Detached shops and accessory dwelling units are some of the most requested features among Central Oregon buyers. A shop can hold boats, trailers, tools and hobbies, while an ADU can house family, guests or a home office. If you want to buy a home with a shop or ADU in Central Oregon in 2026, here is what to check before you make an offer.
Confirm Permits and Approvals
Not every shop or ADU was built with permits. Ask the seller for permit records and check with the city or county. Unpermitted structures can create problems with insurance, financing and future resale. If an ADU is used as a rental, confirm it meets local rules for that use.
Understand Zoning Rules
Bend, Redmond and Deschutes County each have their own rules for ADUs and accessory buildings. These cover size, setbacks, parking and whether a unit can be rented. If you plan to add a shop or ADU after buying, verify that the lot allows it before you commit.
Inspect the Extra Structure Too
Include the shop or ADU in your home inspection. Look at the roof, foundation, electrical panel, heating and plumbing. Shops with 220 volt power, insulation and heat are worth more than uninsulated pole buildings, so understand exactly what you are getting.
Think About Utilities and Costs
An ADU may share utilities with the main house or have its own meters. Separate meters can make rental accounting easier. Also consider how an ADU affects property taxes and insurance, and budget for ongoing maintenance on two structures.
Get Help Finding the Right Property
Homes with shops and ADUs often sell quickly. An experienced real estate agent in Redmond can help you find properties with larger lots and outbuildings, which are more common around Redmond and Terrebonne. In town, a knowledgeable real estate agent in Bend can point you to neighborhoods where ADUs are allowed and explain how city rules apply.
Consider Resale Value
A well built, permitted shop or ADU usually adds value and broadens appeal when you sell later. Features like insulation, heat, high ceilings, large doors and separate utilities make these spaces more useful to future buyers. Keep records of permits, upgrades and maintenance so you can document the value when it is time to sell. Thinking about resale now helps you choose a property that serves your needs today and stays attractive to buyers in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out an ADU in Bend?
Long term rental of a permitted ADU is generally allowed, but short term rental rules are stricter. Check current city rules for the specific property. Requirements can change over time.
How do I know if a shop was permitted?
Ask the seller for permit records and confirm them with the city or county building department. Your agent can help request records. Unpermitted structures may affect financing.
Are homes with shops more common in Redmond or Bend?
Larger lots with shops are generally more common around Redmond, Terrebonne and rural areas. Bend has some, but they tend to cost more. Searching both areas widens your options.
