Builders & Beyond is the ADU builder San Diego homeowners turn to for custom accessory dwelling units across Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, and the rest of San Diego County. An ADU adds livable square footage to your property — space for rental income, aging parents, adult children, a home office, or guests — without the cost and disruption of moving. Visit our Clairemont showroom to see flooring, cabinetry, and finish options in person and talk through your project with our team before you commit to a design.
ADU Builder San Diego: Accessory Dwelling Units Built Right
Types of ADUs We Build
Not every lot or budget calls for the same kind of ADU, so we walk every homeowner through the options before design begins. Detached ADUs are freestanding backyard units, fully separate from the main house — the best choice when privacy and rental flexibility matter most. Attached ADUs share a wall (and sometimes a utility connection) with your existing home, which can lower construction costs. Garage conversion ADUs are usually the fastest and most affordable path, since the foundation, structure, and roof are already in place. Junior ADUs (JADUs) are smaller units of 500 square feet or less, built inside your existing home — often a converted bedroom with its own entrance and a kitchenette. We’ll help you decide which type fits your lot, budget, and goals during your initial consultation.
What Does an ADU Cost in San Diego?
ADU construction costs in San Diego vary with size, site conditions, finishes, and utility connections, but as a general guide: Junior ADU (JADU) conversions typically run $120,000–$200,000+. Garage conversion ADUs typically run $150,000–$225,000+. Attached ADUs typically run $200,000–$350,000+. Detached ADUs typically run $250,000–$450,000+. These ranges cover design, permitting, and construction, not just the physical build, and every property is different. The only way to get an accurate number for your project is a site visit and a detailed quote, which we provide free of charge out of our Clairemont showroom.
California ADU Laws Are Now Homeowner-Friendly
Building an ADU in San Diego is easier today than it was a few years ago. Under AB 976, California homeowners are no longer required to live on a property to build and rent out an ADU — a rule that used to block a lot of straightforward rental projects. State law also pushes most ADU permit applications toward ministerial, non-discretionary review rather than public hearings, and the City of San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program lets qualifying homeowners add a second ADU on their lot if one unit is deed-restricted as affordable housing for 15 years. Requirements shift from year to year and lot to lot, so we confirm the current rules for your specific address before we finalize your design — that’s part of what you get from a local ADU builder instead of a generic plan set.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building an ADU in San Diego
Do I have to live on the property to build an ADU? No. Since AB 976 took effect, California homeowners can build and rent out an ADU without living in the main house or the ADU themselves.
Can I rent out my ADU? Yes — long-term rental is one of the most common reasons San Diego homeowners build an ADU.
How long does an ADU project take? Most projects run several months from initial design through permitting and construction, depending on the type of ADU, the complexity of the design, and how quickly permits are issued. We’ll give you a realistic timeline once we’ve seen your property.
Do I need a permit for a garage conversion ADU? Yes. A garage conversion still requires a building permit, even though it typically moves faster through the process than a new detached unit.
Can I finance my ADU? Many homeowners finance part or all of an ADU project. Ask our team about financing options during your consultation, or visit our Financing page.
