Why Budgeting Matters
At Keith Green Construction Inc., we have witnessed happier families who enjoy their homes more when their living space has been carefully planned through a home addition. But we’ve also learned that this situation can be very stressful if the budget is not well established. We have served Beaverton and Oregon homeowners for over 32 years, and we know that a budget you can live with is more than just peace of mind.
Our philosophy has been to walk our clients through the entire process, from design to construction, to ensure no surprises. When you work with us, you’re not just working with a builder but a trusted adviser who knows what’s required in the Oregon building code, understands local permitting, and is keenly aware of the cost of construction in our city and region.
Step 1: Set Your Sights on Goals Before Numbers
Always ask yourself “why” before setting a budget. Is it to add a second story with more bedrooms? A huge kitchen to entertain your family? Are we building a home office to help you work from home?
The type of addition has a much larger effect on cost. An expansion of a kitchen bump-out, for example, might be considerably less expensive than a full-fledged in-law suite, complete with plumbing, electrical, and its own entryway. If you let us know at an early stage, my team and I will help build that plan around your lifestyle without charging extra fees.
Step 2: Oregon Cost of Living Oregon is a low-cost state; however, costs vary depending on your city.
You can’t build in Oregon like you can in other states. Due to Beaverton’s climate, energy-efficient standards, and seismic issues, innovative materials and methods are often needed to provide a long-lasting product.
The average price range for a home addition is $150-$300 per square foot, but the cost can be much higher or lower depending on the nature of the addition and the quality of finishes. For example:
- Small bump-outs (50–100 sq. ft.): $20,000–$40,000
- Master suites or large additions: $80,000-$150,000 and up
- Second stories or ADUs: $150,000–$300,000+
These ranges are wide, so we provide complete line-item estimates during our free consultation. As a state-licensed contractor with our CCB 109148 Oregon contractor license, everything we do is up to state and local code, so you can rest easy knowing that we are taking care of your home and your investment.
Step 3: Know What’s Covered by the Budget
Homeowners’ biggest mistake is shopping for quotes without knowing what is included. In Keith Green Construction, we itemize, so you can clearly see where your money goes. Typical categories include:
- Design & Planning – Architectural plans, engineering (structural, civil, etc.), and permitting costs
- Site work – Clearing, grading, foundation work as necessary
- Material – Wood and timber, roofing, cladding, windows, doors, and finishes
- Labour – Trades like framing, plumbing, & electric
- Building Permits and Inspections – Mandatory in Cities in Oregon
- Contingency – usually 10–15% for any additional costs
The guesswork will be removed by breaking down each item, and you can compare your options without fear of hidden costs.
Step 4: Prepare for Permits and Regulations
In Oregon, permits are a choice. One is required for pretty much any kind of addition. Beaverton, Nike, Hillsboro*, and other Portland metro area governments rigorously uphold code to protect homeowners. Second-story additions, adding that weight to the home’s foundation and framing, usually require engineering approvals. Zoning for accessory dwelling units or in-law suites requires a certain amount of square footage, parking, and setbacks.
We do this ‘legwork’ to ensure your project complies with the laws and does not incur incredibly expensive delays.
Step 5: Take Energy Efficiency and Long-Term Savings Into Account
We don’t just think that budgeting isn’t about initial cost but value over time here at Keith Green Construction. Most Oregon homeowners invest in green materials and energy systems to save on utility bills. For example:
Double-glazed windows and sound insulation also reduce heating and cooling costs.
Environmentally friendly roofing materials like Euroshield rubber roofing ensure a long lifespan and being sustainable
Venting your attic prevents moisture problems and increases the lifespan of your roof
While these upgrades may raise your up-front budget a little, they will save you a significant amount of money down the road.
Step 6: Compare Financing Options
It’s okay if not every homeowner is paying cash for an addition. In reality, the majority of our clients will investigate financing possibilities, and they can often include:
- Home equity loans
- Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)
- Cash-out refinancing
- Construction loans
We suggest consulting a financial advisor or bank before taking out a loan. But financing is how FHBs can make a much-needed addition to their home and spread the cost over a period that makes the investment manageable.
Step 7: Avoid Budget Pitfalls
Over the years, we’ve seen a few frequently made mistakes that can destroy a homeowner’s budget. These include:
- Underestimating – Believing that a project is going to be smaller than it ends up being
- Opting for the lowest bidder — That typically leads to shortcuts or extra costs down the road
- Skipping the rainy fund – No surprises here
- Failing to take into account long-term maintenance costs – Not all material wears the same in our damp Oregon climate
As dry rot and water damage repair experts, we know how our Northwest weather can damage construction over time. That’s why we first guide clients toward sustainable solutions designed for long-term performance.
Our Customer-Focused Approach to Budgeting
Our team’s personal/ hands-on service sets Keith Green Construction apart. First and foremost, both clients can communicate directly with their salesman, project manager, and foreman, making the process and any concerns or changes transparent.
We also guarantee our workmanship. If we make it, we believe in it. That commitment means we’ll never take shortcuts or leave you in the dark about costs. We’ll treat you like family from the first meeting through the last walk-through and ensure you’re getting every dollar of value out of your investment.
Creating a budget for your Oregon home addition can be overwhelming, but collaborating with the right team can make it feasible and transparent. That’s what Keith Green Construction offers: 32+ years of construction experience, certifications for on-time, on-budget projects, strong ties to Beaverton, and the best work in craftsmanship.
Whether you dream of a new master suite, a second story, or a simple family-room addition, we’ll help inspire your imagination and guide you through the steps as we work together to create the perfect space for your new and improved home. We have sustainability as a key value, so know that the sustainable swaps we suggest are not only to protect both your pocket and the planet.