Serving San Diego: Bringing The Green To Your Backyard

Design, Permit, And Construction Management For Your ADU In California

From Concept to Construction in Less Than 11 Months

Organized and Planned Construction of Your ADU in California

ADU Construction Types

What Options Do I Have for an ADU in California?

stand alone unit construction options organic adu san diego

Stand-alone Unit

Add up to 1200 sqft as standalone structure on a new foundation for your California ADU.

home addition construction options organic adu san diego

Addition

Build on an addition of up to 1200 sqft for your California ADU.

garage conversion options organic adu san diego

Garage Conversion

Turn your California garage into an extra unit with living space.

ADU CALCULATOR

Calculate the cost of building an accessory dwelling unit

BEGIN

What type of unit to build?

Studio, 400 ft², garage conversion
Studio, 400 ft², detached new construction
1 bedroom, 600 ft², detached new construction
2 bedroom, 750 ft², detached new construction
3 bedroom, 900 ft², detached new construction
3 bedroom, 1200 ft², detached new construction
NEXT

Include separate water and gas?

If you plan to rent out your ADU, you may want the utilities on separate meters, so your tenant's utility bills will be separate from yours.

NEXT

Is home located on hillside?

Construction on slopes or hillside requires additional design and site prep work, like grading the surface or providing additional support for the structure. be separate from yours.

NEXT

Do you want Solar installation?

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Please provide contact details

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Please Confirm you information before show price

EDIT INFO SHOW PRICE

We estimate that your project will cost with a likely range of

Below is a detailed breakdown of this estimate. You can change the ADU details to see how the estimate changes.

Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$13,000 $13,000 $13,000
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$77,350 $91,000 $104,650
Contingency
$15,470 $18,200 $20,930
Total cost $107,320 $123,700 $140,080
Cost per square foot $268 $309 $350
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$15,500 $15,500 $15,500
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$116,688 $133,750 $150,813
Contingency
$23,338 $26,750 $30,163
Total cost $172,026 $199,500 $227,976
Cost per square foot $430 $499 $570
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$13,000 $13,000 $13,000
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$97,350 $111,000 $124,650
Contingency
$19,470 $22,200 $24,930
Total cost $131,320 $147,700 $164,080
Cost per square foot $328 $369 $410
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$13,000 $13,000 $13,000
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$97,350 $111,000 $124,650
Contingency
$19,470 $22,200 $24,930
Total cost $146,320 $169,700 $194,080
Cost per square foot $366 $424 $485
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$15,500 $15,500 $15,500
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$116,688 $133,750 $150,813
Contingency
$23,338 $26,750 $30,163
Total cost $157,026 $177,500 $197,976
Cost per square foot $393 $444 $495
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$15,500 $15,500 $15,500
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$96,688 $113,750 $130,812
Contingency
$19,338 $22,750 $26,163
Total cost $133,016 $153,500 $173,975
Cost per square foot $333 $384 $435
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$15,500 $15,500 $15,500
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$96,688 $113,750 $130,812
Contingency
$19,338 $22,750 $26,163
Total cost $148,026 $175,500 $203,975
Cost per square foot $370 $439 $510
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Designs and permitting fees
$13,000 $13,000 $13,000
Structural engineering report
$1,000 $1,000 $1,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$77,350 $91,000 $104,650
Contingency
$15,470 $18,200 $20,930
Total cost $122,320 $145,700 $170,080
Cost per square foot $306 $364 $425
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$14,000 $14,000 $14,000
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$119,000 $140,000 $161,000
Contingency
$11,900 $14,000 $16,100
Total cost $148,900 $172,000 $195,100
Cost per square foot $372 $430 $488
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,500 $16,500 $16,500
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$168,750 $195,000 $221,250
Contingency
$16,875 $19,500 $22,125
Total cost $221,125 $257,000 $293,875
Cost per square foot $553 $643 $735
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$14,000 $14,000 $14,000
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$139,000 $160,000 $181,000
Contingency
$13,900 $16,000 $18,100
Total cost $170,900 $194,000 $217,100
Cost per square foot $427 $485 $543
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$14,000 $14,000 $14,000
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$139,000 $160,000 $181,000
Contingency
$13,900 $16,000 $18,100
Total cost $185,900 $216,000 $247,100
Cost per square foot $465 $540 $618
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,500 $16,500 $16,500
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$168,750 $195,000 $221,250
Contingency
$16,875 $19,500 $22,125
Total cost $206,125 $235,000 $263,875
Cost per square foot $515 $588 $660
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,500 $16,500 $16,500
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$148,750 $175,000 $201,250
Contingency
$14,875 $17,500 $20,125
Total cost $184,125 $213,000 $241,875
Cost per square foot $460 $533 $605
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,500 $16,500 $16,500
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$148,750 $175,000 $201,250
Contingency
$14,875 $17,500 $20,125
Total cost $199,125 $235,000 $271,875
Cost per square foot $498 $588 $680
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$14,000 $14,000 $14,000
Structural engineering report
$1,500 $1,500 $1,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$119,000 $140,000 $161,000
Contingency
$11,900 $14,000 $16,100
Total cost $163,900 $194,000 $225,100
Cost per square foot $410 $485 $563
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$174,250 $205,000 $235,750
Contingency
$17,425 $20,500 $23,575
Total cost $211,175 $245,000 $278,825
Cost per square foot $352 $408 $465
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$17,500 $17,500 $17,500
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$237,813 $276,250 $314,687
Contingency
$23,781 $27,625 $31,469
Total cost $298,594 $347,875 $398,155
Cost per square foot $498 $580 $664
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$194,250 $225,000 $255,750
Contingency
$19,425 $22,500 $25,575
Total cost $233,175 $267,000 $300,825
Cost per square foot $389 $445 $501
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$194,250 $225,000 $255,750
Contingency
$19,425 $22,500 $25,575
Total cost $248,175 $289,000 $330,825
Cost per square foot $414 $482 $551
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$17,500 $17,500 $17,500
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$237,813 $276,250 $314,687
Contingency
$23,781 $27,625 $31,469
Total cost $283,594 $325,875 $368,156
Cost per square foot $473 $543 $614
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$17,500 $17,500 $17,500
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$217,813 $256,250 $294,687
Contingency
$21,781 $25,625 $29,469
Total cost $261,594 $303,875 $346,156
Cost per square foot $436 $506 $577
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$17,500 $17,500 $17,500
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$217,813 $256,250 $294,687
Contingency
$21,781 $25,625 $29,469
Total cost $276,594 $325,875 $376,156
Cost per square foot $461 $543 $627
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$15,000 $15,000 $15,000
Structural engineering report
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$174,250 $205,000 $235,750
Contingency
$17,425 $20,500 $23,575
Total cost $226,175 $267,000 $308,825
Cost per square foot $377 $445 $515
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,000 $16,000 $16,000
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$212,500 $250,000 $287,500
Contingency
$21,250 $25,000 $28,750
Total cost $254,750 $296,000 $337,250
Cost per square foot $340 $395 $450
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,500 $18,500 $18,500
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$285,625 $332,500 $379,375
Contingency
$28,563 $33,250 $37,938
Total cost $352,688 $411,250 $470,813
Cost per square foot $470 $548 $628
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,000 $16,000 $16,000
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$232,500 $270,000 $307,500
Contingency
$23,250 $27,000 $30,750
Total cost $276,750 $318,000 $359,250
Cost per square foot $369 $424 $479
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,000 $16,000 $16,000
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$232,500 $270,000 $307,500
Contingency
$23,250 $27,000 $30,750
Total cost $291,750 $340,000 $389,250
Cost per square foot $389 $453 $519
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,500 $18,500 $18,500
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$285,625 $332,500 $379,375
Contingency
$28,563 $33,250 $37,938
Total cost $337,688 $389,250 $440,813
Cost per square foot $450 $519 $588
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,500 $18,500 $18,500
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$265,625 $312,500 $359,375
Contingency
$26,563 $31,250 $35,938
Total cost $315,688 $367,250 $418,813
Cost per square foot $421 $490 $558
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,500 $18,500 $18,500
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$265,625 $312,500 $359,375
Contingency
$26,563 $31,250 $35,938
Total cost $330,688 $389,250 $448,813
Cost per square foot $441 $519 $598
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$16,000 $16,000 $16,000
Structural engineering report
$2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$212,500 $250,000 $287,500
Contingency
$21,250 $25,000 $28,750
Total cost $269,750 $318,000 $367,250
Cost per square foot $360 $424 $490
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$250,750 $295,000 $339,250
Contingency
$25,075 $29,500 $33,925
Total cost $299,325 $348,000 $396,675
Cost per square foot $333 $387 $441
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$333,438 $388,750 $444,063
Contingency
$33,344 $38,875 $44,406
Total cost $407,782 $475,625 $544,469
Cost per square foot $453 $528 $605
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$270,750 $315,000 $359,250
Contingency
$27,075 $31,500 $35,925
Total cost $321,325 $370,000 $418,675
Cost per square foot $357 $411 $465
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$270,750 $315,000 $359,250
Contingency
$27,075 $31,500 $35,925
Total cost $336,325 $392,000 $448,675
Cost per square foot $374 $436 $499
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$333,438 $388,750 $444,063
Contingency
$33,344 $38,875 $44,406
Total cost $392,782 $453,625 $514,469
Cost per square foot $436 $504 $572
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$313,438 $368,750 $424,063
Contingency
$31,344 $36,875 $42,406
Total cost $370,782 $431,625 $492,469
Cost per square foot $412 $480 $547
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$313,438 $368,750 $424,063
Contingency
$31,344 $36,875 $42,406
Total cost $385,782 $453,625 $522,469
Cost per square foot $429 $504 $581
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$250,750 $295,000 $339,250
Contingency
$25,075 $29,500 $33,925
Total cost $314,325 $370,000 $426,675
Cost per square foot $349 $411 $474
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$347,425 $367,000 $386,575
Contingency
$25,075 $29,500 $33,925
Total cost $396,000 $420,000 $444,000
Cost per square foot $330 $350 $370
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$430,113 $460,750 $491,388
Contingency
$33,344 $38,875 $44,406
Total cost $504,457 $547,625 $591,794
Cost per square foot $420 $456 $493
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$367,425 $387,000 $406,575
Contingency
$27,075 $31,500 $35,925
Total cost $418,000 $442,000 $466,000
Cost per square foot $348 $368 $388
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$367,425 $387,000 $406,575
Contingency
$27,075 $31,500 $35,925
Total cost $433,000 $464,000 $496,000
Cost per square foot $361 $387 $413
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$430,113 $460,750 $491,388
Contingency
$33,344 $38,875 $44,406
Total cost $489,457 $525,625 $561,794
Cost per square foot $408 $438 $468
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Hard construction costs
$410,113 $440,750 $471,388
Contingency
$31,344 $36,875 $42,406
Total cost $467,457 $503,625 $539,794
Cost per square foot $390 $420 $450
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$20,500 $20,500 $20,500
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$410,113 $440,750 $471,388
Contingency
$31,344 $36,875 $42,406
Total cost $482,457 $525,625 $569,794
Cost per square foot $402 $438 $475
Low estimate Medium estimate High estimate
Boundary survey
$2,000 $2,000 $2,000
Designs and permitting fees
$18,000 $18,000 $18,000
Structural engineering report
$3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Title 24 energy calculations
$500 $500 $500
Solar installation
$15,000 $22,000 $30,000
Hard construction costs
$347,425 $367,000 $386,575
Contingency
$25,075 $29,500 $33,925
Total cost $411,000 $442,000 $474,000
Cost per square foot $343 $368 $395

TAF Calculation

This is estimate calculation form

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is It Important to Get Help with My ADU in California?

Many of our clients come to us with rough ADU ideas of what they want that may or may not be feasible to build. Many clients are not familiar with the approval process or assume that their property is unsuitable for an ADU. Other clients want to build ADUs that take full advantage of the square feet limits. Whatever your ADU concerns or questions may be, we are here to help with your projects.

If you are concerned about ADU impact fees, we can do some calculations to figure out how to fit them within your budget. You can speak to one of our ADU consultants to better understand the ADU building process. We help you through the entire process to make your ADU project seamless.

Are ADUs Legal in California?

ADUs, also known as “granny flats,” in California is part of an initiative managed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to alleviate California’s lack of affordable dwelling opportunities. ADU’s were introduced to the state assembly and then passed and signed by the Governor’s Office to legally allow homeowners to build ADU’s. ADU state laws go through a regulatory process ultimately enforced by local agencies of cities and counties once they are implemented.

How Large An ADU Can I Build?
You can build a detached ADU of up to 1200 sqft and 24′ tall without any local discretionary approvals. Attached ADUs cannot exceed 50% of floor area of the main residence. If a local municipality creates their own ADU ordinance, it must permit an ADU of up to 850 sqft or 1,000 sqft for an ADU that contains more than one bedroom.
What Is A San Diego Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An ADU is an additional dwelling unit that could provide affordable housing options for family members, friends, students, the elderly, in-home health care providers, the disabled, and others.

In the past, an ADU was more likely to be called a granny flat in San Diego. In other parts of the country, the name “mother-in-law suite” is more commonly used. These structures are not part of the main floor plan, and they are more likely to be built as add-ons; in some cases, however, accessory dwelling unit builders are being contracted at the same time the main structure goes up. Prefab granny flats in San Diego are becoming more popular than swimming pools because they can provide an affordable housing solution. The bottom line for homeowners who hire ADU contractors is that they are looking to increase the value and utility of their properties.

How Many ADU's Can I Build?
New laws permit two ADUs on a single-family zoned property – one full Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU).
How Much Does It Cost to Build an ADU in California?

We get this question a lot, and the answer will depend on various factors. Suppose you have seen ADU costs quoted in a special report broadcast by NBC 7 or published by the San Diego Union-Tribune. In that case, you probably know that the average cost per square foot starts around $1200, but this is based on pre-designed plans, standard materials, and zero extra features to boost property value.

ADU projects requiring extensive customization and luxurious extras can easily cost more than $200 per square foot if they need custom architectural plans, quality construction materials, and amenities. Sundecks, EV charging points, smart home automation systems with appliances, rooftop solar panels, gourmet kitchens, natural stone worktops, exotic hardwood floors, and other luxuries are all available for an additional fee. We can help you calculate all the costs before the designing process to avoid any hidden fees.

The style of the main property predominantly influences the design and build of an ADU project. A Mediterranean revival home near the beach, for example, requires more than a prefab ADU; in this situation, it is best to fit the architectural style of the property, thus raising the project’s cost. Overall, the cost of an ADU will vary. To get a better estimate of what it might cost, contact Organic ADU to get started.

 

What Is A Junior ADU?
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) means a complete independent living facility that is no more than 500 sqft in size and contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family home (think garage or spare bedroom). A JADU must have a separate exterior access, as well as a full bathroom and efficient kitchen. The kitchen must have a cooking facility with appliances and a food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the JADU.
Where On My Lot Can I Build?
Setbacks for new ADUs have been reduced for side and rear yards. No setbacks are required if an existing and permitted accessory structure is being converted. You may even remove an existing structure and replace it with a new ADU that matches its footprint, maintaining any pre-existing reduced setbacks (though any new addition must comply with setbacks)
How To Find An ADU Specialist Near Me?
When searching for ADU builders in San Diego, the experience and track record of the contractors is paramount. You want to deal with builders who specialize in ADU projects. A general contractor may be able to install a prefab ADU in San Diego easily. Still, only a dedicated specialist will be able to deliver a project that you can turn into an investment opportunity or a place your loved ones will enjoy living in. Simply entering “ADU builders near me” on an internet search engine will likely return many general contractors and only a few builders who can genuinely be called San Diego ADU contractors.
What Are The Benefits Of An ADU in California?

As a seasoned ADU contractor in San Diego, Organic ADU is the kind of specialist you want to retain for your project. We take pride in completing ADUs that people wish to move into within their property. Unlike other contractors who push prefab models and stick only to the pre-approved ADU building plans provided by the county, we work closely with homeowners to ensure that they can incorporate their vision and ideas into the project.

We are known to think of everything and pay close attention to detail. If you live in a subdivision where there are deed restrictions in architectural styles, we can undoubtedly comply. Some of our clients are so pleased with the results that they never end up renting the ADU; instead, they keep it for themselves or accommodate loved ones on extended visits.

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