ADU Contractor San Diego
Design, Permits & Build
San Diego’s licensed design-build contractor for Accessory Dwelling Units. We handle every step — site assessment, design, permits, and construction — with one team accountable from start to finish
Why San Diego Homeowners Are Building ADUs Right Now
A well-planned ADU can generate attractive rental income of $2,500–$4,500 per month and meaningfully increase your property’s long-term value — making it one of the most versatile investments a San Diego homeowner can make
Rental Income
A one-bedroom ADU in San Diego rents for $2,500–$3,500 per month — $30,000 to $42,000 annually. Income that starts the moment your ADU is move-in ready.
Property Value
Permitted ADUs in Southern California increase home values by $150,000–$300,000 on average, per UCLA’s Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies (2024).
Family & Flexibility
Multi-generational living, home office, private guest suite — an ADU gives your property options that grow with your family’s needs.
What You Can Build — San Diego ADU Rules (2026)
San Diego’s ADU regulations are among the most permissive in California. Current rules for a single-family residential lot:
Up to 3 units by right: One detached ADU, one converted ADU, and one Junior ADU (JADU up to 500 sq ft)
Maximum size: Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Attached ADUs up to 50% of the primary home’s floor area, capped at 1,200 sq ft
Height: Up to two stories. Maximum 24–30 ft depending on underlying zoning
Setbacks: Minimum 4 ft from side and rear property lines. Conversions of existing structures generally exempt
Parking: No replacement parking required when a garage is converted or demolished (SB1211, effective January 2025)
No minimum lot size under California state law
No owner-occupancy requirement for standard ADUs
Permit timeline: City of San Diego must approve or deny within 60 days of a complete application
Short-term rentals prohibited: ADUs must be rented for a minimum of 31 days
Properties in the Coastal Overlay Zone, High Fire Hazard Zones, or other overlay areas may have additional requirements. We assess your specific property before any design work begins.
ADU Types We Build
Detached ADU
A freestanding backyard structure. Up to 1,200 sq ft, full design freedom, maximum privacy. Best for rental income and long-term equity.
Attached ADU
Connected to your existing home with a separate entrance. Works well on lots with limited backyard space. Up to 50% of your home’s square footage.
Garage Conversion
Transform an existing garage into a fully permitted unit. Lower upfront cost. No replacement parking required in most San Diego locations.
Two-Story ADU
Maximize square footage on a compact lot. San Diego allows two-story ADUs on single-family lots, up to 24–30 ft depending on zoning.
Junior ADU (JADU)
Up to 500 sq ft created from existing space within the primary residence. The most affordable entry point. Requires owner occupancy.
High-End Custom ADU
Full custom design matching or elevating your main home. Premium finishes, architectural details, smart home integration. Built where quality is the priority.
Our ADU Process — Start to Finish
1. Site Assessment
We visit your property and evaluate lot dimensions, zoning, setbacks, utility locations, and overlay zones. You know exactly what’s buildable before any money changes hands.
2. Design
In-house team develops plans that work with your lot, goals, and budget. We design for permit approval — not just aesthetics — which keeps the process moving.
3. Permits
We prepare and submit all permit applications with the City of San Diego, manage corrections and resubmittals. You don’t deal with the city — we do.
4. Build
Licensed contractors, vetted subcontractors, daily site supervision. We build to the approved plans and pass every inspection. You receive a fully permitted, move-in-ready ADU.
ADU Cost in San Diego — Realistic 2026 Budgets
San Diego construction costs have increased 44% from 2021 to 2025. Current realistic budgets for fully permitted, move-in-ready ADUs:
- Junior ADU (JADU) conversion: $70,000–$180,000
- Garage conversion ADU: $120,000–$240,000
- Attached ADU: $150,000–$300,000
- Detached ADU (new construction): $200,000–$470,000
- High-end custom detached ADU: $400,000–$600,000+
New detached construction runs $375–$650 per square foot in San Diego. City permit fees range from $13–$28 per square foot. School impact fees apply at approximately $4.79 per square foot.
Financing options: HELOCs, cash-out refinancing, construction loans, and the CalHFA ADU Grant Program (up to $40,000 for qualifying homeowners). We provide documentation needed for financing applications.
Why Choose Enjoy Build for Your ADU
Licensed General Contractor — CSLB #1141989, fully insured
Design-Build process — one team for design, permits, and construction. No gaps between your architect and builder
San Diego expertise — we know local zoning, permit timelines, and overlay zones that affect your property
Select number of projects — your ADU gets full attention, not a crew stretched across ten sites
High-end capability — we build ADUs that match custom homes, not just functional boxes
Serving San Diego County — Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, and the City of San Diego
ADU San Diego — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ADU cost in San Diego?
A detached ADU in San Diego typically costs $200,000–$450,000 for new construction, depending on size, site conditions, and finish level. Garage conversions run $100,000–$200,000. Cost per square foot for new detached construction ranges from $375–$600. We provide detailed estimates after assessing your specific property at no charge.
How long does it take to build an ADU in San Diego?
From design to final inspection, expect 10–14 months for a new detached ADU. The City of San Diego must approve permits within 60 days of a complete application under California state law. Construction typically takes 4–6 months once permits are issued.
Do you handle all the permits?
Yes — completely. We prepare and submit all permit applications, respond to city plan check corrections, and manage every required inspection. You do not deal with the City of San Diego Development Services department.
Can I rent out my ADU immediately after it’s built?
Yes. Once your ADU receives its Certificate of Occupancy, it can be rented immediately. San Diego permits long-term rentals of 31 days or more. Short-term rentals under 31 days are prohibited by California Government Code Section 65852.2.
Can I sell my ADU separately from the main house?
The City of San Diego adopted AB 1033 reforms in 2025, allowing ADUs to be subdivided as condominium units and sold separately from the primary residence. Implementation details continue to be finalized. Call us for current information.
What areas of San Diego do you serve?
We build ADUs throughout San Diego County — Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Scripps Ranch, Mission Hills, North Park, and the City of San Diego. Call 619 717 7400 to confirm your area.
Get a Free ADU Site Assessment
We visit your property, review your goals, and tell you exactly what’s buildable
including realistic cost ranges and timeline. No cost, no obligation.