San Diego ADU Construction. Done Right, Start to Finish.
Accessory dwelling units built to code, permitted through San Diego County, and finished to the same standard as the main house.
What does an ADU cost in San Diego?
ADUs in San Diego typically cost between $150,000 and $350,000+, depending on the type, size, and finish level. A garage conversion ADU usually runs $80,000 to $150,000. A detached ADU of 400 to 800 square feet typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000. Larger detached units or ADUs with premium finishes can exceed $300,000.
San Diego County has streamlined ADU permitting in recent years, but the process still requires structural plans, building permits, and utility coordination. Timeline from permit submission to move-in typically runs 6 to 12 months for a detached ADU.
The best starting point is a free on-site assessment. We'll evaluate your lot, walk through your options, and give you a realistic scope and budget.
San Diego is one of the best markets in the country to build an ADU. Most homeowners still don't know where to start.
California has made it easier than ever to add an ADU to your property: reduced setbacks, streamlined permitting, and no owner-occupancy requirement in most cases. In San Diego's housing market, a well-built ADU adds significant value and can generate $2,000 to $3,500/month in rental income.
The challenge isn't the opportunity. It's finding a contractor who knows the San Diego ADU process, builds to the right standard, and doesn't treat it like an afterthought.
That's where Silver Strand comes in. We build ADUs the same way we build primary residences, with the same materials, the same trades, and the same professional photography at the end.
ADU Types Silver Strand Builds
Detached ADUs
A fully separate structure on your property. The most flexible ADU type. Can be used for rental income, multigenerational living, or a private guest suite.
Garage Conversion ADUs
Converting an attached or detached garage into a permitted ADU. One of the most cost-effective ADU options in San Diego. Existing foundation and structure reduce costs significantly.
Attached ADUs
An addition to the primary home that functions as a separate, self-contained unit with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
Two-Story ADUs
Where lot size is limited, building up is the answer. We design and build two-story detached ADUs that maximize square footage on a constrained lot.
The Case for Building an ADU in San Diego
San Diego is one of the tightest housing markets in the country. That's a challenge for renters and an opportunity for homeowners.
A well-built ADU on a San Diego property typically adds $300,000 to $500,000+ in assessed value, depending on the size and location. Monthly rental income for a 1-bedroom ADU in coastal San Diego communities ranges from $2,000 to $3,500+.
California's ADU laws have never been more favorable: reduced fees, faster permitting, and broader eligibility than at any point in the past decade.
The window to build is open. The question is who builds it.
How ADU Construction Works With Silver Strand
Free Site Assessment
We visit your property, assess the lot, review setbacks and zoning, and identify the best ADU type for your situation. No commitment, just a real conversation about what's possible.
Design & Plans
We coordinate architectural drawings and structural plans. You review and approve before anything goes to the city.
Permit Submission
We submit to San Diego County and your local city office, handling all documentation, revisions, and follow-up. Permitting timelines vary; we track every step.
Construction
Once permits are approved, we build. Foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, finishes. All managed by our team with weekly updates to you throughout.
Final Inspection & Photography
We walk through the finished unit with you, coordinate the final city inspection, and professionally photograph the completed ADU. You get a finished product you're proud to rent or live in.
ADUs Built Across San Diego County
Every project is professionally photographed. We only show work we'd put our name on.
What Our Clients Are Saying
San Diego ADU Questions, Answered
ADUs in San Diego typically cost $150,000 to $350,000+ depending on type and size. Garage conversions usually run $80,000 to $150,000. Detached ADUs of 400 to 800 square feet typically range from $150,000 to $250,000. We provide free on-site assessments with a realistic budget range before any commitment.
From permit submission to move-in, most detached ADUs take 6 to 12 months. Garage conversions and JADUs are typically faster, around 4 to 8 months. Permitting timelines vary by city and project complexity. We manage the full timeline and keep you updated throughout.
Yes. All ADUs require permits in San Diego County, including structural plans, building permits, and utility coordination. California has streamlined the process in recent years, but it still requires proper documentation and inspections. Silver Strand handles all permitting as part of the project.
Yes. California law allows ADU rental with no owner-occupancy requirement in most cases. San Diego ADUs in coastal communities typically generate $2,000 to $3,500/month in rental income depending on size and location.
California law allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet in most cases. Attached ADUs are typically limited to 50% of the primary dwelling's square footage. Junior ADUs (JADUs) max out at 500 square feet. Specific limits vary by zone. We assess your lot and confirm limits as part of the free site evaluation.
We serve Greater San Diego County including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Chula Vista, Coronado, and surrounding communities.
Building an ADU and thinking about the main house too?
Many clients combine an ADU build with a kitchen or bathroom remodel on the primary residence. Coordinating both projects at once saves time on trade scheduling and site management.
Ready to Add an ADU to Your San Diego Property?
Let's start with a free site assessment. We'll walk your lot, confirm what's possible, and give you a straight answer on cost and timeline, no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call us: 619-804-0883