ADU Builders in San Diego, California
With about 1,380,000 residents and housing costs that keep climbing, San Diego homeowners are turning backyards into income. Our San Diego ADU builders handle design, San Diego County-area permitting and construction under one contract, built for the coastal marine layer and dry canyon heat.
Typical cost
$170k–$388k
Permit time
8–14 weeks
Est. rent
$2,050+/mo
Population
1,380,000
Popular ADU types in San Diego
Our most requested projects in San Diego are attached ADUs and prefab and modular ADUs. Corner lots and alley-access lots in San Diego are ideal for ADUs with their own street entrance and separate address.
Design-wise, San Diego homeowners in the San Diego tend to favor coastal modern and Spanish-influenced forms with big indoor-outdoor openings.
Building an ADU in San Diego County
Every San Diego ADU we build is engineered around local conditions — especially coastal zone review, canyon slopes and brush fire setbacks. We prepare complete plan sets so the city can approve within the state's 60-day review window, typically 8–14 weeks here.
At $2,050–$3,300 per month in rent, a new ADU in San Diego can pay for itself in roughly 8.7 years.
San Diego ADU FAQs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego?
Most San Diego ADUs we build land between $170k and $388k, depending on size, site work and finishes. Garage conversions sit at the low end; custom two-story units at the high end.
How long does ADU permitting take in San Diego?
State law requires cities to act on complete ADU applications within 60 days. In practice, San Diego permits typically take 8–14 weeks when plans are submitted complete — which is what our in-house drafting team focuses on.
What can I rent an ADU for in San Diego?
Based on San Diego rental trends, a new 1-bedroom ADU in San Diego commonly rents for $2,050–$3,300 per month, putting typical payback around 8.7 years.
What are the biggest challenges for ADUs in San Diego?
In San Diego and the wider San Diego, the issues we plan around most are coastal zone review, canyon slopes and brush fire setbacks. We review these during a free feasibility check before you commit.
Is attached ADUs a good option in San Diego?
Yes — attached ADUs are among the most popular projects we build in San Diego. Across San Diego, we see strong demand for 1-bedroom units around 600 sq ft — the sweet spot for build cost versus rental income.
ADU builders near San Diego
Get a free ADU feasibility check in San Diego
Tell us about your lot. We'll review zoning, setbacks and utilities and send a ballpark budget — no obligation.