Portland ADU provides extra space.
When our clients purchased this 1954 Midcentury Modern home in Northwest Portland, they envisioned transforming the lower level into a separate ADU for long-term rental—ideally suited for nurses working nearby at OHSU. The full-home remodel spanned all three levels: taking advantage of downtown views on the main floor, reworking the middle level for hosting guests, and converting the lowest level into a fully equipped, rentable ADU.
Before
Homeowner Wish List
- Income-generating space for a long-term renter
- Separate, private exterior entrance
- Incorporate fun, playful colors
- Include dedicated storage for the renter
- Add insulation and drywall for sound control between floors
- Finish out the space comfortably while being mindful of costs
reward
Project Outcome and Results
Solutions
- Transformed the space into a comfortable, livable area with minimal structural changes by making clever use of existing features
- Designed built-ins around the existing foundation to fit a queen-sized bed and create a hangout nook
- Installed a new window in the bedroom area to bring in natural light and meet code requirements
- Corrected a 7-inch slope across the lowest floor by applying a self-leveling compound in multiple 1-inch layers.
- Added a dedicated panel access point for the ADU, ensuring separation from the main home’s utilities
- Included all essential components to complete a full ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) conversion—kitchenette, bathroom, sleeping area, and private entry
Create the home you’ve always wanted.
Need help turning your outdated home into a fully functional and refreshed space? Work with our team to discover what’s possible, how to bring it all together, and create a cohesive look from room to room.
The team at Mountainwood Homes are the absolute best! The whole house remodel that they did exceeded my expectations. They were great communicators throughout and helped me make a home that feels truly special. I would highly recommend this team to anyone.