Add Living Space Without Moving
ADU construction in San Diego that builds standalone units for family, guests, or rental income on your existing property
When you need more space but do not want to sell your home or add onto your main structure, an accessory dwelling unit gives you a separate living area with its own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. Cal Coast Construction handles ADU construction across San Diego, building detached units that comply with local zoning rules and provide functional living space for aging parents, adult children, guests, or tenants.
ADU construction involves designing a unit that fits your lot, pulling permits, connecting utilities, and building a structure that meets California building codes and San Diego zoning requirements. In San Diego, ADUs are allowed on most single-family lots, but setback rules, height limits, and utility connections vary by neighborhood. We handle the permitting process, coordinate with the city, and make sure the finished unit passes all required inspections.
If you are considering an ADU in San Diego, reach out to Cal Coast Construction to discuss your property and what kind of unit makes sense for your needs.
What Goes Into Building an ADU
After we review your lot and confirm that an ADU is allowed under San Diego zoning rules, we design a unit that fits within setback requirements, submit plans to the city for approval, and schedule utility connections for water, sewer, gas, and electric. Once permits are issued, we pour the foundation, frame the structure, install plumbing and electrical, and finish the interior with drywall, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures.
Once construction is finished, you will have a standalone unit with its own address, working appliances, climate control, and a bathroom that drains properly. The walls are insulated, windows open and lock, and the roof keeps out rain without leaking.
We build ADUs in sizes ranging from studio layouts to two-bedroom units depending on your lot size and budget. The structure can be single-story or include a loft if height limits allow. Utility connections are run from your existing service lines or upgraded if needed to handle the additional load. The entire process from design to final inspection typically takes six to nine months depending on permit processing times and the complexity of the build.
What You Should Know Before Building an ADU
Most homeowners in San Diego want to understand the permit process, how long construction takes, and what an ADU will cost before they commit. Here are the answers to the questions that come up most often during the planning stage.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in San Diego? ADU permits in San Diego typically take two to four months to process depending on the complexity of your design and current city workload. We submit the plans, respond to any revision requests, and track approval so you stay informed.
What is the maximum size for an ADU? San Diego allows ADUs up to 1,200 square feet depending on your lot size and zoning district. Detached ADUs must meet setback requirements, which usually means placing the unit at least four feet from side and rear property lines.
Can I rent out an ADU for income? Yes, ADUs in San Diego can be rented long-term or used for short-term rentals if allowed by your homeowner association and local regulations. The unit has its own address and utilities, making it suitable for independent tenants.
How do you connect utilities to a new ADU? We run water, sewer, gas, and electric lines from your existing service or coordinate with utility companies to upgrade capacity if needed. A licensed plumber and electrician handle the connections, and all work is inspected by the city before final approval.
What does an ADU cost to build? Costs vary based on size, finishes, and site conditions, but expect to budget between $150,000 and $300,000 for a complete ADU in San Diego. We provide a detailed estimate after reviewing your lot and discussing your layout and finish preferences.
Cal Coast Construction builds accessory dwelling units throughout San Diego, from compact studios to two-bedroom units designed to fit your lot and meet local zoning requirements. If you are ready to add living space to your property, contact us to review your site and discuss your ADU project.