Kempf Construction LLC is a licensed general contractor Salem OR homeowners, business owners, and property investors can trust, backed by more than 20 years of building experience across Oregon and the Mid-Willamette Valley. From custom homes in the hills of West Salem to kitchen remodels in historic neighborhoods near Bush’s Pasture Park, additions and ADUs throughout the city, and commercial build-outs along Commercial Street and the I-5 corridor, 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 Salem’s permitting process, local soil conditions, older home construction, growing neighborhoods, and Mid-Willamette Valley building needs, 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
- Local crews who understand Salem building codes, Marion & Polk County permitting, and hillside and valley-floor lots
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 Salem, 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 Salem lives. Our residential construction services include new single family homes, full structural framing, and complete ground up builds on infill lots, hillside parcels, and acreage throughout the area. From energy efficient designs suited to the Willamette Valley climate to layouts that take advantage of Salem’s river views, established neighborhoods, and growing subdivisions, we build durable, beautiful homes designed to last.
Commercial Construction
Salem business owners, developers, and state and institutional clients 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 mid century home in South Salem or a classic house in one of the historic districts near downtown, 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 moving? Our home addition services create the extra square footage you need most, including primary suite additions, second stories, expanded living rooms, sunrooms, and bump outs. We integrate new construction seamlessly with your existing structure so the addition looks and feels original to the home.
ADU Construction
Accessory dwelling units are one of the smartest ways to add value, rental income, or multigenerational living space in Salem. As an experienced ADU builder, we handle detached and attached units, garage conversions, and shop conversions; fully permitted under Oregon and City of Salem ADU rules. ADUs are especially popular on Salem's larger hillside lots in West and South Salem and on acreage in the surrounding Marion and Polk County countryside.
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 Salem
Frequently Answered Questions
How much does it cost to build a custom home in Salem, Oregon?
Building a custom home in Salem typically costs between $260 and $420+ per square foot, depending on design, finishes, site conditions, and lot prep — hillside and view lots in West and South Salem often run higher due to foundation and access 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 Salem?
Yes. ADUs in Salem require permits through the City of Salem and must comply with Oregon’s statewide ADU rules covering size, setbacks, and parking. As a licensed contractor, we handle the entire permitting process for you.
Can you build a view home on a West Salem or South Salem hillside lot?
Yes. We build ground-up custom and view homes on hillside and sloped lots throughout West and South Salem, handling the site evaluation, foundation engineering, access, and Marion or Polk County 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, shops, or additions on larger Salem-area lots?
Absolutely. Salem’s larger hillside and acreage lots — and the surrounding Marion and Polk County countryside — are ideal for detached ADUs, shops, and home additions. We handle design, permitting, and construction for all of them.
