Kempf Construction LLC is a licensed general contractor Portland OR homeowners, business owners, and property investors can trust, backed by more than 20 years of building experience across Oregon and the Portland metro area. From custom homes in the West Hills to kitchen remodels in historic neighborhoods like Laurelhurst and Irvington, additions and ADUs in Sellwood and eastside neighborhoods, and commercial build-outs in the Pearl District and inner-eastside corridors, we manage residential and commercial construction from the first sketch to the final walkthrough. Our team is CCB-licensed, bonded, and insured under CCB #260337, giving clients confidence that every project is handled with professionalism, accountability, and care. We understand Portland’s permitting process, hillside and infill lots, older home construction, neighborhood-specific building requirements, and urban project coordination, allowing us to plan each project with clear communication, dependable craftsmanship, and construction solutions built to last.
Why Choose Us
- Licensed, bonded & insured - Oregon CCB #260337
- Fixed-bid pricing so you know your costs before we break ground
- In-house project management - one point of contact from permit to punch list
- Experienced crews who navigate Portland's permitting, BDS requirements, hillside lots, and infill construction
Years in Business
Projects completed
On-time delivery
Our Services
General Contracting
As your general contractor, Kempf Construction LLC manages every moving part of your build, including design coordination, permitting with the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services, scheduling, licensed subcontractors, materials, inspections, and final delivery. Whether you are expanding a home, opening a storefront, or building from the ground up, we keep your project organized, fully code compliant, and on schedule. Learn more about our general contracting services.
Residential Construction
We build homes for the way Portland lives. Our residential construction services include new single family homes, full structural framing, and complete ground up builds on infill lots, hillside parcels, and view properties throughout the metro area. From energy efficient designs to layouts that make the most of Portland’s tight urban lots, West Hills views, and established eastside neighborhoods, we build durable, beautiful homes designed to last.
Commercial Construction
Portland business owners and developers rely on us for tenant improvements, retail and office build outs, and complete commercial construction. We coordinate with architects, engineers, and city officials to deliver code compliant commercial spaces that include restaurants, professional offices, medical facilities, retail environments, and mixed use projects. Every build is managed to minimize disruption to your operations and maintain a clear, predictable timeline.
Remodeling
Whether you own a Craftsman bungalow in Laurelhurst, a Tudor in Irvington, or a mid century home in the West Hills, our remodeling services bring new life to existing spaces. We handle whole home renovations, room by room updates, and structural remodels that improve function, comfort, and resale value while respecting the character of your home.
Home Additions
Need more space without leaving the neighborhood you love? Our home addition services create the extra square footage you need most, including primary suite additions, second stories, expanded living rooms, dormers, and bump outs. We integrate new construction seamlessly with your existing structure so the addition looks and feels original to the home and maintains the same quality and craftsmanship throughout.
ADU Construction
Accessory dwelling units are one of the smartest ways to add value, rental income, or multigenerational living space in Portland; and the city is one of the most ADU-friendly markets in the country. As an experienced ADU builder, we handle detached and attached units, garage conversions, and basement conversions, fully permitted under Oregon and City of Portland ADU rules. ADUs are especially popular on Portland's deep eastside lots and on hillside properties in the West Hills.
Our Construction Process
Free Consultation
We meet with you to review your goals, site conditions, and budget. This first step ensures we understand your vision and can provide accurate guidance from the start.
Fixed‑Bid Estimate
You receive a clear, written scope of work and a fixed price. No surprises, just transparent numbers and a defined plan.
Design & Permitting
Our team finalizes plans and secures all required City of Albany and Linn County permits. We handle the paperwork so your project moves forward smoothly and on schedule.
Construction
Skilled crews build according to plan, maintaining a clean job site and providing regular progress updates. We coordinate trades and inspections to keep everything efficient and organized.
Inspections
Every phase passes required code inspections to ensure safety, compliance, and long‑term durability.
Final Walkthrough
We don’t finish until you’re satisfied. Together, we review every detail to confirm the work meets your expectations and our quality standards.
Local Spotlight: Building & Expanding Homes Across Portland
Frequently Answered Questions
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Portland, Oregon?
Building a custom home in Portland typically costs between $300 and $475+ per square foot, depending on design, finishes, site conditions, and lot prep — West Hills and hillside lots often run higher due to foundation, access, and engineering work. A fixed-bid estimate from Kempf Construction gives you an exact price before construction begins.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Portland?
Yes. ADUs in Portland require permits through the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services and must comply with Oregon’s statewide ADU rules covering size, setbacks, and design. As a licensed contractor, we handle the entire permitting process for you.
Can you build a view home on a West Hills hillside lot?
Yes. We build ground-up custom and view homes on hillside and sloped lots throughout the West Hills and beyond, handling the site evaluation, foundation engineering, access, and permitting that hillside builds require, and managing construction start to finish.
What's the difference between a general contractor and a home builder?
A general contractor manages and coordinates all aspects of a construction project — permits, subcontractors, scheduling, and inspections — for remodels, additions, and new builds alike, while “home builder” usually refers specifically to new-home construction. Kempf Construction does both.
Do you build ADUs, garage conversions, or additions on Portland eastside lots?
Absolutely. Portland’s deep eastside lots are ideal for detached ADUs, garage conversions, and home additions. We handle design, permitting, and construction for all of them.
