Elmiran ADU Builder
ADU Builder — built by Eugene’s garage & ADU master craftsman, serving Elmira since 1969.
Thinking about an ADU in Elmira? A backyard ADU adds rental income, room for family, and lasting property value — and Red Umbrella has been building garages, ADUs, and additions across Lane County since 1969. Elmira sits on Long Tom River bottomland west of Fern Ridge Reservoir; parcels are flat and often zoned Exclusive Farm Use, which means residential structures must be clearly accessory to the farm operation — a distinction Lane County planners look for when reviewing ADU applications in the area.
Building an ADU in Elmira
Elmira sits 15 mi northwest of Eugene on Territorial Road. Is surrounded by working farmland where efu zoning and generous setbacks shape what — and where — you can build. Building permits here go through Lane County — a process we know well — and for an ADU, that shapes how utilities connect and whether a detached cottage or an attached unit fits best.
Locally, Elmira is known for Fern Ridge Reservoir western shore and Long Tom River bottomland, and we tailor every build to fit the lot, the neighborhood, and how you actually live.
ADU Builder in Elmira: what we build
We build detached backyard cottages, attached units, and ADUs above or beside a garage — designed, permitted, and built end to end.
- Detached & attached ADUs, 400–900+ sq ft
- Garage-to-ADU conversions (our specialty)
- Permits, utilities & site work handled
- Up to 120% financing — cash-flows as a rental
Why Elmira homeowners choose Red Umbrella
- Garages and ADUs under one roof — the rare shop that masters both, so a garage-with-a-suite is one project, one crew.
- Master Electrician in-house — owner Bari Swartz wires it himself, to code, no waiting on a sub.
- Building since 1969 — you work directly with Bari, not a sales rep or a rotating cast of subs.
- Permits handled & up to 120% financing — we know Lane County and make the whole path simple.
Elmiran ADU questions
What is an ADU and can I build one on my Elmira property?
An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is a second, self-contained home on the same lot as a primary residence, and most Elmira residential lots are eligible to have one. Under current City of Elmira rules there is no owner-occupancy requirement, so landlords and investors can build ADUs without living on site. Maximum size is 800 square feet or 10% of the lot area, whichever is smaller, and most properties need no additional parking space under current code. Red Umbrella offers free on-site consultations to confirm your lot’s specific eligibility.
What is Oregon’s contractor lien notice requirement?
Under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 87, contractors must provide homeowners with an “Information Notice to Owner” before beginning work; this notice explains your rights if subcontractors or suppliers file liens for unpaid amounts. Red Umbrella provides this notice as part of the contract paperwork before any work begins. Understanding your lien rights protects you even if all payments to Red Umbrella are made on time.
Does Red Umbrella require a large deposit upfront?
Red Umbrella’s payment schedule is outlined in the written contract before work begins, typically structured around project milestones rather than a single large upfront payment. Oregon law limits contractor deposits on residential projects, and Red Umbrella follows those rules. Your contract will show exactly when each payment is due relative to construction progress.
We also build these in Elmira.
Garage Conversion
A garage conversion is the fastest, most affordable way to add finished living space.
Learn more →
Custom Garage
A custom garage means covered parking, a real workshop, RV storage, or an apartment above.
Learn more →
Home Additions
A seamless addition adds the room you need without the cost and upheaval of moving.
Learn more →ADUs near Elmira
We build throughout Lane County — here are nearby towns we also serve:
Trusted across the valley.
"Bari built us a fine, 600 sq ft cottage (ADU) in our back yard. Helpful from start to finish through the permit process."
"Our garage was crushed by a tree in the ice storm. Red Umbrella, garage specialists, were perfect for the job."
"Bari at Red Umbrella is a solid contractor! We hired him to remodel our garage in College Hill, and it became a special place to live and enjoy."
Planning an ADU in Elmira?
Bari will look at your lot and give you an honest number — permits handled, up to 120% financing, usually a reply within one business day.
Get My Free Estimate → Call (541) 515-3843