Andersen windows, additional glazing, premium exterior sidings, or interior finishes like tiled bathrooms and tile backsplashes. The base price covers the fully finished structure and systems, though it doesn't include site-specific costs, excavation can run $35,000 or more, utility connections are variable, and permit fees in the Portland area range from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the municipality and project scope. The company's transparency about these add-ons is practical; they publish cost breakdowns online and direct clients toward detailed feasibility studies before commitment.
The Shelter Solutions team includes President Mark Beirwagen, CFO Kalin Beirwagen, General Manager and VP Daisy Beirwagen, VP of Operations April Jensen, and a supporting staff of project developers, managers, and site coordinators. The leadership structure reflects a long-term, family-operated business rather than a transactional contractor shop. This stability matters for clients undertaking a six-to-twelve-month project; continuity in project management and decision-making tends to reduce scope creep and friction. The company's portfolio on their site showcases 50 completed projects with photographs, revealing the breadth of their work across different lot conditions, neighborhood contexts, and client needs.
The build process at Shelter Solutions follows a structured design-build methodology. The initial phases involve site evaluation, design development, and permitting coordination, which the firm handles in-house. Their website references both a Model ADU Building Process and a Custom ADU Build Process, indicating they've systematized the workflow for repeated model construction while retaining flexibility for one-off designs. The team obtains all required city approvals and utility connections before construction begins, reducing the risk of mid-project surprises. Once on-site, the work moves through standard framing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing phases before finishing. Time from initial meeting to move-in typically spans six to twelve months for model units, though custom projects can extend longer.
Shelter Solutions operates exclusively in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Their service territory includes Oregon City, where their office is located at 502 7th Street, Suite 204, and reaches across the broader Portland region. This geographic focus is deliberate; the firm has invested in deep familiarity with local permitting requirements, building officials, utility providers, and neighborhood character. They hold Oregon Contractor and Builders (CCB) license 167738 and have been operating continuously since 1997. Online reviews across Google, Yelp, and Facebook are consistently positive, with clients citing professionalism, attention to detail, and reliable communication. The company maintains a Facebook presence and active website with up-to-date portfolio photographs, pricing, and process documentation.
Shelter Solutions recognizes that ADU owners pursue different objectives, and their portfolio reflects this diversity. Some homeowners build for aging in place, keeping an aging parent or relative on the property while maintaining independence. Others pursue rental income, viewing an ADU as a long-term investment that appreciates alongside the primary residence or provides cash flow in a strong housing market like Portland's. Still others build for multigenerational living, where adult children or siblings occupy the ADU while sharing property ownership or maintenance costs. A smaller segment builds guest houses, flexing space for extended family visits or short-term rental. The firm's video testimonials showcase clients in each of these situations, which suggests the team understands how the project brief differs depending on the intended use: a rental ADU prioritizes durability and low-maintenance finishes, while an aging-in-place unit might benefit from single-story layout, accessible entry, and proximity to the primary home for quick support. That understanding shapes how the team sizes, positions, and finishes each project.
For homeowners in the Portland area who want a straightforward path to an ADU without the uncertainty of fully custom design or the limitations of a kit system, Shelter Solutions represents a mature, proven option. Their combination of pre-designed models and custom capabilities means clients can move quickly if they embrace a standard layout, or invest more time for something tailored to their site. The long track record, named leadership, published pricing, and detailed portfolios provide confidence that the project will be managed professionally. The main consideration is that their pricing, $205,000 to $280,000 for models, plus site work, reflects the Portland market and Oregon's permitting standards, so the cost baseline will be higher than in more rural or less regulated regions. For Portland-area homeowners looking to add rental income, accommodate aging parents, or create additional living space, Shelter Solutions' depth of experience and transparent process are compelling reasons to reach out.