Custom home builder in Clackamas, Oregon, since 1991
J Roderick Young Custom Homes is a custom home builder in Clackamas, Oregon, and has been licensed here since 1991, when the business began as a Clackamas paint and finish contractor. Today we build custom homes on our clients' land across Clackamas and Clackamas County: unincorporated lots, rural acreage that needs septic, and land in the former City of Damascus.
First licensed by the Oregon CCB on December 10, 1991, as J Roderick Young Painting.
A Clackamas business from the start
The business started in Clackamas in 1991 as a paint contractor. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board first licensed it on December 10, 1991, under the name J Roderick Young Painting, and the company's business mail still goes to Clackamas. For years Jeremy Young finished the woodwork, walls and exteriors of other builders' luxury homes before building his own.
One of the company's early clients remembers how it started: “Had a good feeling about you the first day we met in the paint store.” That's still how most of our work begins, with a conversation and a handshake, not a sales process.
Building in unincorporated Clackamas County
Much of the land around Clackamas is unincorporated, which changes who you deal with and what a lot needs.
County permits
Clackamas (97015) is unincorporated, so building permits for most lots come from Clackamas County, not a city. Some 97015 addresses are inside Happy Valley, so we check every parcel.
Septic on rural lots
Where there's no public sewer, a septic system needs a permit from the Clackamas County Septic and Onsite Wastewater Program. Soil tests often decide where the house can go.
Former Damascus land
Damascus voters approved disincorporation in 2016, and it became final in 2020. Most of that land is now unincorporated county; parts have been annexed into Happy Valley.
Wells, power and long drives
Acreage lots can mean a well, a long power run and a long driveway. These are site costs we price before you commit.
Room for an ADU or shop
Larger lots often have room for a garage, shop or accessory dwelling. We've built both.
Same builder throughout
From the county submittal to the final inspection, you deal with Jeremy.
Our permitted work around Clackamas County
From public building permit records. Homeowners' names and addresses are left out.
| Place | Year | Work |
|---|---|---|
| Damascus | 2005 | New single-family home, finaled |
| Damascus | 2024 | New accessory dwelling unit (ADU) |
| Sandy | 2020 | Two-story garage and shop, finaled |
| Happy Valley | 2017 to 2022 | Replacement home and three new homes |
| Oregon City | 2014 | New single-family home, finaled |
Source: public permit data compiled on BuildZoom, checked October 2026.
Build new or buy existing in Clackamas?
We're honest about this, because it's your decision. An existing home has mature landscaping, an established street and you can move in about 30 days after purchase. If speed matters most, buying may be right.
Building new gets you a house designed for how you live, with current heating, ventilation and insulation, and none of the hidden problems older homes can carry, such as asbestos, lead paint or mold. It takes longer and needs more decisions. If you decide to build, we'll show you what it costs on your lot before you're committed.
From a client who built with us
Posted on Google in October 2022.
“Jeremy Young is the most hard working custom home builder that you can find. His professionalism reflects in his attention to detail in all facets of the custom home he builds. My wife and I knew that we knew the moment we first met Jeremy that his honesty and integrity was evident. He is so positive and easy to work with that it made building our beautiful home a pleasurable experience, Jeremy is now our builder and friend for life. Thank you Jeremy for our beautiful home! Bill & Cathy King”
Questions people ask before they call
Who issues building permits in Clackamas?
Clackamas is unincorporated, so most lots there are permitted by Clackamas County. Some addresses with a Clackamas ZIP code sit inside Happy Valley, which issues its own permits. We confirm the jurisdiction for your parcel at the start.
Can you build on a rural lot that needs septic?
Yes. Rural lots without sewer need a septic permit from the Clackamas County Septic and Onsite Wastewater Program, and the soil tests often decide where the house can sit. We check this early, before design is final.
Do you build in the former City of Damascus?
Yes. Public records show a new home we built in Damascus in 2005 and an accessory dwelling unit permitted there in 2024. Most former Damascus land is now permitted by Clackamas County, and some by Happy Valley.
How long have you been in business in Clackamas?
The business was first licensed by the Oregon CCB on December 10, 1991, as J Roderick Young Painting, and incorporated as J Roderick Young Custom Homes Inc. in 1993.
Where to go next
- Happy Valley
City permits and steep-slope lots next door.
- Land, lots and permits
Septic, wells and access checked before you buy.
- About the company
From a 1991 paint contractor to a custom builder.
Ready to talk about your house?
Bring your lot, your plans or just an idea. Jeremy Young meets you, walks the land and prices the house in detail, with option pricing. The consultation costs nothing.