ADU Construction
ADUs are one of the smartest investments San Diego homeowners can make — adding rental income, housing for family members, or future resale value. We guide you through California's ADU regulations, help evaluate your property's potential, and coordinate the construction process from permits to final inspection.
- •Garage conversions, detached units, and junior ADUs
- •California ADU regulation expertise
- •Site feasibility and setback analysis
- •Permit coordination with local jurisdictions
Fast follow-up. Photos help us price faster.
What we do on a adu construction visit
We confirm scope, protect the work area, complete the job cleanly, and review results with you so there are no surprises.
- •Garage conversions, detached units, and junior ADUs
- •California ADU regulation expertise
- •Site feasibility and setback analysis
- •Permit coordination with local jurisdictions
- •2–4 photos (wide + close-up)
- •Rough dimensions
- •Your timing window
- •Access / parking notes
Common requests we handle
These are the kinds of scopes we can quote quickly.
Pricing & scheduling
We quote based on scope, access, materials, and time. Photos + basic dimensions help us tighten pricing faster.
- •Written scope before scheduling
- •Clear next steps after review
- •Tidy completion and walkthrough
If a job needs permits, engineering, or a specialist scope outside our lane, we'll tell you upfront and point you to the right resource.
Request an estimateWhat customers say
A few recent notes from clients across our service area.
Questions about adu construction
Quick answers before you request an estimate.
Do you offer ADU Construction?
Yes — we offer adu construction across North County San Diego. Share your scope and city for a clear estimate.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Share a short description (and photos if you can) and we'll follow up with next steps and a clear estimate.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego?
ADU costs in North County San Diego typically range from $150,000-$350,000+ depending on size and type. Garage conversions average $100,000-$180,000. Detached new construction runs $200,000-$400,000 for 400-1,200 sq ft units. Junior ADUs (under 500 sq ft within existing space) can be $80,000-$150,000.
What are California's ADU rules in 2024-2025?
California law allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft on most single-family lots, with reduced setbacks (4 ft side/rear), no parking requirements near transit, and streamlined permitting (60-day approval timeline). San Diego County and cities have additional local rules. We stay current on regulations to maximize your options.
Can I convert my garage to an ADU?
Garage conversions are one of the most cost-effective ADU options. California law protects garage conversions from parking replacement requirements in most cases. Key considerations include ceiling height (must reach 7'6"), foundation adequacy, and utility access. We assess feasibility during our initial consultation.
How long does ADU construction take?
Plan for 8-14 months total: 2-4 months for design and permits, 4-8 months for construction. Garage conversions are faster (4-6 months construction). Detached new construction takes longer (6-10 months). Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction — Carlsbad and Encinitas typically process faster than unincorporated areas.
What's the ROI on building an ADU in San Diego?
ADUs in North County San Diego typically rent for $1,800-$3,500/month depending on size and location. A $200,000 ADU renting for $2,500/month generates $30,000/year in gross income. Many homeowners see 12-18% annual returns. ADUs also add 20-30% to property resale value.
Do I need a separate address and utilities for my ADU?
ADUs can share utilities with the main house or have separate connections — we recommend separate metering for rentals. San Diego County requires a separate address for ADUs with independent entrances. We coordinate utility planning during the design phase.
Get a clear estimate — schedule when you're ready
Send a short description (and photos if you can). We'll confirm scope, timing, and next steps.
- •2–4 photos (wide + close-up)
- •Rough dimensions
- •Your timing window
- •Access / parking notes