That empty space in the back might be your best asset.

Clarity when it counts

You'll get the full truth on trade-offs before you're on the hook.

Every deal gives back

A portion of every commission supports Proud Ground (affordable homeownership) and Outdoor School (science education).

The Grand Union Way

We treat ADUs as a tailored real estate strategy, not a trendy project, starting with your lot, your budget, and your goals (income, multigenerational living, future flexibility) then helping you understand what may pencil under Portland’s rules. From resale implications to neighborhood fit to next-step referrals, our role is simple: help you decide whether an ADU belongs in your plan, and who to talk to if it does

Story

Neighborhoods

Financing

Execution

The Grand Union Way

Our Process

We move in four clear phases:

Execution

Story

Financing

Neighborhoods

Step 1: Is Your Lot a Fit?

Portland gives homeowners several ADU paths, from lower-cost basement or garage conversions to detached cottages and more complex duplex conversions, so the first move is matching the build to your actual goal.

Step 2: The Real Math

An ADU can add equity and monthly rent, but the real question is whether the numbers hold on your specific property, in your neighborhood, with your financing and timeline.

Step 3: How to Pay for It

Grand Union helps you compare ADU funding paths, from HELOCs and cash-out refinances to construction loans and Portland-specific programs, then structure financing around your cash flow and long-term plans.

Step 4: Build, Compliance, and Real-Life Use

Getting ORSC wrong can mean delays and rework, so Grand Union connects you with licensed contractors who know the code and helps plan an ADU that can shift with your life over time.

Our Process

We move in four clear phases:

Step 1: Is Your Lot a Fit?

Portland allows multiple ADU paths: detached cottages, garage conversions, basement conversions, attached additions, and other configurations depending on the property. Our job at this stage is to help you look at your lot, your goals, and the likely resale or rental angle, then point you toward the right experts if deeper feasibility work makes sense.

Step 2: The Real Math

A common scenario shows about $150K in cost creating meaningful added value, rental upside, or household flexibility, but every property is different. We help you think through the broad numbers (value, rent potential, holding period, and neighborhood context) so you can decide whether to explore an ADU further with the right builder, lender, or specialist.

Step 3: How to Pay for It

Most ADUs are funded through some mix of equity, refinance proceeds, savings, or specialized lending. We can help you understand the common paths and how owners usually approach them, then connect you with lenders and professionals who can provide real loan guidance based on your timeline, goals, and financial picture.

Step 4: Build, Compliance, and Real-Life Use

Once you decide to explore an ADU seriously – design, permitting, code compliance, and construction all become part of the picture. We do not provide those services ourselves, but we can connect you with experienced local professionals and help you think through how an ADU may affect livability, income potential, and long-term resale.

The Numbers That Matter

A typical ADU scenario in Portland can create added property value, rental income, or more flexible living space, but the actual outcome depends on the lot, design, financing, and who does the work. Detached cottages, garage conversions, basement conversions, and attached additions all come with different cost ranges and tradeoffs, which is why early planning matters before you commit to a path.

Why Work With Grand Union

We help you navigate them with context, honesty, and a strategy built around your life, not just the market.

Why Work With Grand Union

We help you make the next move with context, honesty, and a strategy built around your life, not just the market.

Story-first. NOT transaction-first

Your goal, timing and risk tolerance drive the plan, not the listing cycle.

Region- and neighborhood-specific strategy

Pricing, timing, inventory, and trade-offs change block by block. We help you read the local picture.

Clarity when it counts

You'll get the full truth on trade-offs before you're on the hook.

Every deal gives back

A portion of every commission supports Proud Ground (affordable homeownership) and Outdoor School (science education).