Shelter Solutions LLC - ADU Specialist

Shelter Solutions was great to work with. I was looking to build a somewhat accessible ADU for my parents when they need to be closer. After interviewing multiple design-build companies and seeing their work, I chose Joe, and I have no regrets. He and Thomas and their subcontractors were super - from initial conversations to the end of the project. They were respectful of my space, kept me on budget, and finished on schedule. I love the finished ADU!

The team at Shelter Solutions were wonderful to work with. They finished the job on time and within budget. We were always kept up to date with what's happening and the process was not stressful at all. We are very glad we choose Shelter Solutions

We highly recommend Shelter Solutions. Never having built anything in PDX before, and having no referrals from others, we had to look for a contractor the hard way. Searching on-line for days reading reviews. Based on reviews, we narrowed it down to three companies. After interviewing those three, Shelter Solutions stood out. The long term experience of Joe Robinson, his deep knowledge of all the ADU building codes and permit process, made us feel confident of our choice. It ended up being the best Contractor built experience we've ever had. It was virtually "stress free" by our standards. We had easy access to information and people when we needed it. We knew what they were doing and when. As we don't live in PDX that really helped us to schedule a visit. There are always hiccups in building, but Shelter Solutions stayed on course, on time and on budget. They exceeded every expectation. We could fill pages with all the praise and respect we have for Shelter Solutions Project Manager, Thomas Chavalia. His hands on approach to our project, his sense of humor, the respect he showed us at every turn, his desire to get the details right for us, made our ADU move-in-ready, with smiles on our faces. That does not happen every day in building. It feels great to be able to recommend a company who works so hard, and deserves to be your number one choice. No question at all, they for sure will be ours.

Shelter Solutions built an ADU for us in 2018, and we absolutely highly recommend them. The ADU is gorgeous, it was finished on time and on budget. We can't say enough good things about Shelter Solutions. We chose Shelter Solutions after having worked with them on two other large projects to our current house. Now that the company has transitioned only to ADUs only, it was an easy choice to go with them. We selected an already designed model that the company has put together: https://www.shelter-solutions.net/accessory-dwelling-units-adus/pre-designed-models/. It worked within our space. We selected this because it seemed simple, and met our needs. I wouldn't hesitate though to work with them if we needed to design our own ADU - they do amazing work. Once we selected the pre-designed model, we made one slight adjustment to the design to swap the placement of the living room and kitchen to better meet with the space needs. From there, the company conducted a feasibility study, the cost of which was wrapped in to the project once we went forward. During the study, Joe identified that we had an old cesspool on site, which needed to be taken care of during construction. The bid that Joe provided was accurate and detailed - everything from the start to the finish was included in the bid, including site prep and site finish work, finish details, etc. We knew exactly what we needed to spend before we signed a contract, and it was accurate. Joe is incredibly thorough and transparent - we saw every cost, detailed line by line, and he was patient with our questions about specific items, as well as ways to save money. The contract we signed was also clear, easy to understand, and detailed. From there, they used an online system to manage the choices that we needed to make - this process was simple, and not at all overwhelming. We were able to clearly see exactly which choices needed to be made (i.e., flooring, cabinets, tile, sinks, etc), where we needed to go to see our choices in person, which choices could simply be made online, and we made the choices online. It was simple, and not at all overwhelming. During the midst of this project, my husband and I were both working more-than-full-time, and with Joe and his team's well organized system, we were able to keep the project on track without being overwhelming. Once construction started, it was incredibly well organized and moved quickly. They clearly communicated when they would do work, and what they needed. They were clear about when different work would happen. Everything went smoothly, and the subcontractors were professional and well organized. We never worried about not being there or what was happening - which was a huge relief! The project was finished on time and on budget. Prior to turning over the keys, we had two walk thrus with Joe, and his team to identify small problems that needed to be fixed, as well as to learn about how to work the heating/cooling system, where the shut offs were, etc. The team was fantastic. It's been six months of having a renter in the ADU, and everything is great. I just can't recommend Shelter Solutions enough for this work - they are amazing. Thank you so much!

Joe Robertson is a wonderful, knowledgeable, experienced and genuinely nice person to work with. He's been building ADUs for decades and 'really' knows his stuff. And he 'really' knows and understands the City of Portland ADU building codes. Joe's experience, competency and touring several ADUs reflecting his high quality work won us over in choosing Shelter Solutions. He evaluated our current home specs and our property. After discussing what we'd like - an 800 square foot, one level home with two bedrooms and two bathrooms - he and his design team depicted exactly what we wanted. Shelter Solutions made selecting the house components, viewing plans and documents, and conducting communication with them and the vendors very easy via an online app. We worked with Lois MacKenzie on the design selections, she was super helpful and friendly. Then Thomas Chavalia, the project manager began on all the construction elements. Thomas is the best - professional, knowledgeable, friendly, on task, on site and cool as a cucumber, even when a couple of complicated issues popped up. Always our ally, he answered any and all questions promptly and took care of even the smallest things immediately. During the building months, we were impressed as we watched the ADU emerge. We experienced and learned that building a property behind an existing property like ours - via a tight access space - is an art form. Watching the pros troubleshoot to bend around and with our current 'old house components' was simply amazing. In the end we got exactly what we'd hoped for, a gorgeous new ADU that we LOVE. We're extremely thankful, grateful and appreciative of the entire Shelter Solutions team. Their customer service is incredible and we'd choose them again in a heartbeat.

Owner Joe Robertson and Project Manager Thomas Chavalia both made our ADU build experience stress free. These guys have such integrity and are pros through and through. They were excellent communicators surrounding project details through the entire process and were quick to respond to any of our questions or concerns. Also important to note - they were on time (even early) and on budget. I have been project manager on many construction projects and I know what a rare gem these guys are based on past experiences. I would recommend using Shelter Solutions, LLC for your project without any hesitation.

We are so happy to recommend Shelter Solutions with all stars! The project (two car garage with two bedroom apartment above) progressed with good speed; their team overcame several and silly obstacles involved with permitting; and they staged construction differently than is usual on a short deadline to ensure that our solar could be installed and permitted before the credits expired. We never felt abandoned for periods of time while they attended to other projects as we have with other contractors. They displayed integrity in every way and at every stage, were calm in the face of the few challenges that arose, and were respectful of our preferences. They have a great team of skilled workers assembled who were on time at the various stages of construction, doing quality work. This is reflective of who the owner, Joe Robertson, is at his core, and also reflects his many years of experience. The final result is a beautiful, well designed two bedroom apartment above our two car garage. Everyone who has seen it has been enthusiastic about its livability and loveliness. Maybe you’ll see pictures on their site. We would especially like to highlight Thomas Chavalia, the project manager. He is a true professional, who is actually educated as a project manager, and it shows. His attention to detail, his follow-through and responsiveness were amazing. We have had experience with other contractors, so can say with assurance that Thomas is a cut or more above the rest.

Great experience! Owner, Joe, and project manager, Thomas Chavalia, are easy to work with. Thomas managed our ADU with great care and efficiency. Any concerns we had along the way were quickly and respectfully addressed. They were right on target with budget and project time line. If we ever find ourselves in need/want of another ADU, we'll call Shelter Solutions without hesitation. We highly recommend, thank you!

Joe and his crew stayed on schedule, were available for questions and willing to make requested changes. The whole process was transparent and convivial.

I am forever grateful that my friend and realtor recommended Shelter Solutions to build my ADU. Throughout the build process, Joe and his team demonstrated integrity and honesty, as well as excellent communication and availability. I wholeheartedly recommend Shelter Solutions to anyone seeking a builder for their next project!

AMAZING company and service! We signed contract in June and by August the backyard was being prepped and by 2weeks before Christmas this 2story 800 sq ft 2-bed 2-bath ADU was move in ready. Very professional organization using Buildertrend for all communications and choice of finishes. The manager always listened to our asks and modified project as needed. Transparency at all stages helped keep ADU within our budget. In-laws provided funds from their house sale and are very happy with their new downsized home next to grandkids. We highly recommend to anyone thinking about ADUs.

I hired Shelter Solutions to build a detached ADU on my property. I had a set of approved construction plans when I contacted them. They offered suggestions for improvements, provided a wide range of options to choose from for everything from appliances to windows and quickly resolved issues as they came up. Construction completed a month earlier than expected and I am very happy with the results. Joe and his team were great to work with. I highly recommend them.